James Hardie Industries, a leading provider of exterior home and outdoor living solutions, is closing its manufacturing plants in Fontana, Ca., and Summerville, S.C., within the next 60 days. The closures are among steps the company is taking to optimize its manufacturing footprint as part of its ongoing commitment to operational excellence through the Hardie Operating System (“HOS”).
The Fontana site’s Innovation and Research & Development functions will remain in operation. The two sites’ manufacturing operations, which represent approximately 6% of the company’s year-to-date North American volume, will be absorbed by other facilities.
CEO Aaron Erter said, “During the past several years, James Hardie has made significant investments in modernizing our manufacturing facilities to improve efficiency, support our material conversion opportunities, and to better serve our customers. Following a comprehensive review of our manufacturing network, we have decided to transfer more production volume to our modern, advanced plants. These actions will further improve our cost structure, increase productivity, and reinforce the Hardie Operating System, while ensuring we have the capacity needed to support our growth initiatives. Our focus remains on driving sustainable growth and value creation over the long term.”…