Saint-Gobain North America expanding Palatka gypsum facility

Saint-Gobain North America, through its building products subsidiary CertainTeed Interior Products Group, announced plans July 10 to invest $235 million over the next two years to expand its CertainTeed gypsum manufacturing facility in Palatka.

The expansion will more than double the production capacity of the existing manufacturing plant and create more than 100 new jobs, according to a news release.

“These are important and high-quality new jobs for our region. We appreciate CertainTeed’s investment in Northeast Florida and look forward to the company’s continued success here,” JAXUSA Partnership President Aundra Wallace said in the release.

In line with Saint-Gobain’s global pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2050, the release said sustainability will be a key component of the expansion project, through the installation of new, best-in-class energy-saving equipment and automation technology. 

“Today’s announcement reaffirms our commitment to providing quality gypsum wallboard products to our customers, while remaining focused on sustainability and minimizing our carbon footprint,” Jay Bachmann, vice president and general manager of CertainTeed Interior Products Group, said in the release.

The project received more than $7 million in cash benefits and high-impact investment tax credits, including a State of Florida Capital Investment Tax Credit, a CareerSource Florida Quick Response Training Grant, a grant from Putnam County and a Clay Cooperative Economic Development Rate.

The company said expansion of manufacturing and warehouse space in Palatka is part of Saint-Gobain’s global strategy, which includes expanding its presence in key markets.