Johns Manville announced plans today to add a second production line for commercial roofing material at its Scottsboro plant, following on the heels of a capacity expansion project completed earlier this year.
Denver, Colorado-based Johns Manville said the new production line will allow it to meet rising demand for the thermoplastic polyolefin roof membrane, or TPO, from roofing contractors, consultants and building owners.
“This significant investment continues JM’s long-standing commitment to our customers, the industry, our employees and the communities in which we serve,” CEO Mary Rhinehart said.
JM invested $30 million to open the Scottsboro facility in 2008, according to a company statement at the time. Earlier this year, it completed a capacity expansion project that was designed to increase production of TPO at the Jackson County plant.
“The plant expansion was a huge success and made our Scottsboro facility what is, in our view, the most productive and efficient TPO facility in the United States, enabling us to meet our customers’ needs for the foreseeable future,” said Jennifer Ford-Smith, JM’s director of single ply.
Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter said the capacity expansion project and the addition of a second production line demonstrates JM’s confidence in the Alabama facility to produce its TPO product. “JM has been an important member of our community for eight years,” Potter said.
EXPANDING PRODUCTION
Governor Robert Bentley welcomed JM’s expansion plans at the Jackson County roofing systems factory.
“Alabama workers make all kinds of great products, and I am honored that Johns Manville has decided to expand its state-of-the-art plant in Scottsboro with new capital investment that means more jobs for Alabama residents,” Governor Bentley said. “Creating jobs and opportunity in the state is my No. 1 priority, and we are committed to helping Johns Manville achieve success with this project in Jackson County.”
JM, founded in 1858, is a leading manufacturer of premium-quality building and specialty products, with annual sales reaching $2.6 billion and a workforce numbering 7,000. Part of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway family of companies, JM operates 44 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China.
“This expansion project at the company’s plant in Scottsboro is a solid vote of confidence in its Alabama operation and in the workforce there,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
