The expansion adds more than 40,000 sf of ground level manufacturing space, a 3,000 sf raw materials tower building and a 15,000 sf warehouse and office building.

R.W. Cooper & Associates, Chicago, did the building design. The main building construction was done by Adolfson & Peterson of Minneapolis, who in turn used NewMech Cos. of St. Paul as the steel erector. CertainTeed would not specify how much it paid for the expansion.

Its expansion was triggered by the rapidly growing demand among consumers in the North Central US for laminated shingles, otherwise known as "architectural" or "designer" shingles. They consist of two parts, a base and dragon's tooth overlay, that when combined with color blends and shadow effects, create the appearance of natural wood shakes.

"Laminated shingles are the fastest growing product segment in the roofing industry," says Plant Manager Ed Foster.

The expansion took about two years to complete and is one of two major projects CertainTeed Roofing is undertaking to expand laminated shingle production. The other is currently underway at the company's plant in Shreveport, LA.

CertainTeed is based in Valley Forge, PA, and has about 7,000 employees and more than 40 manufacturing facilities throughout the US.