Firestone Building Products, Carmel, Ind., recently unveiled plans to expand TPO manufacturing capabilities to better serve the commercial roofing market in the Southern and Western United States. The company is currently reviewing sites for a second Firestone UltraPly™ TPO plant, which will bring the manufacturer's total TPO membrane production lines to three. In addition, TPO inventories at existing facilities will be expanded to better meet growing regional demand and ensure job site delivery with minimal lead time. In conjunction with increased TPO manufacturing and distribution, Firestone will phase out PVC offerings by mid-year 2005.

"Because energy efficiency is an increasingly critical issue in the Southern and Western regions, Firestone is committed to fulfilling customer demand for heat-reflected roofing systems that reduce air conditioning costs and offer numerous long-term advantages," said Michael Gorey, president of Firestone Building Products and CEO of BFS Diversified Products LLC. "Having gained broad industry acceptance for its many performance advantages, we feel TPO is the future direction of thermoplastic roofing materials. In addition, TPO supports our overall company strategy to manufacture environmentally responsible commercial roofing products."