Knauf Insulation has reopened its Lanett plant in Alabama – a clear sign of the confidence the company has in North America and the country’s economic recovery.
The company had been forced to close the 800,000-square-foot plant in 2011 after 22 years of operation as the economic crisis hit the US housing market.
However, it is now open for business, following an official inauguration ceremony by Alabama Governor Robert Bentley who flew in especially for the event.
“Knauf Insulation’s decision to reopen the Lanett plant came at the right time, ahead of the economic recovery, and at the right place,” said CEO Mark Andrews.
“The company considered many other locations for the plant, but returned to Lanett because it has strong confidence not only in the US but also in Alabama and the quality of its workforce.
“There is something in the area’s DNA that makes it the ideal place to do business. We wouldn’t be here if we thought we couldn’t succeed.”
There are 120 people working at the Lanett plant and more than half of the original workforce was re-employed by Knauf Insulation for the re-opening.
One of four Knauf manufacturing facilities in the US, the Lanett plant recycles 300 million bottles every year converting the glass into energy-saving building insulation.
“Every pound of insulation we produce pays back in a month and from then on it saves energy, money and helps reduce the effects of climate change and reduces imports,” said Andrews.
Ends
