Owens Corning to choose state for $130M plant for 'nonwovens'

6/20/2013

Owens Corning is planning to build a $130 million facility to expand its nonwovens business, the company announced Wednesday.

Company spokesman Matt Schroder said the location of the new facility has not been chosen, and several states are being considered. 

The building-materials manufacturer plans to construct a new facility that will house a manufacturing line, coating capability, and research and development activities, with future expansion options, it announced in a press release.

According to the company, the addition will use "glass fibers supplied from existing facilities and will specialize in high quality glass non-woven applications including wall covering, ceiling and flooring, specialty insulation, gypsum, and automotive products."

"There is a limited supply of glass nonwoven products serving the global building materials market today," Owens Corning Group President Arnaud Genis said in a statement. "As projections for long term growth are optimistic, our customers have been eagerly waiting for Owens Corning to offer more of our unique products and solutions to support and accelerate their growth."

The company currently operates three similar facilities across the globe. They are located in Aiken, S.C.; Liversedge, England, and Apeldoorn, Netherlands, Mr. Schroder said.

Mr. Schroder said the company is not disclosing how many jobs will be created at this time. He also declined to disclose what locations Owens Corning is considering.

According to the release from the company, the site selection will be based on "proximity to customers, availability of talent, infrastructure, and natural resources, and a favorable business environment." No firm date has been set for when the company will announce its decision.

"This new investment further leverages our integrated position as a glass fiber and glass non-woven supplier, and will complement existing non-woven facilities in North America and Europe to ensure we remain the global leader in glass non-woven technology," Mr. Genis said.

Contact Kris Turner at: kturner@theblade.com or 419-724-6103.