Owens Corning Opens New Sustainable Plant in Arkansas

Russellville facility boosts insulation output and local job growth

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Owens Corning has completed construction of its new 150,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Russellville, Arkansas, further scaling its Foamular® NGX™ product line. The site, announced in early 2023 and completed in August, is expected to be fully operational by year-end. This move not only supports the company’s commercial and residential insulation segments but also aligns with its broader decarbonization targets.

The plant’s design integrates advanced manufacturing technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact. Foamular® NGX™, known for its lower global warming potential, plays a key role in Owens Corning’s sustainability-focused product portfolio. The company cited growing market demand for energy-efficient building materials as a driver for the expansion.

Site selection was strategic. Russellville offers a skilled labor pool and business-friendly infrastructure, making it a logical choice for scaling operations. More than 50 new jobs are expected to be created, bolstering the local economy and reinforcing Owens Corning’s decades-long presence in the state.

Local Partnership and Long-Term Community Investment

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders acknowledged Owens Corning’s nearly 40-year history in the state, framing the company’s decision to expand in Russellville as both an economic boost and a vote of confidence in the region’s workforce. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission also pointed to the facility as a sign of the River Valley’s growing role in advanced manufacturing.

Beyond job creation, Owens Corning emphasized its commitment to corporate citizenship. During the launch event, the Owens Corning Foundation donated $50,000 to The Russ Bus, a local nonprofit addressing homelessness. The funds will support rent and operating costs for multiple local organizations that share the nonprofit’s space, allowing them to better serve community needs.

This initiative underscores the company's continued focus on embedding social responsibility into its business operations, particularly in the communities where it operates. As production ramps up, Owens Corning sees the Russellville facility as a long-term investment—one that combines industrial efficiency, sustainability, and community impact.

Environment + Energy Leader