Owens Corning, a global building and industrial materials leader, plans to build a new 550,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on 56 acres, adjacent to its current property in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

The company will retain its current 79 full-time employees and hire an additional five employees. The new site is expected to start production mid-2023 with the current site being retired after the new facility begins operation.

“Owens Corning appreciates the support provided by Governor Hutchinson, the Fort Smith Board of Directors, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce throughout the planning process,” said Marcio Sandri, President of the Composites business at Owens Corning. “We’re proud to have been part of the Fort Smith community for more than three decades and we look forward to future growth. With this new state-of-the-art facility, Owens Corning is investing in the future of Fort Smith and our business.”

“Owens Corning is a valued member of the Fort Smith business community, and homeowners across the state have trusted the company’s products for decades,” said Secretary of Commerce and Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Mike Preston. “I’m pleased that Owens Corning continues to have confidence in our state.”

The current Fort Smith plant, which produces mat for roofing shingles and other nonwoven products, began production in 1984. The new facility will also produce roofing mat and add capacity to its network to service growing demand for a number of building material applications.

“The Owens Corning expansion is a perfect example of the partnership between the Arkansas Department of Commerce, Chamber and the City of Fort Smith and how we work together toward one unified goal,” said Tim Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The focus with this project was economic development and job retention/creation. Owens Corning has a great reputation in the region and having them recognize our resources and top-notch workforce is one of the strongest endorsements possible.”