DENVER — Johns Manville (JM) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 4 to unveil its newly renovated company headquarters and formally recognize employees and business partners who contributed to the extensive renovation project. In addition to vendor representatives, a number of public officials attended the event, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock; President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership Tami Door; and Executive Director of the Denver Office of Economic Development Paul Washington.

“We’re proud to share our newly renovated company headquarters, and I’m pleased to have all of you here to help us celebrate the successful completion of this project,” said Johns Manville President and CEO Mary Rhinehart. “So many people worked together to make this vision a reality, and I can’t thank them enough for their diligence, creativity and dedication.”

JM’s senior leadership team signed a new 12-year lease earlier this year on its world headquarters building at 717 17^th St. in downtown Denver. The decision to remain at Johns Manville Plaza involved a thorough evaluation of the economics and employee and business logistics of several locations, including alternate sites downtown and in the Denver Technical Center. “We determined that the best fit for our employees and for JM was to remain downtown at our present location,” Rhinehart said.

Special guest, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, talked about Denver’s appeal when addressing the group, and thanked Johns Manville for its contributions to the Denver economy and business community.

“Retaining and strengthening Denver-based companies such as Johns Manville is essential to the city’s prosperity,” said Hancock. “Recognizing the stable, positive force Johns Manville makes in Denver — and around the world — we committed our resources to this great employer, knowing that this renovation project will only help them become stronger. They are committed to the people and future of our city, and we are proud to have such a storied firm as part of our business community.”

The renovation took just 11 months to complete, from January 2013 to November 2013. The project progressed on a tight timeline and was very well received by employees, customers and vendors. Previously, JM headquarters occupied seven floors at 717 17^th St. Today, through a more efficient use of space and modern office standards, employees occupy five floors. The new floors offer everything needed for a highly functional corporate environment, from state-of-the-art meeting and training rooms, offices and shared working areas, kitchens/coffee stations, a fitness center, accessible restrooms and comfortable quiet rooms. Many JM products were used throughout the renovation process, including insulation, ceiling tiles, tack board and more. In addition, products from sister Berkshire Hathaway companies were used, as were products made by JM customers. Sustainability was a focus from the planning stages through construction. Highlights of the company’s sustainable approach include:

• Low-energy lighting that automatically dims and turns off

• Work areas designed to maximize natural light

• Energy-efficient HVAC

• Centralized recycling

• Low-flow toilets

• Higher-energy-rated refrigerators

Additionally, during the renovation waste was diverted from the landfill through committed and innovative waste management strategies and labor was sourced locally, creating local employment and further reducing the environmental impact of the renovation.

The new company headquarters comfortably accommodates nearly 400 JM employees. JM also has a 325,000-square-foot technical center southwest of Denver where 265 employees work. Approximately 7,000 employees work for JM worldwide.

 For more information, visit www.jm.com.