The Gaston County Economic Development Commission recently announced that Owens Corning will construct an advanced manufacturing plant in the Gastonia Technology Park (GTP) in North Carolina. The facility will house the manufacturing and research & development for the glass fiber sector. The initial investment will be $120 million and at full operations the company will employ up to 110 persons. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2013 with completion by fourth quarter 2014.
Gastonia is seen as a good location due to its proximity to Charlotte, where there is a concentration of the skilled workers needed for this business, as well as its proximity to key customers. The Gastonia operation will support growing customer demand for glass non-woven products serving the global building materials market.