For nearly 40 years, a Hilliard manufacturer has quietly produced some of the industry’s most advanced ceiling products while building a workplace culture rooted in innovation and community.
Located in Hilliard since 1987, Armstrong World Industries manufactures fiberglass ceiling tiles used in commercial spaces across the country, from high-rise buildings in New York City to projects closer to home, including the new terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
According to Plant Manager Dave Muth, the Hilliard facility produces more than 60 million square feet of ceiling products each year.
“We refer to it as the Cadillac of ceiling tiles,” Muth said. “We have some of the best assets in all of Armstrong and unique capabilities that make the Hilliard plant special.”
Recently, the facility earned national recognition as a finalist for two manufacturing and innovation awards. The honors recognized a sustainability initiative that helps reclaim industrial wastewater and significantly reduce landfill waste at the plant.
While the project itself is highly technical, Muth said the goal behind it is simple: finding smarter, more sustainable ways to operate without increasing costs.
“We’re trying to change perceptions that sustainability costs you more,” he said. “It doesn’t.”
The Hilliard plant had previously ranked among the company’s highest facilities for landfill waste, but Muth said the team has already reduced waste by more than 28%, thanks in part to the new process. The recognition placed Armstrong alongside major manufacturing companies such as Owens Corning, DuPont and IBM.
“We didn’t win, but it was an honor to be a finalist,” Muth said. “The really exciting part is seeing our team recognized for the work they’ve done. They deserve it.”
Despite the national attention, Muth said the facility’s greatest strength is still its people and culture. Many employees have worked at the plant since it first opened, and several leaders started their careers on the production floor.
“We have a can-do attitude and that’s our culture,” Muth said. “We try to provide a career, not just a job.”
The company hires for a wide range of positions, from entry-level manufacturing roles to engineers, technical specialists and management positions. Armstrong also works to hire locally, including recruiting engineers from The Ohio State University.
Beyond its operations, Armstrong stays active in the Hilliard community through sponsorships and local partnerships. The company supports programs like Safety Town and participates in Hilliard City Lab.
“We love partnering with Hilliard,” Muth said. “We look at the City relationship as a partnership, and we love being here.”
As Armstrong approaches 40 years in Hilliard, Muth said the focus remains on continuing to grow while preserving the culture that has defined the facility for decades.
“Our responsibility as leaders is to build that next generation,” he said, “to take the baton and continue that same culture of innovation.”
