Missouri welcomes newest James Hardie manufacturing facility
One-million-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to deliver in-demand fiber cement products, local jobs, and increased local investment
James Hardie, a world leader in fiber cement home siding and exterior design solutions, plans to build its newest manufacturing facility in Crystal City, Missouri. The new facility and James Hardie’s partnership with local, state, and federal officials reflect the company’s long-term commitment to Crystal City and the state of Missouri.
“Missouri is an outstanding place for businesses to prosper, and it’s a pleasure to welcome James Hardie to Jefferson County,” said Mark Birk, president, Ameren Missouri. “Through our Smart Energy Plan, we’ve been able to attract businesses to the region and help companies grow, resulting in hundreds of new jobs while providing reliable energy to meet our customers' power needs today and tomorrow.”
“We are proud to welcome a leading manufacturer like James Hardie to Missouri,” said Gov. Mike Parson. “As companies see increased product demand and begin to evaluate expansion locations, we are working hard to show them why Missouri should be at the top of their shortlist. We have some of the lowest taxes in the country, an unwavering commitment to workforce development, and world-class companies already operating here. We appreciate James Hardie choosing Missouri and know they will find a home, hospitality, and success.”
Crystal City is a rural community located 30 miles south of St. Louis. The new facility will create nearly 240 new high-paying jobs in the region.
“The City of Crystal City was founded in 1871 as a manufacturing town for the purpose of making glass,” said Jason Eisenbeis, city administrator of Crystal City. “Over 150 years later, we’re proud to continue our history and tradition of being a manufacturing town by partnering with James Hardie for their newest plant in North America. James Hardie’s investment in Crystal City will bring generational job opportunities for decades to come.”
The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Jefferson County served as the conduit between Crystal City, Jefferson County, Missouri Partnership, Greater St. Louis, Inc., and several other economic development partners.
James Hardie has manufactured building materials for more than 100 years. The new facility will be built to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for Hardie® fiber cement siding, soffit, and trim products. James Hardie employs approximately 5,200 people across the world – and this is its first location in Missouri.
Crystal City and Jefferson County’s strong workforce also helped the Missouri community land this project. Missouri ranks 1st in the nation for on-the-job-training, and 3rd in the U.S. for most completed apprenticeships. Missouri One Start offers customized and flexible training programs, which the company plans to utilize as it fills nearly 240 jobs in the St. Louis region.
"This project is a shining example of how we can work together as a metro to drive job growth and economic investment," said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. "James Hardie will bring high-paying jobs to the region while strengthening our advanced manufacturing sector. This is a big win for everyone in the St. Louis metro."
Missouri Partnership worked with the following organizations to attract James Hardie to Crystal City, including: The Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri One Start, Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Greater St. Louis, Inc., Economic Development Corporation of Jefferson County, Crystal City Council, Jefferson County Council, Jefferson County Port Authority, Thurman Law Firm, Jefferson College, Gilmore Bell, Goodwin Brothers Construction, Crystal City Sewage Commission, CBRE, Inc., Horner & Shifrin, Ameren Missouri, and Union Pacific Railroad.