Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 21, Saint-Gobain S.A. (Courbevoie, France), through its subsidiary CertainTeed Interior Products Group, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of major expansion at its CertainTeed Gypsum manufacturing facility in Palatka, Florida. First announced in 2023, the project has doubled the facility’s production capacity and will create 110 new jobs in the greater Jacksonville area.

The event included remarks from Saint-Gobain North America President and CEO Mark Rayfield, CertainTeed Interior Products Group President Jay Bachmann, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce CEO Laura Pavlus, and JAXUSA Vice President of Business Development John Freeman. Greer Horne, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Susan G. Komen, also spoke to highlight the strong partnership between CertainTeed and the organization.

Now the largest gypsum wallboard manufacturing facility in the world, replacing its sister site in Silver Grove, Kentucky, the Palatka plant will help CertainTeed meet growing demand, particularly in the southeastern United States. Equipped with advanced, energy-efficient technology, including a new industrial dryer, the facility enhances production efficiency and capacity. The plant continues to recycle and reuse gypsum material, promoting circular economy practices to reduce waste.

Mark Rayfield said: “As a vital part of our operations, the expansion of our production activities in Palatka is a testament to our commitment to serving our customers, especially in the fast growing southeastern United States market. Congratulations to the entire team in Palatka and all of our partners who made this project possible. Together, we will work to continue providing high-quality gypsum wallboard solutions that builders and homeowners rely on.”

Jay Bachmann added: “Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in Palatka is the culmination of years of hard work to ensure we continue to deliver on our promise to provide high-quality, state-of-the-art gypsum wallboard products to our customers. I would like to thank our entire plant and construction team, the Palatka community, Putnam County, and the State of Florida for all of their support on this project that will serve the entire southeastern United States and bring quality, high-paying jobs to the local area.”

The expansion received more than $7 million in support through cash benefits and investment tax credits, including a State of Florida Capital Investment Tax Credit, a Career Source Florida Quick Response Training Grant, a Putnam County grant, and a Clay Cooperative Economic Development Rate.

The Palatka plant, operational since 2001, remains one of the largest employers in the region. Job openings at CertainTeed Palatka and other Saint-Gobain locations are available on the company’s career website.

The expansion coincides with Saint-Gobain’s 360th anniversary and reflects the company’s strengthening presence in North America, now one of its largest markets by revenue. Recent investments include the completion of a net-zero gypsum wallboard facility in Sainte-Catherine, Quebec, a $40 million ceramics facility in Wheatfield, New York, and expansions at CertainTeed Roofing sites in Georgia and North Carolina, supporting continued growth in the southeastern United States.