Armstrong pours $41 million into its Lancaster plant

Armstrong World Industries is kicking off construction at its Lancaster, Pa. facility, where it's spending $41 million to expand its manufacturing capacity to include luxury vinyl tile (LVT) for commercial and residential applications.

"We thank the commonwealth and our employees for their support of this investment," said CEO Matt Espe. "Through application of our extensive manufacturing technology, we will be better able to cost-effectively serve our North American customers with high-quality, in-market production. This investment will create local jobs and allow us to continue to grow share in this exciting product category."

In celebration of the expansion, the Armstrong management team joined Senator Pat Toomey, Congressman Joe Pitts, Pennsylvania State Senator Lloyd Smucker, Lancaster City Mayor Rick Gray, Lancaster City Councilman James Reichenbach, representatives from the Pennsylvania and Lancaster Chambers of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and the Pennsylvania Manufacturer's Association at the facility.

"Central Pennsylvania is a great place to live and work, and I am delighted that Armstrong is expanding here," said Toomey. "The people of Lancaster County are dedicated and talented workers who will thrive at this facility. They will prove that Armstrong has made a smart decision. Armstrong is a good neighbor that employs nearly 2,000 people at its Lancaster operations. Bringing this vinyl tile manufacturing expansion to Lancaster is welcome news and a great match for the community."

The move is aimed at onshoring its LVT production from Chinese suppliers, a decision announced in October 2013. LVT is experiencing double-digit growth in North America, and bringing production home to the states will help Armstrong creater a leaner business model for the niche, said the company.

Armstrong expects to start shipping LVT from the plant to customers by mid 2015. The move will create approximately 60 new jobs at the plant.