CaDCR staff writer
CGC Inc., the Canadian division of USG Corporation, says construction of its new manufacturing plant in Wheatland County is underway. CGC’s $210 million investment to build this facility will deliver the company’s Sheetrock brand wallboard to residential and commercial customers across Western Canada faster, more sustainably, and more reliably than ever, the company says in a May 23 statement.
The contract for the plant was awarded to Ledcor earlier this year. CGC’s target is that the construction phase will conclude in 2026 and is preparing for plant recruitment and hiring starting in mid-2025.
The 220,000 sq. ft. structure on 214 acres of land north-west of Carseland, Alta., will create more than 200 jobs during the construction phase and more than 100 permanent, full-time manufacturing jobs once plant construction is completed.
Designed to be the most eco-friendly plant CGC has ever constructed, the plant will feature innovations that enable efficient wallboard production with minimal water usage, energy consumption, and physical waste. CGC is also building a solar field onsite to generate clean electricity for the plant, the statement says.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks a significant win for CGC operations in Western Canada and for our ambitious growth plans in Canada more broadly,” USG Corporation CEO Chris Griffin said in the news release. “This project underscores our commitment to being the best wallboard manufacturer to do business with, particularly as builders, governments and communities across Alberta and the West work to expand housing starts, accessibility and affordability.”
CGC first announced its Wheatland County plant investment in July 2022 alongside partners from Wheatland County, the Alberta Government, Siksika First Nation and Invest Alberta. At the groundbreaking, Griffin reiterated his thanks to CGC’s many local and provincial partners who are collaborating to bring this project to life.
“This was a true team effort and we would not be here without the support of Reeve Amber Link, the Alberta Government and Invest Alberta, the Siksika First Nation, and many others,” Griffin said.
“CGC Inc.’s investment in Wheatland County is helping to diversify rural Alberta and create good jobs for hardworking Albertans,” said Matt Jones, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade. “This state-of-the-art wallboard manufacturing facility has helped to expand the manufacturing sector in our province and will ensure residential, commercial, industrial and institutional sectors can get the wall products they need to get their projects built in Alberta and across the country. I want to thank CGC for choosing Alberta for this important investment and for contributing to the vibrancy and resiliency of our economy.”
“Since choosing Wheatland County as the home for its new manufacturing plant in Western Canada, CGC has become an active member of our community,” said Wheatland County Reeve Amber Link. “From fundraising and charitable donations to participating in local events, CGC continues to demonstrate its commitment to being a good neighbour. I look forward to reinforcing and expanding this partnership as CGC becomes one of Wheatland County’s top employers and community builders.”
