BRANTFORD, Ontario — IKO, a global manufacturer of roofing, waterproofing and insulation products for residential and commercial markets, broke ground on a new extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation manufacturing facility in Brantford, Ontario.

The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant investment by the company and was attended by several IKO leaders, including CEO David Koschitzky, former President Henry Koschitzky and Vice President of Operations Guy Tremblay. They were joined by Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis and Member of Parliament Larry Brock to celebrate the project.

The new 67,000 square-foot facility represents more than $45 million in investment and further advances IKO’s manufacturing capabilities across North America. While IKO currently operates polyISO insulation manufacturing facilities in Ontario, Alberta and Maryland, the Brantford facility will become the company’s first XPS insulation manufacturing plant.

Once operational, the facility is expected to employ approximately 40 people in the Brantford area and will support customers across Canada and the northeastern United States.

“As a company founded in Canada, it is especially meaningful for us to continue investing in Canadian manufacturing and communities,” said Yekutiel Koschitzky, XPS general manager and product innovation manager at IKO North America. “This new facility reflects IKO’s long-term vision for growth, innovation and operational strength across North America. Brantford is an ideal location for this investment due to its strong manufacturing workforce, strategic access to key transportation routes and proximity to important customer markets. We are proud to contribute to the region’s economic development while creating high-quality manufacturing jobs.”

The Brantford groundbreaking builds on recent strategic investments across North America, including the recent grand opening of a fiberglass manufacturing facility and glass mat plant in Chester County, S.C. as well as the upcoming opening of a new plant in Clay Hill, Fla., later this month. 

The Brantford XPS facility is expected to support growing demand for insulation products and further position IKO as a comprehensive building products manufacturer serving both residential and commercial markets.

Construction is currently underway, with additional project updates expected to be shared as development progresses.