GAF announces new roofing manufacturing facility in Newton

GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, today announced plans to build a new shingle plant in Newton.

The company said the new facility, with its central U.S. location, will enable it to add residential roofing manufacturing capacity to its network close to end markets and enhance service to customers nationwide. The plant will produce roofing products such as GAF Timberline® HDZ and GAF Timberline® ArmorShield II shingles.

“This new facility allows us to meet growing customer demand for our market-leading roofing products and expands our ability to innovate as we look to the future,” said John Altmeyer, CEO of GAF. “We are excited to work with City and State officials throughout this process to build a state-of-the-art factory that will generate new, good-paying jobs and support the greater Newton area through meaningful community involvement.”

The Newton facility will create more than 130 highly skilled manufacturing jobs in management, engineering and operations. Construction is expected to being in June 2024, with production to begin in 2027. The company expects to reach full production capacity by mid-2029.

“We are thrilled to welcome GAF and the opportunities they are bringing to our community,” Newton Mayor Rod Kreie said. “The greater Newton area offers a strong pipeline of talent and we’re excited about the significant economic and community impact GAF’s expansion will bring. GAF has been an excellent partner throughout the process, and we thank Harvey County Economic Development and all those that played a role in helping bring this opportunity to Newton.”

In February 2023, the City approved a development agreement with GAF with a commitment to issue up to $350 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds, representing one of the largest capital investments in the Wichita region in the past five years. GAF closed on the purchase of 230 acres of land in Newton’s Kansas Logistics Park last summer.

The project represents a strong collaborative effort by the City of Newton, Harvey County Economic Development, Greater Wichita Partnership and the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“GAF’s expansion into Kansas once again showcases our status as a national leader in advanced manufacturing,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “The company’s innovative production methods and proven track record of community involvement make it an ideal partner for Newton and the entire state.”

GAF currently operates in 30 locations across the U.S. producing commercial and residential roofing and waterproofing products and services customers throughout North America.