Roxul affiliate breaks ground on acoustic ceiling panel facility

Roxul USA affiliate Rockfon LLC, a subsidiary of Denmark-based Rockwool International A/S, has broken ground on its first North American acoustic ceiling panel manufacturing facility.

The 130,000-sq.-ft. facility is backed by an initial investment of $40 million. This is Rockfon's fifth facility in the world, having operated in North America since January 2013. Rockfon produces complete ceiling systems, with an array of stone wool and specialty metal ceiling panels combined with Chicago Metallic suspension systems.

"Rockwool remains steadfast in its commitment to the North American marketplace," said Roxul USA president Trent Ogilvie. "The investment in this new facility is a testament to the rising demand for mineral wool products. Rockfon's line of mineral wool acoustic ceiling products are best-in-class, and with this manufacturing site set to extend global capacity, it paves the way for further growth and innovation."

A number of company executives, customers, stakeholders and community leaders were in attendance at the ground breaking, in addition to Speaker of the House Philip Gunn of the Mississippi House of Representatives.

"Today is a great day for Marshall County as Rockfon prepares to begin construction of its new acoustic ceiling tile facility," said Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant. "Once complete, the company's significant investment and creation of 90 new jobs will have a strong positive affect on the local community and economy. I congratulate the Rockfon team and everyone involved in bringing this great company to Mississippi on this milestone event."

The new Rockfon plant will be situated adjacent to the current Roxul USA factory in Marshall County, Mississippi, which manufactures a full line of residential, commercial and industrial mineral wool products. 

Production at the new facility (of Rockfon stone wool acoustic ceiling products) is expected to commence mid-2017.