CertainTeed
CertainTeed Corporation is a North American manufacturer of exterior and interior building products, founded in 1904 as the General Roofing Manufacturing Company by George M. Brown in East St. Louis, Illinois, and acquired as a subsidiary of the French multinational Saint-Gobain in 1985.[1][2] The company's name derives from its original slogan, "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," reflecting an early emphasis on reliable asphalt roofing shingles that evolved into a broad portfolio including siding, insulation, gypsum wallboard, ceilings, and sustainable solutions like solar-integrated roofing.[3][4] With over 6,900 employees across more than 60 manufacturing facilities, CertainTeed holds a leading position in the industry, prioritizing innovation in energy-efficient and eco-friendly materials amid growing demand for resilient construction.[5][6] Notable achievements include earning the Good Housekeeping Seal for its residential roofing lines and recognition as Supplier of the Year in offsite construction, underscoring its role in advancing durable, high-performance building systems.[6][7] Historically, the firm faced litigation over asbestos-containing products used in older insulation and roofing materials prior to regulatory bans, resulting in the establishment of an asbestos trust fund for claims resolution.[8]History
Founding and Early Development (1904–1950s)
CertainTeed traces its origins to 1904, when George M. Brown established the General Roofing Manufacturing Company in East St. Louis, Illinois, with an initial capital investment of $25,000 to produce asphalt roofing materials, including individual asphalt shingles designed as a safer and more durable alternative to traditional wood shingles.[2][1] Brown's slogan, "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," emphasized product reliability amid growing demand for fire-resistant roofing following urban fires and insurance incentives.[1] By 1912, the company reported assets of $3 million and net income of $201,949, reflecting rapid early growth, and introduced easier-to-install asphalt shingles that contributed to its production of approximately 20% of North America's asphalt roofing by 1915.[2][9] Operations expanded with U.S.-wide offices by 1914 and around-the-clock factory production to meet surging demand.[9] In 1917, amid restructuring and incorporation, the firm adopted the name Certain-Teed Products Corporation, directly inspired by its founding motto, and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange the following year.[2][9] Sales reached a record $10 million in 1919, underscoring its dominance in the roofing sector during the post-World War I construction boom.[9] Product diversification commenced in 1923 with the addition of gypsum wallboard to its lineup, broadening beyond shingles into interior building materials.[2] The Great Depression strained operations, but the company returned to profitability by 1935, the year Brown retired as president and CEO; he passed away in 1938, by which time Certain-Teed had developed the WOODTEX shingle and reported sales of $2.5 million with over 600 employees, though still under Celotex Corporation's acquisition from that year.[2][9] World War II prompted adaptation, including a 1942 national defense contract for war equipment production, which leveraged the company's manufacturing capabilities.[2][9] Control shifted back to independent management in 1944 after a proxy battle won by Rawson G. Lizars against Celotex, enabling resumed dividends in 1946 amid postwar recovery.[9] The early 1950s saw renewed investment exceeding $11 million in plant expansions and innovations, such as the 1951 launch of Fire-Stop Gypsum Wallboard with enhanced fire resistance and the 1952 opening of a research and development center in Paoli, Pennsylvania, despite setbacks from strikes, flooding, and competition.[2] By 1954, further growth included the acquisition of Wm. Cameron & Co., positioning the firm for broader market penetration as sales approached $100 million by decade's end.[2]Growth and Diversification (1960s–1980s)
During the 1960s, CertainTeed expanded beyond its core roofing products into insulation and piping through strategic acquisitions. In 1964, the company acquired Pall Corporation's fiberglass manufacturing facilities in Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, which tripled its fiberglass production capacity.[2] This move was followed in 1966 by a merger with Gustin-Bacon Manufacturing Corporation, a major fiberglass producer, enabling CertainTeed to enter the commercial and industrial insulation markets.[2] By 1967, CertainTeed formed a joint venture with Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, establishing Certain-teed Saint-Gobain Insulation Corporation to manufacture and sell insulation products in the United States, marking its initial integration with international building materials expertise.