# Texas Manhole Covers Say 'Made In India'

> Texas cities use Indian-made manhole covers due to cheaper prices, federal rules, and historical procurement.
- Title: Texas Manhole Covers Say 'Made In India' · Dallas Express
- Summary: Texas cities use Indian-made manhole covers due to cheaper prices, federal rules, and historical procurement. Imported manhole covers are cheaper but still…
- Keywords: texas, manhole covers, made in india, federal law, municipal procurement, imported goods, san antonio, fort worth, austin, con edison, bass and hays, astm a48
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/state/why-some-texas-manhole-covers-say-made-in-india
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-09-24T13:00:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: texas, manhole covers, made in india, federal law, municipal procurement, imported goods, san antonio, fort worth, austin, con edison, bass and hays, astm a48
## Why Texas Manhole Covers Say 'Made In India'
Houston and Austin have Indian-made covers, while Fort Worth used them since 2001.

> Fort Worth officials switched from U.S.-made covers to Indian versions in 2001.
## Federal Law Requires Country of Origin
Manhole covers must show country of origin under 19 U.S.C. § 1304.

> Federal law requires country of origin to be permanently marked on the top surface.
## New York Uses Indian Covers
New York City buys 25% of its manhole covers from India.

> Con Edison said one-quarter of its 11,000 annual covers came from India.
## Texas Made Covers Historically
San Antonio had covers made by local foundries in the 1920s.

> W.H. Winterborne & Sons produced over 500 covers between 1923 and 1925.
## Domestic Manufacturers Still Active
Bass & Hays Foundry in Grand Prairie makes covers since 1958.

> Bass and Hays supplies manhole covers using certified U.S.-sourced materials.
## Federal Rules Affect Imports
Federal Build America, Buy America rules require domestic content for some projects.

> EPA identifies manhole covers as iron and steel for federal sourcing rules.
## Mixed Inventory Explained
Cities have older local covers, imported covers, and newer U.S.-made castings.

> Austin has covers with Indian lids and U.S.-made rings.
## Why 'Made In India' Stamps Exist
Imported covers are 37% cheaper than U.S.-made versions for Fort Worth.

> Fort Worth officials said imported covers were 37% cheaper in a 2013 bid.
## Historical Context
San Antonio used local foundries for manhole covers until the 1920s.

> W.H. Winterborne & Sons produced covers between 1923 and 1925.
## Federal Funding Changes Rules
Projects funded by federal money must use domestic materials.

> Federal Build America, Buy America rules apply to federally assisted infrastructure.
## Key takeaway

Imported manhole covers are cheaper but still meet local standards under federal law.