PALATKA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Saint-Gobain North America, through its building products subsidiary CertainTeed Interior Products Group, today announced plans to invest $235 million over the next two years to expand its CertainTeed gypsum manufacturing facility in Palatka, Florida, more than doubling the production capacity of the existing manufacturing plant and creating over 100 new, permanent jobs.
The expansion of manufacturing and warehouse space in Palatka, which is strategically located near the Port of Jacksonville, comes as Saint-Gobain continues to implement its global Grow and Impact strategy, which includes expanding its presence in key, fast growing markets. In line with Saint-Gobain’s global pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050, sustainability will be a key component of this expansion project, through the installation of new, best-in-class energy-saving equipment and automation technology. These include a new ultra-low energy board dryer expected to be about 25% more efficient than the plant’s existing dryer and a new mill system equipped with heat recovery technology expected to be nearly 40% more efficient than the existing mill and aligned with the most efficient systems of its type in North America.
This project is generously supported with more than $7 million in cash benefits and high-impact investment tax credits, including a State of Florida Capital Investment Tax Credit, a Career Source Florida Quick Response Training Grant, a grant from Putnam County, and a Clay Cooperative Economic Development Rate.
“Today’s announcement reaffirms our commitment to providing quality gypsum wallboard products to our customers, while remaining focused on sustainability and minimizing our carbon footprint,” said Jay Bachmann, Vice President and General Manager of CertainTeed Interior Products Group. “We look forward to growing our already robust presence in Palatka and Putnam County and would like to thank the State of Florida and all of our partners for their support to make this expansion a reality.”
"Today's announcement is a strategic investment for Florida-based manufacturing that will continue to fuel Florida's economic growth," said Florida Commerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly. “Supporting the growth of vital industries, diversifying local economies and careers for Floridians—we are pleased to support the creation of more than 100 new employment opportunities for Palatka residents."
“This is an exciting regional expansion that positions the company and Putnam County as leaders in sustainable, advanced manufacturing,” JAXUSA Partnership President Aundra Wallace said. “These are important and high-quality new jobs for our region. We appreciate CertainTeed’s investment in Northeast Florida and look forward to the company’s continued success here.”
“We are excited to join the community in congratulating CertainTeed on the expansion at its Putnam County Plant. CertainTeed has been a longstanding valued member of our county and has achieved great success here,” said Commissioner Terry Turner, Chairman of Putnam County Board of County Commissioners. “We are thrilled to see our local commercial gypsum manufacturing facility continue to excel. Putnam County is proud to have played a small part in creating an atmosphere that allows CertainTeed to reach new heights.”
“I am proud to be part of the effort to create and retain jobs here in Putnam County,” said Mark Litten, Vice President, Economic Development, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. “This project represents a significant investment in our community and is great news for local small businesses, both retail and services, that are supported by Saint-Gobain/CertainTeed’s investment!”
The Palatka facility, which currently employs over 150 people, began operations in 2001 and is one of the largest gypsum plants in the southeastern United States. The plant is currently hiring for several roles, including production and engineering. A complete listing of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations, including the CertainTeed site in Palatka, can be found on the company’s website.
Today’s announcement follows several other North American growth investments announced by Saint-Gobain in recent months:
- In June, Saint-Gobain entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Building Products of Canada Corp., reinforcing its leadership in light and sustainable construction in the Canadian markets.
- In May, Saint-Gobain celebrated the opening of its CertainTeed Corners facility in Social Circle, Georgia, enhancing its portfolio of high-quality interior finishing products and growing its presence in the southeastern United States.
- In February, the company acquired the rights to technology from recycling partner Asphaltica, which will allow Saint-Gobain to grow its ability to recycle asphalt shingle waste.
- In January, Saint-Gobain announced its intent to construct a new roofing manufacturing facility and distribution center in Bryan, Texas, creating approximately 130 new jobs in the area and reaffirming its commitment to serving customers in the southern United States.
For more details on Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and follow on Twitter @saintgobain.
ABOUT CERTAINTEED
With innovative building solutions made possible through its comprehensive offering of interior and exterior products, CertainTeed is transforming how the industry builds. As leaders in building science and sustainable construction, CertainTeed makes it easier than ever to create high-performance, energy-efficient places to live, work and play, so that together we can make the world a better home.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world's largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,900 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The group had total sales of approximately $5.6 billion in 2021. www.certainteed.com
ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN
Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.
€51.2 billion in sales in 2022
168,000 employees, located in 75 countries
Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050
