Cornerstone Building Brands will invest $4.9 million to expand its manufacturing campus in Rocky Mount, Virginia, according to an announcement from Governor Glenn Youngkin. The expansion is expected to create 50 new jobs and increase production capacity for the company’s Ply Gem brand windows and doors.
Governor Youngkin stated, “Cornerstone Building Brands’ expansion in Rocky Mount underscores the strength of Virginia’s manufacturing ecosystem and the confidence employers have in our communities. This $4.9 million investment and the creation of 50 new jobs will further strengthen the region’s manufacturing sector and ensure that even more high-quality products are proudly made in Virginia. We are excited to support Cornerstone Building Brands’ continued growth and look forward to the new opportunities this expansion will bring to Franklin County.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura commented, “Cornerstone Building Brands’ decision to expand its Rocky Mount production facility is a strong testament to Virginia’s skilled manufacturing workforce and world-class business climate. This investment will bring valuable new jobs to Franklin County while advancing the Commonwealth’s support of the vital construction industry. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Cornerstone Building Brands as it grows its footprint in Virginia.”
Gunner Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Building Brands, said, “Cornerstone Building Brands is proud to continue advancing American manufacturing by expanding our operations in Rocky Mount where we have a terrific team. This investment increases our capacity and strengthens our ability to meet future demand for our Ply Gem windows and doors while creating new career opportunities for skilled manufacturing workers in Franklin County. We appreciate the continued partnership of the Commonwealth of Virginia and local leaders as we build on our legacy of delivering high-quality products that best serve our customers and communities.”
Formed in 2018 through a merger between NCI Building Systems and Ply Gem Building Products, Cornerstone Building Brands manufactures exterior building products across North America for both new construction and renovation markets. Its product portfolio includes vinyl windows, doors, siding, stone veneer, metal roofing, wall systems, accessories, as well as brands such as Simonton Windows & Doors, Mastic by Ply Gem, and Mueller.
Rocky Mount Mayor C. Holland Perdue III remarked, “This expansion demonstrates the positive momentum happening in Rocky Mount. Businesses are thriving, jobs are being created, and our community continues to move forward.”
Franklin County Administrator Chris Whitlow added, “Cornerstone Building Brands’ expansion in Franklin County confirms their longstanding confidence in our workforce, infrastructure, and community. It reinforces that Franklin County is a great place to live, work, and do business, thanks to the vision and leadership of our Board of Supervisors, the hard work of our county staff, the dedication of our local businesses, and the support and partnership of our citizens.”
Roanoke Regional Partnership President and CEO John Hull noted that Cornerstone has been part of Franklin County’s economy since 1939: “Cornerstone Building Brands’ expansion builds on the proud manufacturing legacy of its Rocky Mount facility…The Roanoke region is home to a strong cluster of building products companies—from windows and glass to cement and materials—that continue to innovate, invest, and create opportunity for our community.”
Senator Bill Stanley said,“This is tremendous news for Franklin County and the entire 7th District…Manufacturing jobs are the backbone of our rural economy…These aren’t just jobs – they’re pathways to the middle class for hardworking families across our region.”
Delegate Will Davis congratulated Cornerstone: “Congratulations to Cornerstone Building Brands on this expansion…Their continued investment in our community creates valuable jobs and drives long-term opportunity for families across the region.”
The project was secured with assistance from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) working alongside Franklin County officials. Governor Youngkin approved a $100,000 grant from Virginia’s Opportunity Fund toward supporting this initiative. The job creation effort will also be supported by the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which offers consultative services as well as funding aimed at helping companies recruit employees and provide training resources.
VJIP helps reduce human resource costs associated with hiring at new or expanding companies; it is funded by state resources as part of efforts intended to increase employment opportunities within Virginia.
