CertainTeed joins Ford, GM in Missouri’s manufacturing surge

Company’s $100 million plant latest in line of new projects for Show-Me State

By Bob Vavra, Content Manager, CFE Media July 26, 2013

The construction of a $100 million manufacturing and distribution center in Jonesburg, Mo. will be the latest manufacturing expansion in Missouri. State officials point to the success of its economic development efforts. It’s also a good sign for the growth of the residential housing market.

The 60,000 sq. ft. manufacturing center and 150,000 sq. ft. distribution center will house the residential roofing shingles business for CertainTeed Roofing. The plant will create about 100 new jobs in the plant, which is on I-70 between St. Louis and Columbia.

The Jonesburg plant will be the second plant for CertainTeed in Missouri with the other being a roofing granule production facility in Gads Hill. Saint-Gobain, the parent company of CertainTeed, has six building materials distribution and glass bottling facilities in the state.

“CertainTeed’s decision to build its new state-of-the-art facility in Jonesburg is proof of our state’s highly-skilled workforce, diverse resources, and business-friendly environment, said Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon at the July 24 groundbreaking for the plant. “I’m proud to continue our partnership with CertainTeed as we work together to create jobs and keep Missouri’s economy moving forward.” 

“We’re excited to be coming home again,” said Tom Smith, president of CertainTeed Roofing. “The Jonesburg plant plays a strategic role in meeting the ongoing demand for CertainTeed roofing shingles and when it came time to decide on where to expand, we looked no further than Missouri.  With low taxes and a skilled workforce, the Show-Me State is a great place to do business and our new facility here will deliver top notch service to key customers.”

In a press release, the state touted its pro-business environment, citing low costs for energy and corporate taxes and a strong workforce. The state had attracted a series of plant expansions and relocations in 2013, including expansion of production lines for Ford’s plant and Claycomo and General Motors’ expansion in Wentzville. The Ford expansion will add 1,100 new jobs, according to the press release, while the $133 million GM expansion will add 55 jobs.

CertainTeed also received what the press release called, “a strategic economic incentive package from the state of Missouri that it can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria.”