More than two years after it broke ground, global roofing manufacturer IKO Industries held a grand opening June 17 for its 300,000-square-foot asphalt shingle production facility in Clay County.
According to the Canada-based company, the facility is the result of a $240 million capital investment and will bring 100 jobs to the county. It is the first plant in Florida for IKO, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
“When my grandfather started the business in Calgary, Alberta, 75 years ago, he never wanted to build a plant in Florida. Why? Because he felt that all of the employees that we had would want to transfer,” said IKO CEO David Koschitzky.
IKO built the plant on about 80 acres at 815 IKO Industries Road east of U.S. 301 about 10 miles south of Interstate 10. Koschitzky said there is room to grow.
“We hope to be here for a long time,” he said. “As you can see, we’ve prepared sections for additional expansion here.”
Attendees at the event included facility manager Dan Lindahl, Clay County Economic Development Corporation President Crawford Powell, Clay County Chamber of Commerce President Jon Cantrell and Guy Tremblay, IKO vice president of North American operations.
“As we celebrate the grand opening of our new manufacturing plant, today represents a significant milestone in IKO’s journey, a testament to our vision, commitment to innovation and confidence in the future,” Lindahl said. “This facility was built with a clear purpose to enhance our capabilities, better serve our customers and create new growth opportunities.”
According to the company’s website, IKO has more than 35 plants worldwide serving 96 countries. In addition to the Clay County facility, it has 10 more in the United States.
