RICHMOND, Va. — Cornerstone Building Brands, a leading North American manufacturer of exterior building products, will invest $4.9 million to expand its manufacturing campus in Rocky Mount, Virginia, adding 50 new jobs to support increased production of its popular Ply Gem® windows and doors.
The expansion strengthens Franklin County’s manufacturing sector and reinforces Virginia’s reputation as a top state for business investment, skilled labor, and industrial growth.
“Cornerstone Building Brands’ expansion in Rocky Mount underscores the strength of Virginia’s manufacturing ecosystem and the confidence employers have in our communities,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This investment and the creation of 50 new jobs will further bolster the region’s economic competitiveness and ensure that more high-quality products continue to be made in Virginia.”
Supporting Virginia’s Growing Construction and Building Products Sector
“The company’s decision to expand its Rocky Mount facility is a strong testament to Virginia’s skilled manufacturing workforce and world-class business climate,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura. “This project will bring valuable new jobs to Franklin County while supporting the construction and building materials industry that is vital to our economy.”
Cornerstone Building Brands CEO Gunner Smith emphasized the long-term commitment to American manufacturing:
“We are proud to expand our operations in Rocky Mount, where we have a terrific team. This investment increases our capacity to meet future demand for Ply Gem® windows and doors while creating new career opportunities for skilled workers in the region.”
A Legacy Manufacturer Growing in Franklin County
Originally formed in 2018 through the merger of NCI Building Systems and Ply Gem Building Products, Cornerstone Building Brands has since grown into one of North America’s largest exterior building products manufacturers. Its product portfolio includes:
- Vinyl windows and doors
- Vinyl siding
- Stone veneer
- Metal roofing and wall systems
- Building accessories
Key brands include Ply Gem®, Simonton® Windows & Doors, Mastic® by Ply Gem, and Mueller.
Local leaders highlighted the company’s deep roots in the community.
“This expansion demonstrates the positive momentum happening in Rocky Mount — businesses are thriving, jobs are being created, and our community continues to move forward,” said Rocky Mount Mayor C. Holland Perdue, III.
“Cornerstone Building Brands’ continued growth confirms their longstanding confidence in our workforce, infrastructure, and supportive business environment,” added Franklin County Administrator Chris Whitlow.
Strengthening a Regional Manufacturing Cluster
The Rocky Mount facility contributes to a robust regional cluster of building materials manufacturers ranging from windows and glass to concrete, roofing, and industrial components.
“This expansion builds on the proud manufacturing legacy of a facility that has been a cornerstone of Franklin County’s economy since 1939,” said Roanoke Regional Partnership President and CEO John Hull.
Elected officials representing the region also praised the impact of new manufacturing jobs.
“Manufacturing jobs are the backbone of our rural economy… These aren’t just jobs — they are pathways to the middle class for hardworking families across our region,” said Senator Bill Stanley.
“Cornerstone Building Brands’ growth strengthens our economy and creates long-term opportunity for families across Franklin County,” added Delegate Will Davis.
State Support for Workforce Training and Expansion
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) collaborated with Franklin County to secure the project. Governor Youngkin approved a $100,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to support the expansion.
Additionally, the project will receive support from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP), which offers funding and consultative assistance for companies creating new jobs, reducing onboarding and training costs to accelerate hiring.
