Locally founded insulation company moves manufacturing to Belgrade

A spray-on insulation company founded in Belgrade has announced that it is moving part of its manufacturing process here from California.

Neal Ganser, Corbond Corp.’s founder, said he has bought the former Con-Agri/UAP property at 100 S. Broadway, behind the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce, and plans to turn it into a manufacturing plant.

By ERIN NICHOLES Chronicle Staff Writer

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2004/02/07/news/02corbondbzbigs.txt

He expects to open the new plant in 2005 and provide about six jobs.

The property — with its landmark blue building and attached grain elevators — was attractive for a manufacturing plant because of its size and its proximity to Montana Rail Link tracks.

Plus, Ganser said, "It’s located in Belgrade, which has a great attitude about industry."

In addition to manufacturing, Ganser’s plans for the property may include retail space and condominiums.

"The long-term plans that show commercial and residential development there are a very positive step," City Manager Joe Menicucci said.

"I’m pleased to see that he’s going to utilize a facility that’s been there and kind of redo an area that needs to be cleaned up and fixed up," he said.

Ganser started Corbond 22 years ago. (406) 586-4583 A roofer and insulator in the Gallatin Valley, he saw lots of other brands of spray-on insulation being used in potato cellars.

"It occurred to me that these products worked well there, and they ought to be used in housing and commercial construction," he said.

He wound up creating Corbond, a cellular polymer plastic used to insulate homes, agricultural and commercial buildings nationwide. Corbond is formed when two products — one red and one blue — are combined.

"Together they make our registered-trademark color lavender," Ganser said. "It distinguishes us from the run-of-the-mill products and builds better quality control."

The company’s headquarters have long been on the frontage road, but Corbond has contracted out its manufacturing to companies in St. Rose, La., and Ontario, Calif.

The Belgrade plant will do the work currently being contracted to the California factory, Ganser said.

City officials seem to be welcoming the Ganser’s plans with open arms.

"Anytime you get more business, it’s good for the community," City Councilman John Youngberg said.