Owens Corning, based in Toledo, Ohio, makes roofing and insulation and has been a Fortune 500 company for 62 years. Sales of $5.4 billion in 2015 supported an international operation that employs 16,000 people. The Joplin plant will help the company serve its mineral wool customers in the western United States. The Joplin plant will manufacture a mineral wool insulation called Thermafiber, which is used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. Mineral wool insulation resists fire and temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees, according to the company. The material also provides sound control and energy conservation.