Owens Corning plans to open a $90 million manufacturing facility in Joplin, Missouri, expected to create more than 100 jobs.
The global manufacturer of insulation, roofing and fiberglass composites will move into a 303,000 square-foot facility and install new state-of-the-art equipment at the site.
The Joplin plant will manufacture Thermafiber, mineral wool insulation for commercial, residential and industrial applications. The company expects the facility to be fully operational in 2016.
“As a company that only operates in markets with attractive long-term macro drivers such as global industrial production, material substitution, U.S. housing, and energy efficiency, our decision to locate in Joplin says a lot about the region and the state. Our new location puts us close to attractive markets and accessible raw materials; a decision we believe will result in higher productivity and an increase in efficiency,” said Julian Francis, President of Owens Corning Insulation. “We will both benefit from Missouri’s reputable workforce. As demand for mineral wool increases, we will need many hands on deck to fulfil orders and we are eager to tap into the state’s talent.”
“This announcement is terrific news for families in the region that will benefit from these new jobs,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “Owens Corning’s decision is a testament to our strong manufacturing sector which has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. While some states are losing manufacturers to other countries, we are attracting new companies and selling more Missouri-made products around the globe.”
As an incentive to assist Owens Corning with its expansion, DED has offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria. The City of Joplin, the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Carl Junction School District, Jasper County, and the Missouri Partnership also are assisting with the company’s expansion.
“While the Chamber is the lead, it takes team work to bring great economic development projects such as this one to reality,” said Rob O’Brian, President of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. “Three local governments, the regional planning organization, Empire District Electric, the Carl Junction schools, the state of Missouri, the owner of this facility and other property owners in the area as well as so many others worked diligently with the Owens Corning team to make this day happen.”