Saint-Gobain North America has revealed plans to expand manufacturing space at its CertainTeed gypsum facility in Palatka, Florida, US.

The $235m investment will be made over the next two years through its building materials subsidiary CertainTeed Interior Products Group.             

With the expansion, the company expects to double its current manufacturing capacity alongside creating more than 100 new permanent jobs.

This facility in Palatka is located close to the Port of Jacksonville.

Sustainability will be an essential aspect of this project, in line with Saint-Gobain’s 2050 global carbon-neutrality strategy.

The development will see the installation of new energy-saving equipment and automation technologies, including a new ultra-low energy board dryer that will be approximately 25% more efficient than the plant’s existing dryer.

It also includes the deployment of a new mill system equipped with heat recovery technology that will be nearly 40% more efficient than the existing mill.

This project has received more than $7m in cash benefits and high-impact investment tax credits, which include a State of Florida Capital Investment Tax Credit, a Putnam County grant, a Career Source Florida Quick Response Training Grant, and a Clay Cooperative Economic Development Rate.

CertainTeed Interior Products Group vice-president and general manager Jay Bachmann said: “Today’s announcement reaffirms our commitment to providing quality gypsum wallboard products to our customers while remaining focused on sustainability and minimising our carbon footprint.

“We look forward to growing our already robust presence in Palatka and Putnam County and would like to thank the state of Florida and all of our partners for their support to make this expansion a reality.”

The Palatka facility commenced operations in 2001 and is claimed to be one of the largest gypsum facilities in Southeast US.