Armstrong invests $41 million in Lancaster, Pa., plant

Armongstrong World Industries is investing $41 million in its Lancaster, Pa. facility to promote the manufacture of luxury vinyl tile (LVT). The company had announced its plans to make the investment back in July, but had yet to choose a location.

"We thank the commonwealth and our employees for their support of this investment," said Armstrong Flooring CEO Frank Ready. "By bringing this manufacturing to the U.S., we leverage our manufacturing expertise and create a strong cost, quality and service position for a very exciting product category."

Construction is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2014 and end in early 2015. Once completed, Armstrong expects to hire 57 new employees.

"We have a workforce in Pennsylvania that is committed to excellence and hard work," said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. "The addition of 57 new jobs at this site in Lancaster County continues the progress towards our goal of making Pennsylvania a national model for job creation and innovation."

According to the company, LVT is experiencing double-digit growth in North America. With shorter lead times and improved customer service, Armstrong expects its on-shore operations to compete well with that of China's.

This will mark Armstrong's second investment in the Lancaster plant since 2008, when it expanded operations to include fiberglass-backed sheet vinyl manufacturing.