New plant will produce CertainTeed's ToughGard 2 textile fiberglass duct liner.

SHERMAN, Texas - Gov. Rick Perry was among the guests on hand Aug. 24 for a celebration marking the opening of CertainTeed Corp.'s new insulation plant.

Company officials dubbed the event a "Texas housewarming," inviting the mayor of Sherman, officials from Grayson County and members of the press for a tour of the 518,000-square-foot building, which had been vacant for four years prior to being leased by the state to the Valley Forge, Pa.-based building materials maker. It formerly housed a glassmaking operation.

Now the plant will be dedicated to making CertainTeed's new ToughGard2 textile fiberglass duct liner, which is used in HVAC systems to control airflow noise and temperature. In addition to a production line for the duct liner, the building will also house a regional service center.

CertainTeed is investing $15 million in the plant and plans to eventually employ 70 workers, company officials said.