Owens Corning has announced a multimillion dollar expansion for producing flexible coated glass fibers at its telecommunication reinforcements manufacturing facility in Duncan, S.C. Products made at that facility are used exclusively in the wire and cable industry.

The investment, which will increase the manufacturing capacity of flexible product line by 25%, includes expansion of the facility as well as the related equipment needed for production.

"Our business has grown by over 20% per year since the facility was built in 1997," said Mike Whelan, telecommunications market segment leader. "As demand for our products continues to increase, it is necessary that we expand to meet the growing needs of the telecommunication industry."

Growth in the fiber optic and drop wire telecommunication industry is being driven by increases in bandwidth demand for data, video, voice communication and Internet requirements. In addition to flexible reinforcements, the Duncan facility also produces central strength members used in fiber optic cables.