CGC has broken ground on a new $210-million solar-powered wallboard factory in Southern Alberta’s Wheatland County.

The 220,000-square-foot development project, located in the Carseland, Alta., area, will manufacture the company’s Sheetrock brand of drywall for use in residential and commercial buildings. Carseland is a hamlet located in Wheatland County, about 68 kilometres southeast of Calgary.

The development project is situated on 214 acres northwest of Carseland and will create about 200 jobs during the construction phase and 100 permanent manufacturing positions upon completion.

CGC says the plant will deliver its wallboard more sustainably and reliably than ever. The plant’s innovations will enable efficient wallboard production with minimal water usage, energy consumption, and physical waste.

The company is also building an onsite solar-panel field to generate clean electricity for the plant while providing 100% of its power.

“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,” said Chris Griffin, CEO of CSG’s Chicago-based parent, USG Corporation, in a news release.

The Wheatland County Municipal District has invested $6.5 million in the project, while the Alberta government furnished $3.7 million. The Siksika Nation is also partnering with CGC. The Indigenous group is expected to provide staff for the project.

Ledcor was awarded the project’s construction contract earlier in 2024. Construction is slated to conclude in 2026, with recruiting and hiring scheduled to start in mid-2025.

Oakville, Ont.-based CGC currently ships its drywall to Western Canada from the company’s manufacturing facilities in Ontario and Quebec. The Wheatland County project is part of the company’s strategy to streamline its supply chain and meet demand for CGC products across Western Canada.

Griffin told the Journal of Commerce that the Carseland plant’s product will be transported initially via rail, built will likely be delivered by electric vehicles over the long term.

CGC markets, manufactures and distributes gypsum wallboard products, interior finishing materials and suspended acoustical ceilings in Canada. The company has mining, manufacturing, and logistical operations across the country.

Photo: Courtesy of CGC