By the Office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
TOPEKA, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday that Kansas has received a 2024 Deal of the Year Impact Award from Business Facilities magazine in the Building Supply Manufacturing category. The award recognizes the planned commissioning of a new $300 million shingle plant in Newton by GAF, a Standards Industries company and North America’s largest manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing products.
“This significant investment from GAF in Newton was essential not only for growing the economy in Kansas, but also for expanding their portfolio to meet the needs of their customers,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The recognition and award are proof of our state’s ability to provide companies with a resourceful business environment and a prosperous future in Kansas.”
Putting more than a century of shingle manufacturing expertise to work, GAF will build a world-class shingle manufacturing facility in Newton. The facility will bring more than 130 new manufacturing jobs spanning management, engineering, and operations to the area, with a focus on continuous process manufacturing.
“In the last five years, Kansas has become a nationwide leader in economic growth, receiving several accolades that attest to the transformative efforts happening here in our state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These awards and recognitions go beyond our capacity to land investments, they speak to our ability to provide companies with a reliable workforce, good-quality and affordable housing, quality places and communities, and so much more.”
Plans to build the new shingle plant were announced in 2024 with production anticipated to begin in 2027 and reach full production capacity by mid-2029. The company has already begun hiring key leadership roles for the new manufacturing facility, with more positions opening beginning in spring 2025.
“Harvey County has strong community values, with a talented workforce that brings a wealth of experience and innovative manufacturing capabilities that will be an immense asset to GAF’s future operations,” GAF CEO John Altmeyer said. “This new facility allows us to meet customer demand for our high-quality products and also serve and support the greater Newton area as proud members of the community.”
“Creating a culture that encourages growth is a big deal. That includes building meaningful relationships with regional partners and state officials that understand how important culture is in the selection process for economic development prospects,” former Newton Mayor and Harvey County EDC Board President Rod Kreie said. “While there were other communities with suitable sites, GAF mentioned several times how Newton’s culture played an important role in their decision. After working together with the GAF team for just north of two years, it’s amazing how the GAF culture blends so well with the culture of our community.”
“The capital investment and the jobs generated by this project will be transformational for Newton and Harvey County,” Harvey County EDC Executive Director Beth Shelton said. “GAF has been an engaged community partner since our very first conversation and after learning more about the company, I feel confident in saying that Newton is choosing GAF as well.”
