County officials, Rockwool leaders celebrate start of construction
Although construction on the new Rockwool insulation factory in the Wallula Gap Business Park started months ago, company leaders and Walla Walla County officials took part in a ceremonial groundbreaking where they spoke optimistically about the factory's future.
"At Rockwool, we are committed to being a long-term partner in this region, creating jobs, contributing to local development, and building strong relationships with the communities around us," said Jørgen Amtoft, Rockwool's Wallula director of operations. "We are proud to invest here in Walla Walla County, and we look forward to continuing this constructive cooperation in the years ahead."
Rockwool is the manufacturer of a non-combustible insulation product that can withstand temperatures of greater than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
The factory will provide the county with about 670 temporary jobs at the peak of construction. Once open, Amtoft said the factory will employ about 125 permanent workers.
Walla Walla County Commissioner Gunner Fulmer highlighted the jobs the new factory will bring.
"Rockwell's investment will bring good paying jobs to our county," Fulmer said. "Jobs that support families, strengthen our local economy, and help retain and grow our workforce."
Construction on the 250-acre factory, estimated to cost about $175 million, began in February.
Rockwool bought the land, which is east of the Packaging Corporation of America plant, from the Port of Walla Walla in 2025.
Paul Espinosa, Rockwool's public affairs manager, said construction is projected to finish in 2028.
Rockwool produces an insulation called stone wool, which is essentially made by blending volcanic rock with air.
Amtoft said because of its fire resiliency, the product can limit the spread of fire moving from room to room in a building.
The Wallula location will be the company's first western U.S. factory and is expected to improve business operations for western U.S. customers, Espinosa said.
The company operates 42 factories in 23 countries. There are currently two U.S. factories - in Ranson, West Virginia, and Byhalia, Mississippi.
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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 10:12 PM.