DENVER -- Johns Manville (JM), a leading manufacturer of fiber glass materials and building products, today announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art pipe insulation manufacturing facility in Defiance, Ohio.
The new facility, which will manufacture Micro-Lok(R) fiber glass pipe insulation, represents a $100-million investment for the Berkshire Hathaway company, and underscores JM's commitment to the pipe insulation business. The company will hold a groundbreaking ceremony in January of 2005 and plans to begin production in mid-2006.
"For nearly 50 years, JM has been the leader in fiber glass pipe insulation, offering the most complete product lineup in the industry," said Pat McEvoy, senior vice president of the Performance Materials and Roofing Systems Groups. "The loss of our previous plant in Defiance, in May of 2003, severely impacted the supply of pipe insulation to the marketplace. Since that time, our customers have stood by us -- while we started up an interim manufacturing facility and while we completed the thorough evaluation process that has enabled us to select Defiance as the optimum location for our new facility."
McEvoy said that JM was grateful to its customers for their loyalty to the JM brand. "We are delighted to respond with this major investment, which demonstrates our continued commitment to the pipe insulation business and to meeting the needs of our valued customers."
The new world-class, fully automated facility will enable JM to produce its popular Micro-Lok(R) Fiber Glass Pipe Insulation in a full range of diameters and thicknesses, using the rotary fiberization and mandrel-wound pipe forming processes that installers prefer. "This leading-edge technology positions us to continue delivering the product quality, offering and value that Johns Manville customers have come to expect," said McEvoy. While construction is being completed, JM will continue to provide product from its interim pipe insulation facility in Phenix City, Alabama.
According to Tom Ryan, vice president and general manager, Performance Materials, the decision to rebuild in Defiance reflects great confidence in the dedicated and professional workforce there. He also said that the decision was a testament to the significant collaboration that occurred between JM and the state and local governments.
"As we completed a thorough site-review process, it became clear that the Defiance community continues to provide JM and our customers with the best possible long-term solution," Ryan said. "Today, we are proud to announce the beginning of our future and a new facility that will ensure the success of Johns Manville and our customers."
Led by Ohio Governor Bob Taft over an 18-month period, the State of Ohio offered Johns Manville a comprehensive package of incentives including grants, tax credits and worker training initiatives.
"Johns Manville's commitment to invest $100 million in the new facility is great news for workers in Northwest Ohio, and we look forward to a continuing partnership with the company to ensure its success," said Governor Taft.
