Smart Manufacturing: How USG is Innovating for Contractors

At USG, innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a mindset embedded in every product, process, and partnership.

In a recent episode of the RoofersCoffeeShop Roofing Road Trips podcast, Anson Johnson, Vice-President of Gypsum Materials, and Jeff Grimland, Director of Manufacturing, shared how USG is evolving to meet the needs of today’s roofing contractors through smarter manufacturing, safer jobsites, and stronger customer relationships.

Listen and Learn

From the launch of Securock® Brand 20 years ago to the development of our UltraLight technology, USG has consistently responded to contractor feedback. When roofers ask for lighter, easier-to-handle building materials, USG adapts to help contractors work faster and safer—a critical factor in an industry facing labor shortages and rising demands in productivity.

We're listening...to our customers and [asking ourselves] “how can we make them more successful?” — Anson Johnson

This customer-first approach has led to many innovations for easier handling and installation of materials, as well as digital enhancements to customer service that make it even easier to do business with USG.

Safety is the Standard

Safety is a part of USG’s DNA that shapes how we operate, train our people, and design our products. From the plant floor to the jobsite, safety is a shared responsibility and long-term investment.

We've trained hundreds of people…every year on…how to observe safety, and how to implement the rules appropriately, and how to look out for one another...there's an investment in people that never stops. — Jeff Grimland

USG’s commitment to safety also extends to the contractors who install our products every day. By integrating AI-powered vision systems and forklift technology into our manufacturing process, USG is not only protecting our people but also ensuring that the materials delivered to the jobsite are manufactured in a controlled environment for greater consistency and higher quality materials.

The Perfect Order

Contractors rely on timely, accurate deliveries; it’s their entire livelihood. Construction schedules are already prone to so many delays, which is exactly why USG is laser-focused on “the perfect order.” By focusing on key metrics around delivery time, it can ensure that customers have the right products, in the right place, at the right time.

We're committed to what our customers need, where they need it, and when they need it. — Anson Johnson

More than just logistics, this commitment spans the entire organization, from manufacturing to customer service. Through smarter inventory management and proactive communication, USG strives to anticipate the needs of our customers and minimize disruptions.

Building Partnerships

Whether it’s supporting data center construction or offering improved and intuitive touchpoints to do business, USG is committed to helping contractors succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.

Tune in to the full conversation to learn how USG is shaping the future of roofing manufacturing—one innovation at a time.

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