[10][2] Further diversification occurred in 1969 with acquisitions that bolstered piping and siding capabilities. CertainTeed purchased the pipe division of Keasbey and Mattison Company, the second-largest producer of asbestos-cement pipe, along with Bowles & Eden Supply Company and Rohan Company, significantly enhancing its PVC pipe production capacity.[2] These moves facilitated the introduction of vinyl siding and fiberglass-reinforced bathroom components, broadening the product portfolio into exterior and interior building materials.[2] In the 1970s, CertainTeed deepened its materials innovation and operational scale. The company acquired Saint-Gobain's American, Canadian, and Mexican patents for fiberglass and foam in 1971, coinciding with the first profitable year for its fiberglass insulation division.[2] By 1975, it began producing PVC resin, a key input for PVC pipe and vinyl siding, supporting further vertical integration.[2] In 1976, the firm shortened its name to CertainTeed Corporation, reflecting its evolved identity as a diversified manufacturer.[2] The 1980s focused on internal restructuring amid market challenges, setting the stage for full ownership transition. Michael Besson assumed the roles of president and CEO in 1980, implementing changes to address organizational inefficiencies and product quality issues.[2] By 1988, Saint-Gobain acquired the remaining shares, converting CertainTeed into a wholly owned subsidiary and ending its independent trading on the New York Stock Exchange, which consolidated its growth trajectory under global oversight.[2]Acquisition by Saint-Gobain and Modern Era (1988–Present)
In 1988, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, a French multinational corporation, acquired the remaining shares of CertainTeed Corporation, making it a wholly owned subsidiary after previously holding a controlling interest through a joint venture established in 1967.[10][2] This acquisition delisted CertainTeed from the New York Stock Exchange and integrated it into Saint-Gobain's global operations, leveraging the parent's expertise in materials science to enhance CertainTeed's product development and market reach in North America.[2][11] Under Saint-Gobain's ownership, CertainTeed pursued growth through strategic acquisitions and product expansions. In 1988, it acquired Wolverine Technologies, establishing leadership in solid vinyl siding production.[12] The company introduced the K-21 line of insulation products in 1999, focusing on improved thermal performance.[13] Subsequent acquisitions included Continental Building Products in 2020 for $1.4 billion, bolstering gypsum board capabilities; Kaycan in 2022, expanding exterior building materials distribution in Canada and the northeastern U.S.; and RISE Building Products in 2025, enhancing composite siding from recycled materials following a prior joint venture.[14][15][16] CertainTeed's modern product portfolio emphasizes durable, energy-efficient building materials, including roofing shingles, siding, trim, insulation, gypsum, and ceilings, serving residential and commercial markets across North America.[17] Operations involve multiple manufacturing facilities, with ongoing investments in efficiency; for instance, upgrades at the Athens, Georgia insulation plant are projected to save over 7,300 MWh of energy annually.[18] In 2023, Saint-Gobain divested CertainTeed's fiber reinforced products business, which generated €60 million in sales the prior year, to streamline focus on core competencies.[19] Sustainability has become integral to CertainTeed's operations as part of Saint-Gobain's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. The company maintains Greencircle Certified status for residential roofing products, incorporating over 27,000 tons of verified recycled materials annually across certified facilities.[20] Achievements include a 49% reduction in landfill waste at the Shreveport, Louisiana roofing facility and significant carbon emissions cuts at sites like Oxford, North Carolina, through process optimizations and renewable energy shifts.[21][22] CertainTeed's siding program has advanced circular economy practices by increasing scrap vinyl recycling, earning recognition in manufacturing sustainability awards.[23]Corporate Structure and Operations
Ownership and Organizational Overview
CertainTeed Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A., a French multinational corporation founded in 1665 and headquartered in La Défense, France, with global operations in materials science and construction products.[3][24] Saint-Gobain acquired CertainTeed in 1988, integrating it as a key North American entity focused on manufacturing and distributing building materials.[1][10] This ownership structure provides CertainTeed access to Saint-Gobain's extensive research, supply chain, and international resources while maintaining operational autonomy in product development and regional markets.[3] Headquartered at the Malvern Innovation Center in Malvern, Pennsylvania, CertainTeed employs between 5,000 and 10,000 people across North America and operates as Saint-Gobain's flagship brand for residential and commercial building products in the region.[25][26] The organizational structure features a dedicated executive leadership team, led by Chief Executive Officer Mark Rayfield, overseeing divisions in sales, manufacturing, research, and sustainability initiatives tailored to North American demands.[27][26] As a subsidiary, CertainTeed aligns with Saint-Gobain's corporate governance, including board oversight from the parent company, but functions independently in day-to-day operations, innovation, and market strategy.[3]Product Portfolio
