CGC has officially opened a new $210-million wallboard manufacturing plant in Southern Alberta’s Wheatland County, expanding Canadian production capacity, strengthening supply for Western Canada and creating nearly 100 full-time jobs, along with an estimated 80 additional jobs tied to operations and related economic activity, said the company.

The plant is located near Carseland, Alta., south of Calgary.

CGC, Canada’s largest manufacturer of gypsum-based building materials and the Canadian division of USG Corporation, said the facility will produce Sheetrock-brand wallboard for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects across Canada. Located on 214 acres, the plant is among the most technologically advanced and sustainable facilities in the global USG network and is intended to improve supply reliability across Western Canada, according to the firms.

“This modern, sustainable manufacturing hub will help ensure builders have access to the materials they need to build the homes and infrastructure Canada depends on, while supporting long-term jobs and economic growth in the region,” said Steve Youngblut, president of CGC.

Chris Macey, president and CEO of USG, described the project as one of the largest wallboard manufacturing investments in the company’s history.

“As one of the most significant wallboard manufacturing investments in our company’s history, Wheatland represents a major milestone for our business and a significant commitment to the future of manufacturing and construction in North America,” said Macey. “The new facility strengthens our manufacturing network, adds critical capacity in Western markets and improves our ability to deliver the quality, reliability and performance our customers expect.”

The plant’s completion follows a groundbreaking ceremony in 2024 and forms part of CGC’s broader strategy to modernize its manufacturing network and expand domestic production. Combined with the revitalization of the Little Narrows gypsum quarry in Nova Scotia, the company has invested nearly $325 million in strengthening the Canadian and North American building materials supply chain.

CGC said the facility incorporates sustainability measures including a 20% reduction in carbon emissions, a 25% reduction in water use, zero manufacturing waste sent to landfill and on-site solar-power generation. Producing wallboard closer to Western Canadian customers is also expected to reduce transportation-related emissions.

Provincial, municipal and Indigenous leaders welcomed the investment.

“This opening reflects the value of partnership and the importance of working together with respect and shared purpose,” said Chief Samuel Crowfoot of the Siksika First Nation. “We are encouraged to see this investment in the region and look forward to the opportunities it can help create over the long term.”

Scott Klassen, the county’s reeve, said the facility is an important milestone for Wheatland and a strong sign of confidence in the region.

“This investment will create lasting benefits for our community, strengthen our local economy and support long-term growth in the region,” he said.

Pictured: CGC’s new wallboard plant in Wheatland County.

Photo: Courtesy of CGC