Kansas Secures National Recognition with GAF Expansion in Newton

Kansas Secures National Recognition with GAF Expansion in Newton

At Team Kansas, we are proud to celebrate yet another landmark achievement for our state. Governor Laura Kelly recently announced that Kansas has received the prestigious 2024 Deal of the Year Impact Award from Business Facilities magazine in the Building Supply Manufacturing category. This recognition highlights the $300 million investment by GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, to establish a world-class shingle manufacturing plant in Newton, Kansas.

This accolade underscores the collaborative and innovative economic development efforts that make Kansas a destination of choice for industry leaders like GAF. With this new facility, over 130 jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and operations will come to Newton, strengthening the region’s workforce and economy.

A Culture of Collaboration

The GAF project is a testament to the power of partnerships. Harvey County Economic Development Council (HCEDC), a proud member of Team Kansas, played a key role in working with local leaders, state officials, and GAF to showcase Newton as the ideal location for their expansion. As GAF CEO John Altmeyer noted, Newton’s strong community values and talented workforce were instrumental in the decision.

“While there were other communities with suitable sites, Newton’s culture played an important role in their decision,” said Rod Kreie, former Newton Mayor and Harvey County EDC Board President. This alignment of values not only secured the project but also laid the foundation for a long-term partnership that will benefit both GAF and Newton.

HCEDC’s membership in Team Kansas highlights their commitment to fostering economic growth and collaboration, connecting local efforts with statewide resources to drive impactful results.

Building Thriving Communities

Kansas’s success in attracting projects like GAF’s expansion reflects more than just economic opportunity—it speaks to the collective effort of communities across the state to create exceptional places to live, work, and play.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said, “These awards and recognitions go beyond our capacity to land investments, they speak to our ability to provide companies with a reliable workforce, good-quality and affordable housing, quality places and communities, and so much more.”

This statement rings true as Kansas communities continue to invest in their future. From placemaking initiatives and new housing developments to workforce training programs and robust economic development strategies, communities statewide are laying the groundwork for success. The result is a state that not only attracts business but also fosters a high quality of life for its residents.

A Unified Vision for Kansas

Economic development is not just about numbers—it’s about building a future where businesses and communities thrive together. Projects like GAF’s expansion are made possible by the unified efforts of organizations like the Kansas Department of Commerce, local economic development councils, and Team Kansas members like HCEDC.

At Team Kansas, we are proud to champion these partnerships, promote our state’s unparalleled strengths, and support transformative projects like this. The recognition from Business Facilities is not just an award; it is a reminder of what is possible when we work together to make Kansas the best state to do business.