In September 2018, Andersen Corp. announced that it would build a new, 500,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Goodyear, Ariz., where the company plans to expand support for its 100 Series products. Officials now report breaking ground, as the company proceeds on its $105 million investment. Local officials praise the development for its ability to deliver jobs and economic growth to the area—including more than 400 new positions, which officials for Andersen say they’re looking to draw from the Greater Phoenix area.

“Andersen’s selection of Goodyear for its new facility will create hundreds of jobs and significant capital investment in the region,” says Arizona Governor, Doug Ducey. “Manufacturing has always been a key driver of job creation and economic prosperity, and this project adds to Arizona’s diverse economic landscape.”

Business, government and community leaders break ground at Andersen Corporation’s new manufacturing campus in Goodyear, Arizona. Pictured from left to right: Andersen Director of Sustainability and Community Eliza Clark, Andersen Vice President and General Manager of West Operations Jim Moulton, Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord, Andersen Chairman and CEO Jay Lund, Greater Phoenix Economic Council President and CEO Chris Camacho and Arizona Commerce Authority Senior Vice President of Economic and Rural Development Keith Watkins and Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Logistics Chris Galvin. (Photo courtesy of Andersen)

Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord praised the occasion as a “great week for the City of Goodyear,” while joining Andersen chairman and CEO, Jay Lund, for a ceremonial groundbreaking on January 11. The event also drew the attendance of Arizona Commerce Authority senior vice president of Economic and Rural Development, Keith Watkins, and Greater Phoenix Economic Council president and CEO Chris Camacho.

Initial news for Andersen’s new facility followed an August announcement by the company regarding the divestiture of its Silver Line and American Craftsman brands of vinyl products to Ply Gem for $190 million. Those funds, company officials said, would be focused on farther development of its products made of a wood-plastic composite material the company refers to as Fibrex. The material has garnered more than 25 U.S. patents, officials say, and is also used in numerous other Andersen and Renewal by Andersen products, in addition to its 100 Series products. Officials report that the company’s 100 Series has been instrumental in driving growth in recent years. The new facility also expands the company’s presence in the western United States, they suggest.

Andersen also announced investments into affordable housing in the area, via a $25,000 donation to Habitat for Humanity’s Central Arizona chapter. Officials for Andersen praise the organization for providing, “better health outcomes, financial freedom, independence, stability and security for residents,” which they suggest result in stronger and more resilient communities.

“To us, corporate citizenship means leading in both environmental stewardship and in making a positive impact on the lives of people who live in the communities where we live and work,” says Eliza Clark, director of sustainability and community for Andersen. “Our commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism spans many issues and nonprofits, but as a building products manufacturer, there is no more important issue to our company than affordable housing.”

Regarding from where Andersen expects to draw its more than 400 new workers, Jim Moulton, vice president and general manager of the company’s west operations, suggests that surrounding areas have, “a strong labor force, favorable business environment, accessible transportation,” as well as provide the company with close access to some of its key suppliers. According to data gleaned from online real estate information firm Trulia.com, the company’s new workers should expect to pay somewhere around $300,000 per home, or $1,432 in rent in order to take up residence in the area. Median sales prices fall at around $295,900 in Goodyear. Nearby cities include Avondale, Tolleson and Litchfield Park, which, according to Trulia’s data, fetch median prices of between around $225,000 to $300,000.

Operations at the new facility are expected to commence by the middle of 2020 and the project is slated to draw as much as another $95 million in future expansions.