Cornerstone Building Brands has announced a $4.9 million investment to expand its manufacturing operations in Rocky Mount, Virginia. The expansion will create 50 new jobs at the Franklin County facility, which produces Ply Gem brand windows and doors.
Governor Glenn Youngkin commented on the development, stating, “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 added, “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.”
The company was formed in 2018 through a merger between NCI Building Systems and Ply Gem Building Products. It now manufactures exterior building products across North America for both new construction and remodeling markets.
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 stated, “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.”
John Hull from Roanoke Regional Partnership highlighted regional strengths: “Cornerstone Building Brands’ expansion builds on the proud manufacturing legacy of its Rocky Mount facility, which has been a cornerstone of Franklin County’s economy since 1939. 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 commented on job creation: “This is tremendous news for Franklin County and the entire 7th District. Manufacturing jobs are the backbone of our rural economy, and Cornerstone Building Brands’ decision to invest nearly $5 million and create 50 new career opportunities in Rocky Mount demonstrates the strength of our workforce and our commitment to supporting American manufacturing. I’m grateful to Governor Youngkin, our local leaders, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership for working together to make this expansion possible. These aren’t just jobs – they’re pathways to the middle class for hardworking families across our region.”
Delegate Will Davis also offered congratulations: “Congratulations to Cornerstone Building Brands on this expansion,” said Delegate Will Davis.“This growth is a testament to the team’s hard work, innovation, and commitment to strengthening our local economy. Their continued investment in our community creates valuable jobs and drives long-term opportunity for families across the region. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to Cornerstone Building Brands’ continued success.”
The project was secured with assistance from both state-level economic development agencies such as The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) as well as local authorities from Franklin County. Governor Youngkin approved a $100,000 grant from Virginia’s Opportunity Fund toward supporting this initiative.
The company’s job creation efforts will be supported by participation in programs like The Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which helps companies with recruitment strategies along with training funding aimed at reducing human resource costs associated with hiring new employees.
