PCL Construction and ROCKWOOL Break Ground on New Washington Manufacturing Facility

PCL Construction has officially commenced construction of a new stone wool insulation manufacturing facility for Rockwool North America in Wallula, Washington, marking a significant investment in sustainable building materials and advanced manufacturing in the western United States.

The US$175 million project will become ROCKWOOL’s fifth manufacturing facility in North America and its first on the US West Coast, reinforcing the company’s strategy to expand regional supply capacity for energy-efficient insulation products. Located within the Wallula Gap Business Park in Walla Walla County, the facility will manufacture stone wool insulation derived from volcanic rock, a recyclable material valued for its thermal efficiency, fire resilience and acoustic insulation properties.

The plant is expected to create approximately 125 permanent jobs upon completion, alongside hundreds of construction-related employment opportunities during the development phase. Commercial production is scheduled to begin in 2028. A major feature of the project is the incorporation of ROCKWOOL’s proprietary electric melting technology, designed to lower the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process while supporting cleaner industrial operations.

PCL Construction highlighted the project as an important milestone for its Seattle buildings division, citing the company’s expertise in delivering complex industrial and manufacturing facilities. Local authorities and community stakeholders have also welcomed the investment, emphasising its role in driving long-term economic development, attracting advanced manufacturing and strengthening sustainable industrial growth in the region. The facility is expected to improve supply chain efficiency for western US customers while supporting growing demand for low-carbon and energy-efficient construction materials.

Source: PCL