The big building supply company is focusing on fewer, more efficient facilities going forward.
The company said it is “taking steps to optimize its manufacturing footprint” and will close manufacturing facilities in Fontana, CA, and Summerville, SC, within the next 60 days. The sites’ manufacturing operations, which represent approximately 6 percent of the company’s year-to-date North American volume, will be absorbed by other facilities.
The company says its Fontana site’s Innovation and Research & Development functions will remain in operation.
CEO Aaron Erter said, “During the past several years, James Hardie has made significant investments in modernizing our manufacturing facilities to improve efficiency, support our material conversion opportunities and to better serve our customers. Following a comprehensive review of our manufacturing network, we have decided to transfer more production volume to our modern, advanced plants.
“These actions will further improve our cost structure, increase productivity and reinforce the Hardie Operating System, while ensuring we have the capacity needed to support our growth initiatives. Our focus remains on driving sustainable growth and value creation over the long term.”
Erter added, “The decision to close these plants was not taken lightly, and I want to thank the teams at these sites for their years of dedication and hard work. We are grateful for their many contributions, which have been significant in shaping James Hardie.”
Hardie’s Fontana site, established in 1989, was the company’s first manufacturing plant in North America.
Image: James Hardie
