Owens Corning Embarks on Second Expansion in Two Years, Creates 50 New Jobs

FORT SMITH, Ark. (October 18, 2022) – The State of Arkansas announced today that Owens Corning, a global building and construction materials leader based in Toledo, Ohio, is expanding its operations in Fort Smith for the second time in less than two years. The company, which produces fiberglass composite, insulation, and roofing materials, began in February 2021 to build a new 550,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Owens Corning will now invest an additional $24.5 million for machinery and new construction at its existing facility on Planter Road. As part of this expansion, the company will create 50 new jobs.

“Expanding Owens Corning’s nonwovens production in this highly advanced facility will help us better serve our customers’ long-term growth.  We are excited to add capacity in Fort Smith and create additional jobs in a community that we have been a part of for 37 years,” said Rachel Marcon, Vice President and General Manager of Nonwovens, Owens Corning. “We appreciate the support and partnership with the State of Arkansas in this expansion.”

Owens Corning’s Fort Smith plant began production in 1985. The plant produces fiberglass mat for roofing products and other nonwoven applications.

“When existing businesses in Arkansas repeatedly choose to expand operations or take on new ventures in our state, it speaks to the confidence they have in our workforce and business climate,” Governor Asa Hutchinson said. “These jobs will go a long way in changing lives in an area that has been known for its manufacturing community for more than half a century.”

Owens Corning has been a Fortune 500^® company for 68 consecutive years. The company has been honored with awards and top rankings from several external organizations, including 3BL (#1 on the 100 Best Corporate Citizens list for four consecutive years), CDP (“A List” for water), the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (industry leader for the Building Products Group), and Ethisphere Institute (one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies).

“Manufacturers across the country are facing challenges as they seek to fill four million positions with highly skilled and technically advanced workers,” said Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston. “Arkansas has been diligent about getting ahead of the game with programs and initiatives in cities including Fort Smith that address manufacturers’ needs and collaborate on workforce development programs. We’re thrilled to see that our efforts are paying off and that renowned companies like Owens Corning are choosing Arkansas as the site of their new and expanding businesses.”

“Owens Corning has been a great community partner for the past 34 years,” said Tim Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This expansion is a perfect example of the partnership between the Arkansas Department of Commerce, Fort Smith Regional Chamber and the City of Fort Smith and how we work together toward one unified goal. I truly appreciate Owens Corning and their continued commitment and investment in our community.”