GAF announced the start of production at its fourth polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation manufacturing plant for its EnergyGuard family of products, expanding the company’s commercial roofing operations.
This new facility, strategically located in New Columbia, Pennsylvania, enables GAF to increase manufacturing capacity while also improving service to Northeast clients.
GAF Commercial Roofing Executive Chairman John Altmeyer said, “We’re thrilled to officially begin commercial polyiso insulation production in New Columbia,”
“While supply chain issues worsened by the ongoing pandemic have created industry-wide shortages in the raw material needed to manufacture polyiso, our investment in this new facility enables GAF to maximize manufacturing capacity to meet demand and puts us in a prime position to increase capacity as soon as supply is restored.”
The 250,000-square-foot structure, which will house a production line the size of two and a half football fields, began construction in 2019.
Production will ramp up to full capacity in the coming months as raw materials become more readily available. This new venture resulted in the creation of fifty new jobs in New Columbia “Since 2017, GAF has been a part of the New Columbia community.
Given the area’s talented workforce and proximity to major highways and railways, this is an ideal location for the new polyiso insulation plant “Michael Widerquist, Plant Manager at GAF-New Columbia, stated.
“The team and culture of innovation and growth we have here is the perfect match to not only succeed in starting up this new production line but also to serve and support the community for many years to come.”
GAF New Columbia also manufactures commercial thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) products and Cobra Ridge Vent products for residential applications in a building adjacent to the new polyiso factory.
GAF will be able to combine shipments of TPO and polyiso insulation with these two production units side by side, ensuring that the goods are delivered to a construction site at the same time.
“As leaders in the roofing industry, GAF is investing in manufacturing capacity and capabilities to continue fulfilling our goal of protecting what matters most,” said GAF Chief Executive Officer Jim Schnepper.
“This added capacity will enable us to continue to expand our position in commercial roofing and deliver superior service to our customers.”
In addition to Cedar City, Utah, Gainesville, Texas, and Statesboro, Georgia, GAF EnergyGuard Polyiso Insulation is manufactured in these locations.