The 460,000-square-foot production and warehouse facility marks IKO's first manufacturing site for thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), a single-ply roofing membrane material used in the commercial flat roofing market. In addition to TPO, the plant will also produce polyisocyanurate (ISO) insulation products for distribution across North America. A long-time supplier to the residential roofing marketplace in the United States, IKO opened its first U.S.-based asphalt shingle plants in Delaware, Illinois and Ohio in 1981 and exports to around 100 countries globally.

According to Mike Mendoza, director of single ply systems, the new flagship facility is another key step forward in the company's long-term strategic expansion plans.

"IKO has made significant investments in expanding both its product lines and its manufacturing footprint in the U.S. market," said Mendoza. "This TPO plant will help to establish the IKO brand and its Innovi product line as a significant player for U.S. commercial roofing in the same way we are already a preferred brand in the residential market.

"While TPO may be new to IKO, we have decades of experience in the commercial market globally to leverage as we introduce commercial roofers to IKO in the United States."

As it officially opens, the $70-million facility will employ 40 people locally, with the possibility for future expansion to meet consumer demand as the business grows.