The first phase of construction has begun for a new asphalt shingle manufacturing facility for IKO in Clay County, Fla., led by Dana B. Kenyon Company (DBK), a construction firm serving a broad range of commercial and industrial markets.

"It has always been part of our belief system, dating to my grandfather's founding of the company more than 70 years ago, that you can grow or contract, but you can't stay the same. This past decade has been a period of significant growth for IKO," said David Koschitzky, CEO of IKO. "Clay County and the Clay County Economic Development Corporation have been great partners for us as we looked at this project, and we're very pleased to be building our first-ever Florida facility."

The expansive IKO site covers over 75 acres and will include an asphalt shingle production facility in its first stage. As market demand dictates, additional plans for an insulation board plant and a commercial rolled roofing plant are also being contemplated for the company's manufacturing campus.

The first phase, a 300,000-square-foot shingle manufacturing and rack warehouse storage building, saw DBK mobilized on site in December 2023. DBK constructed auger cast piles, concrete slabs, foundations, structural steel, roof, and exterior walls to accommodate future phases. 

Render courtesy of DBK

When the potential development reaches its full capacity, the manufacturing facility will expand to approximately 700,000 square feet. DBK's scope will increase accordingly to meet those requirements. Once it reaches its full potential, the Maxville facility is poised to become a cornerstone of industrial excellence and foster local employment opportunities for the North Florida community.

The new facility is the eighth modern shingle production line in IKO's North American manufacturing operations and its first in Florida. Its strategic location east of U.S. 301 at County Road 218, about 10 miles south of Interstate 10, will ensure its active role in supporting the local economy — starting by employing over 100 people locally.

"We're honored that IKO recognized the DBK construction management team's expertise and the benefits of working collaboratively with our design team, equipment suppliers and other stakeholders. This partnership allows us to shape the designs strategically and implement construction techniques that yield optimal high-value solutions at every stage of design and construction," said Joe Bajalia, president of DBK.

The IKO shingle manufacturing facility is expected to commence operations in 2025.