CertainTeed's product portfolio focuses on exterior and interior building materials for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, encompassing roofing, siding and trim, insulation, gypsum (drywall), ceilings, and solar solutions.[17] The lineup emphasizes durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance, with products engineered to meet industry standards for performance in various climates.[28] Roofing ProductsCertainTeed specializes in asphalt-based residential roofing, offering over 300 shingle options including strip, dimensional, and luxury varieties.[28] Key lines include Landmark shingles, which feature StreakGuard Algae Resistance Technology and Dual-Layer Protection for enhanced weather resistance and a 10-year limited warranty against algae growth.[29] Premium offerings like Landmark PRO and Belmont IR incorporate impact resistance, fire ratings, and infrared-reflective granules for cooler roof surfaces, supporting energy savings in hot climates.[30] Siding and Trim
The siding portfolio includes vinyl, polymer, and engineered wood alternatives designed for aesthetic versatility and weatherproofing.[31] Vinyl collections feature profiles such as clapboard, shiplap, and beaded designs in multiple textures and colors, while Cedar Impressions offers polymer shakes and shingles mimicking natural cedar with fade-resistant finishes.[32] Additional products encompass STONEfaçade stone veneer for realistic masonry appearances and MainStreet siding, which provides horizontal lap profiles with ColorRich technology for deeper hues and UV protection.[31] Trim elements complement these with soffit, fascia, and corner boards for complete exterior systems.[32] Insulation and Gypsum
Insulation products, such as Sustainable Insulation, utilize up to 55% recycled content from denim and fiberglass to deliver R-values up to R-49 for batts and blown-in applications, prioritizing thermal efficiency and sound dampening.[33] Gypsum offerings include standard, fire-resistant, and abuse-resistant drywall panels in thicknesses from 1/4-inch to 5/8-inch, suitable for walls and ceilings with features like mold resistance and high-strength cores for commercial durability.[34] Ceilings and Solar
Ceiling systems comprise acoustical tiles, suspension grids, and panels for drop ceilings, focusing on noise reduction coefficients (NRC) up to 0.70 and light reflectance for improved indoor environments.[35] Solar products integrate photovoltaic solutions like rigid panels and solar roofing shingles, enabling on-site energy generation compatible with traditional roofing installations.[17]
Manufacturing and Supply Chain
CertainTeed maintains over 60 manufacturing facilities throughout North America, enabling localized production of building materials including roofing shingles, vinyl siding, insulation, gypsum wallboard, and ceilings.[3] These plants support efficient distribution to serve regional markets, with specific sites such as the ceilings facility in L'Anse, Michigan, and another in Plymouth, Wisconsin.[25] The company's production processes vary by product line; for instance, asphalt shingles are manufactured by coating fiberglass mats with hot asphalt, embedding protective granules, and cutting into shapes for cooling and packaging.[36] Gypsum wallboard production involves mixing gypsum with water and additives, forming boards on continuous lines, drying, and finishing.[37] Recent innovations include water-efficient processes at the Winnipeg gypsum plant, reducing overall water usage in board formation.[37] Significant expansions underscore capacity growth, such as the $400 million investment across four U.S. facilities to boost roofing, insulation, and gypsum output.[4] The Palatka, Florida gypsum plant, expanded in 2023-2025, doubled its production capacity to become the world's largest for CertainTeed gypsum products, enhancing supply reliability in the southeast U.S.[38] [39] Other additions include a $100 million roofing plant in Jonesburg, Missouri, opened in 2016, and a manufacturing and distribution facility in Bryan, Texas, announced in 2023.[40] [41] CertainTeed's supply chain emphasizes alignment between production, inventory, and customer needs, with roles focused on planning for major retailers and digital strategies to optimize logistics.[42] [43] The company sources raw materials like asphalt, polymers, and minerals globally while complying with transparency requirements, such as California's Supply Chain Act, to disclose efforts against forced labor.[44] Inventory management balances stock at CertainTeed sites and consigned customer locations to minimize disruptions.[42]