PARSIPPANY, N.J. — GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, announced that it will open a manufacturing plant in New Columbia, Pa., about 20 miles south of Williamsport. Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2017, the new 34-acre facility will create more than 40 skilled manufacturing and office jobs in Pennsylvania and will serve as a regional training facility for contractors and roofing industry professionals. The plant will manufacture thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply membrane for commercial roofing applications and Cobra® brand injection molding components for residential roofing systems.  

“We are proud to further our commitment to the roofing industry through this investment in New Columbia and to create new, skilled manufacturing jobs right here in the U.S.,” said Jim Schnepper, president of GAF.  

“This new plant will expand our production capabilities, allowing us to meet the needs of our customers with best-in-class solutions. Our innovative training programs will help new employees build critical competencies,” said Dick Nowak, chief operating officer of GAF. 

The opening of the New Columbia plant will mark an expansion of the GAF footprint, which currently includes a network of 30 manufacturing facilities and more than 3,400 total employees nationwide. GAF already has a presence in Pennsylvania through its Myerstown asphaltic shingle plant.  

“The New Columbia plant opening will provide high-quality job opportunities to dozens of Pennsylvanians,” said Carroll Diefenbach, chairman, board of supervisors for White Deer Township. “We are thankful that GAF is committed to supporting our community and strengthening the manufacturing industry in The Keystone State.” 

GAF will produce TPO products for commercial roofing at the new location. In recent years, TPO products have grown in popularity, thanks to their performance, durability, flexibility, competitive price, energy efficiency, and easy installation. GAF EverGuard® TPO products are a key component in single-ply roofing systems, and offer next-generation performance against heat aging and UV degradation by acting as a protective membrane over the roof. In addition to TPO products, the plant will manufacture injection molding components for residential roofing systems, including Cobra® Rigid Vent 3™, Cobra® Snow Country®, and Cobra® Snow Country® Advanced Attic Exhaust Vents.  

As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to offering professional education programs to the roofing industry, the plant will be designated as a GAF Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence (CARE) regional training facility. Through its CARE program, GAF offers hands-on training to contractors and other roofing industry professionals in the region, equipping them with the latest skills and installation techniques. To date, more than 230,000 roofing professionals have participated in CARE training programs. 

For more information, visit www.gaf.com.