GAF today announced plans to build a new shingle plant in Newton, Kansas. According to the company, some 25% of U.S. homes have a GAF roof, and the investment will help meet demand by adding residential roofing manufacturing capacity closer to end markets. GAF is a subsidiary of New York-based Standard Industries and the largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America.
According to Governor Laura Kelly, the company will invest more than $300 million to build the 275,000-square-foot facility.
The new facility will create more than 130 management, engineering and operations jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin this June, with production coming online in 2027. The factory should reach full production capacity by 2029.
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The Newton factory will manufacture high-demand roofing products, including GAF Timberline HDZ and GAF Timberline ArmorShield II shingles.
In February 2023, the Newton City Commission approved a development agreement that committed the city to issuing up to $350 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds. These bonds will provide GAF with a 10-year, 100% property tax abatement on the new development and a sales tax exemption for construction materials and equipment financed by the bonds.
Before GAF can receive the benefits, the company must invest at least $75 million in the project. The company also agreed to hire at least 137 full-time employees within four years.
GAF has more than 4,800 employees and operates in 30 locations across the U.S. The Kansas Logistics Parks in Newton will be the company's first location in Kansas.
Standard's operating companies include GAF, BMI, Grace, GAF Energy, Siplast, SGI, Schiedel, Standard Logistics, Standard Investments, and Winter Properties.
