Owens Corning to expand manufacturing presence in Fort Smith
February 22, 2021FORT SMITH, Ark. – Governor Asa Hutchinson and the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce welcome news of Owens Corning’s investment to build a new 550,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on 56 acres, adjacent to its current property in Fort Smith.
Owens Corning is a global building and industrial materials leader. The company will retain its current 79 full-time employees at its Fort Smith facility and hire an additional five employees. The new site is expected to start production mid-2023. The current site will be retired after the new facility begins operation.
“Owens Corning appreciates the support provided by Governor Hutchinson, the Fort Smith Board of Directors, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce throughout the planning process,” said Marcio Sandri, President of the Composites business at Owens Corning. “We’re proud to have been part of the Fort Smith community for more than three decades and we look forward to future growth. With this new state-of-the-art facility, Owens Corning is investing in the future of Fort Smith and our business.”
Owens Corning’s Fort Smith plant began production in 1984. The current plant produces mat for roofing shingles and other nonwoven products. The new plant will also produce roofing mat and add capacity to its network to service growing demand for a number of building material applications.
“It is always a good day in Arkansas when one of our companies increases its investment in our communities and our economy,” Gov. Hutchinson said. “Owens Corning is a well-respected company, globally and here in Arkansas, and I am confident of their success in the future.”
Based in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning has been a Fortune 500® company for 66 consecutive years. The company is a recognized leader on environmental, social and governance issues and has been honored with awards and top rankings from several external organizations, including 3BL (#1 on the 100 Best Corporate Citizens list), CDP (“A List” for both climate and water), the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (industry leader for the Building Products Group), and Ethisphere Institute (One of the World’s Most Ethical Companies).
Secretary of Commerce and Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Mike Preston said, “Owens Corning is a valued member of the Fort Smith business community, and homeowners across the state have trusted the company’s products for decades. I’m pleased that Owens Corning continues to have confidence in our state.”
“The Owens Corning expansion is a perfect example of the partnership between the Arkansas Department of Commerce, Chamber and the City of Fort Smith and how we work together toward one unified goal,” said Tim Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The focus with this project was economic development and job retention/creation. Owens Corning has a great reputation in the region and having them recognize our resources and top-notch workforce is one of the strongest endorsements possible. Thank you to Owens Corning for their continued investment in our community.”
About Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a global building and industrial materials leader. The company’s three integrated businesses are dedicated to the manufacture and advancement of a broad range of insulation, roofing and fiberglass composite materials. Leveraging the talents of 19,000 employees in 33 countries, Owens Corning provides innovative products and sustainable solutions that address energy efficiency, product safety, renewable energy, durable infrastructure, and labor productivity. These solutions provide a material difference to the company’s customers and make the world a better place. Based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, the company posted 2020 sales of $7.1 billion. Founded in 1938, it has been a Fortune 500® company for 66 consecutive years. For more information, please visit www.owenscorning.com.
About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, seeks to create economic opportunity by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying local economies in the state, increasing incomes and investment, and generating growth throughout The Natural State. Arkansas is a pro-business environment operating leaner, faster and more focused through a streamlined state government designed to act on corporate interests quickly and decisively. For more information, visit www.ArkansasEDC.com. The Arkansas Department of Commerce is the umbrella department for workforce and economic development drivers. Its divisions and regulatory boards include Division of Aeronautics, Waterways Commission, Wine Producers Council, Division of Workforce Services, Office of Skills Development, State Bank Department, Insurance Department, Securities Department, Economic Development Commission and Development Finance Authority. It was established July 2019 as part of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s wide-sweeping efficiency and transformation efforts to reduce 42 cabinet agencies to 15 while maintaining services for all Arkansans.
