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Owens Corning University introduces virtual reality training. Immersive learning helps roofers master real-world installations anytime, in any weather. Owens Corning University is taking contractor training to the next level with the launch of OCU VR, a new virtual reality learning platform designed to help roofing crews build skills, improve retention and practice real-world installations anytime, anywhere - before ever stepping onto a roof. At the center of the initiative is the proprietary OCU VR Headset Bundle, which allows crew members to train anytime and in any weather conditions. The bundle includes a Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise headset, two controllers, a charger and a setup guide to ensure users can begin training quickly and easily. The program is available in both English and Spanish. A more efficient approach to learning. OCU VR was developed to help crews not only learn critical roofing skills but also apply and retain them on the job. The immersive experience places users in realistic scenarios covering key roofing topics such as shingle offset installation, ridge ventilation, flashing techniques and deck inspections. Research has shown the effectiveness of VR-based training, with studies indicating employee retention rates can improve up to 80% one year after VR instruction, compared to just 20% one week after traditional training. By allowing users to actively practice techniques in a simulated environment, OCU VR reinforces proper installation methods before they are performed in the field. Easy to use and built for continuous learning. Getting started with OCU VR is designed to be simple and seamless. Platinum and Preferred Contractors can log in to their OCConnect accounts to purchase the OCU VR Headset Bundle. Each shipment includes a step-by-step setup guide that walks users through powering on the headset, logging in and launching their training experience. The platform offers both a guided "learn mode," which walks users through each process while explaining the importance of proper installation, and an assessment mode that evaluates performance. Assessment scores are transferred back to OCU, and users can download and print certificates of completion upon successfully finishing a course. OCU VR is also designed with long-term, ongoing education in mind. As new courses aligned with the OCCraft curriculum are developed, they will be automatically added to OCU VR headsets via Wi-Fi, ensuring crews have access to the latest training content without additional setup. Platinum and Preferred Contractors can order the OCU VR training bundle through OCConnect. Additional information is available at Owens Corning's website or by contacting [email protected] Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! Roofing Contractor editor-compiled stories, staff reports and industry news releases. To submit news or for corrections, contact Tanja Kern, Strategic Content Editor, at [email protected]. JOIN TODAY to unlock your recommendations. Already have an account? Sign In

Governor Ivey announces record-breaking year for Alabama economic development. MONTGOMERY - Governor Kay Ivey announced the release of the 2025 New & Expanding Industry Announcements Report, marking a record year for economic development growth in communities across the state. The Alabama Department of Commerce annual report lists 234 projects last year that combined for a total capital investment of $14.6 billion, the highest annual total in state history, along with 9,388 new job commitments. "Alabama's economy is riding a wave of historic momentum, with signs of success in every corner of our state. Innovative developments, high-quality jobs and transformative investments are ushering in an extraordinary era of prosperity, as new companies move in and existing ones expand," said Governor Ivey. "This growth is the result of a strategic economic development plan and the hard work of a team that is focused on keeping Alabama at the forefront of a competitive global economy." Governor Ivey said the report reflects a broader economic transformation that has taken place since she took office in 2017, guided by a deliberate focus on business recruitment, workforce development and long-term growth. She highlighted her disciplined, results-driven strategy during her state of the state address. "Being a former economic developer, I knew our first opportunity was to recruit and support businesses. Since then, we have seen investments totaling $69 billion which has created 100,000+ jobs - and counting," said Governor Ivey during her address. "Alabama consistently ranks among the top ten states for doing business." Growth was seen in a wide array of business sectors, such as biosciences, technology, metals and advanced materials, automotive and aerospace, forestry and wood products and more. * Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company plans to spend more than $6 billion to build an advanced manufacturing operation in Huntsville and Limestone County. The synthetic medicine active pharmaceutical ingredient facility, which will create 450 jobs for engineers, scientists, lab technicians and other skilled personnel, represents the largest initial investment in Alabama history. * ArcelorMittal is investing $1.2 billion to build a facility in Mobile County to produce a specialty electrical steel that is used in EV motors and other applications. The project will create more than 200 jobs. * Owens Corning announced plans to open a $325 million state-of-the-art shingle manufacturing plant in Prattville that will add 89 jobs in Autauga County. The growth was not limited to Alabama's largest cities. Rural Alabama also made a strong showing in 2025, as the state's "targeted" rural counties combined to register a total capital investment of $2 billion and 2,011 new job opportunities. One substantial investment in this region is Georgia Pacific's plans to spend $800 million in Monroe County to modernize, expand and streamline production capabilities at the company's Alabama River Cellulose mill. The project will make the Perdue Hill facility the largest softwood pulp mill in the U.S. The report showed a total of $3.6 billion in foreign direct investment projects in 2025 that are set to create 2,274 new job opportunities. Governor Ivey affirmed Alabama's economic development team is ready for more success this year and beyond. "We are open for business, ready to embrace new challenges and poised to welcome even more world-class companies, advanced technologies and breakthrough products," said Governor Ivey. "They should look no further than Sweet Home Alabama, and we plan to get them here." Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the results confirm an impressive debut for "Catalyst," the Commerce Department's new strategic economic growth plan. At the same time, initiatives such as SEEDS and Growing Alabama are helping communities prepare industrial sites and infrastructure, while business and government leaders collaborate on ways to maintain a competitive edge. "We are confident that 'Catalyst' will continue to map solid growth in key industries," said Secretary McNair. "Our economic development efforts are thriving, and we have all the ingredients to continue that momentum, creating jobs and prosperity for every Alabamian." The "2025 New & Expanding Industry Announcements Report" is available here.

Governor Ivey delivers an encouraging report on the state's economy. Alabama's economy is growing. Governor Ivey recently released the 2025 New & Expanding Industry Announcement Report.It includes over 230 projects with a total capital investment of nearly 15-billion dollars. The report also mentions close to 94-hundred new job commitments - the highest in state history.Locally, Owens Corning is set to open a new shingle manufacturing plant in Prattville.The project is expected to create about 90 jobs. Ivey touted the strength of Alabama's economy during her final State of the State address. "I'm proud to report that thanks to Rebuild Alabama alone, we have embarked on nearly 500 road and bridge projects across every single county in the state. Alabama is also being recognized as a national model for broadband deployment," Ivey said. "Since taking office, we have supported over 200 expansion projects, which will allow more than 142,000 more addresses to be connected to high speed internet. For the first time, the state has directed funding toward towards 495 water and sewer infrastructure projects statewide." The "Rebuild Alabama" Ivey referred to is the Rebuild Alabama Act Annual Grant Program. The State Department of Transportation's website says the RAA is a transportation infrastructure grant program. It funds improvements to roads and bridges with public access and covers things like resurfacing, widening roads or making repairs to roads and bridges. Governor Ivey's website lists over sixty nine billion dollars in Capital investment during her time in office, close to one hundred thousand new jobs, and the lowest unemployment rate in state history.