Gastonia, N.C. (Manufacturing.net) — Owens Corning, a manufacturer of fiberglass and related products, has announced its plans to construct an advanced manufacturing plant in the Gastonia Technology Park (GTP). This facility will house manufacturing and research & development capability of the company’s glass fiber business. An initial investment of $120 million will create up to 110 new jobs, with a planned completion by the end of 2014.
Owens Corning was established in 1935 as a partnership between Corning Glass Works and Owens-Illinois. The company produces a number of fiberglass-related products, such as insulation and fiberglass-reinforced plastic sold under the trade name “Fiberglas.” More recently, the company has developed and sold buildings materials systems, such as roofing shingles, and acoustical solutions.
Arnaud Genis, Group President of Owens Corning’s Composite Solutions Business, said: “We appreciate the extraordinary support provided by the State of North Carolina, Gaston County and the city of Gastonia throughout the selection process. Gastonia provides a great foundation for our new glass non-woven facility with its location in Charlotte region, where there are particular concentrations of skills needed for this business; its proximity to key customers; and its attractive business environment. The Gastonia operation will support growing customer demand for glass non-woven products serving the global building materials market, complementing our existing facilities in Europe and North America, and enhancing Owens Corning’s leadership position in the provision of glass non-woven technologies.”
