Parsippany-based GAF on Thursday announced a commitment to build the company’s fifth polyisocyanurate insulation manufacturing plant, in Peru, Illinois.
This new plant will join the company’s four existing polyiso operations, in Cedar City, Utah; Gainesville, Texas; Statesboro, Georgia; and New Columbia, Pennsylvania.
GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, signed an agreement to purchase more than 100 acres of land in Bureau County, Illinois, for the future home of a 450,000-square-foot plant that will manufacture the company’s EnergyGuard line of products.
Construction is expected to break ground in the third quarter of this year, with production beginning on the site in 2024. GAF expects to bring more than 70 advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs to the Peru community through this new plant.
“GAF’s growth is fueled by a deep commitment to serving our customers with innovative products and outstanding service. This investment in Peru is a clear demonstration of this commitment,” said Jim Schnepper, CEO of GAF. “Peru’s proximity to our customer base, transportation infrastructure and access to outstanding manufacturing and engineering talent make it an ideal location for us to continue our growth.”
Polyiso is a versatile, high-performance insulation solution commonly used as continuous insulation for roofs and walls. It is often used in sustainable or green building applications. All polyiso roofing insulation manufactured by GAF has received GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested against standards and proven to have low emissions of volatile organic compounds.
“This is an exciting time for our business and an important step toward meeting our goal of becoming the leader in the commercial roofing industry,” John Altmeyer, executive chairman, GAF Commercial Roofing, stated. “Expanding manufacturing capacity is critical to continue delivering best-in-class service for our customers. Peru is an ideal location for us to expand polyiso production and continue innovating to meet our customer’s current and future needs.”
The company said it chose Peru because of its ideal location, with Interstate 80 East/West and Interstate 39 North/South access and excellent access to railways to service Midwest customers. The city has strong community values with a talented workforce that brings a wealth of experience and innovative manufacturing capabilities that will be an immense asset to the company’s future operations.
