GAF Materials Corporation, North America's largest roofing manufacturer, recently announced plans to reopen its state-of-the-art Gainesville, TX thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) manufacturing facility in January 2011. The 185,000 square foot facility is the largest operational production line in North America devoted solely to the manufacture of TPO-based single-ply membrane roofing products and will produce GAF's EverGuard® TPO roofing membranes and accessories.
"We are taking this action in response to increased demand for our high quality single-ply membranes," stated Bob Tafaro, president and CEO of GAF. "Customer satisfaction is paramount to our business and reopening this facility will allow us to improve our customer support as the economy recovers."
Since the Gainesville plant's temporary closing, manufacturing of all TPO products and accessories has been handled by the company's Mt. Vernon, IN facility. The reopening is estimated to provide over 25 local jobs, many to be filled by recalled plant personnel.
"The reopening of this plant enables GAF to continue focusing on growing our TPO business," said Dick Nowak, executive vice president and chief operating officer at GAF. "This location is strategically placed to provide TPO membrane and accessory products to support primarily the western and southern markets."
The EverGuard® TPO product offers a low installed cost, heat welded seams, white reflective color, and no liquid plasticizers. Its high reflectivity and emittance qualities reduce solar radiation transmitted through the roof, and have been proven to minimize the "heat island effect," resulting in reduced energy use and potentially enormous cost savings.
About GAF Materials Corporation
GAF Materials Corporation is the largest roofing and ventilation manufacturer in North America, with sales of nearly $3 billion annually. The company's products include a comprehensive portfolio of steep-slope roofing systems (marketed under the GAF-Elk brand) and low-slope roofing systems (marketed under the GAF brand), which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by a commitment to provide property owners and specifiers with the best and safest choice in roofing and by helping supportive contractors and distributors to build their businesses and avoid hassles.
With a focus on social responsibility, GAF-Elk has developed Advanced Protection shingle technology, which provides superior durability and wind resistance, while reducing the use of scarce natural resources.
The Company also supports the industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which has provided education to over 100,000 professionals. CARE's mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners, and related industry personnel.
For more information contact:
Alyssa Hall, Corporate Communications Mgr.
973-628-3301
ahall@gaf.com