Jul 31 2003
Building materials manufacturer James Hardie have announced that they intend to invest over US$100 million into their fibre cement business. This will see them expand production capacity to meet growing product demand as well as bolstering research and development activities to commercialise products with market potential.
Projects earmarked for investment include:
- US$47.5 million to build a green-field fibre cement plant in Northern California (USA)
- US$49.9 million for the construction of a new production line for James Hardie’s trim products in Illinois (USA)
- US$2.8 million to more then double the size of the companies R&D facility in California (USA)
- US1.5 million to upgrade the fibre cement plant in Sydney (Australia)
The expanded capacity afforded by the California and Illinois projects coming online is expected to become available by mid 2004.
The new plant to be built in California is a breakthrough as it will have lower capital and operating costs compared to any other James Hardie plant. With a design capacity of 300 million square feet per year, it will be able produce more then 50% more than any other James Hardie plant.
The new trim line plant will produce the companies unique thick, low density lightweight cement boards for trim applications, which will compete against wood-based materials.
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