Owens Corning to create 110 jobs in Gaston

This Gaston County facility will enable Owens Corning to expand its glass non-wovens business in North America.

“Owens Corning already has a presence at various facilities throughout the state, and we’re thrilled it chose to locate a new segment of its business with us,” said Governor McCrory. “Global industry leaders know that North Carolina offers them a strong business climate and skilled workforce, which is what companies like Owens Corning need to succeed.”

Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass fiber technology and glass fiber materials used in composites. The company’s glass fiber materials can be found in more than 40,000 end-use composites applications spanning the global transportation, industrial and construction industries.

“Companies with a presence in North Carolina are extremely important to us and we want to do everything we can to grow their footprint here, whether it’s through expansion or creation of new business entities, like Owens Corning,” said Secretary Decker. “We’re elated that Owens Corning will be setting down roots in Gaston County and becoming an active corporate member of Gastonia’s community.”

The new facility is expected to be completed by mid-to-late 2015. It will encompass a state-of-the-art manufacturing line, coating capability, and research and development resources with potential for future expansion.

“We appreciate the extraordinary support provided by the State of North Carolina, Gaston County and the city of Gastonia throughout the selection process,” said Group President of Owens Corning’s Composite Solutions Business Arnaud Genis. “Gastonia provides a great foundation for our new glass non-woven facility with its location near the Charlotte and Research Triangle regions, where there are particular concentrations of skills needed for this business; its proximity to key customers; and its attractive business environment.

“The Gastonia operation will support growing customer demand for glass non-woven products serving the global building materials market, complementing our existing facilities in Europe and North America, and enhancing Owens Corning’s leadership position in the provision of glass non-woven technologies,” he added.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2013, Owens Corning had sales of $5.2 billion in 2012 and employs 15,000 employees in 27 countries on five continents. The company delivers a broad range of reinforcement products that provide lightweight alternatives to steel, wood and aluminum, thereby reducing weight and improving energy efficiency.