Armstrong Cork Works - Beaver Falls PA

The 1903 the Armstrong Cork Company of Pittsburgh, founded back in 1860, opened a plant (shown above in center) on a five-acre tract along 27th street in Beaver Falls. The plant produced corkboard insulation and other cork products. The company opened another large plant, renovating the former Beaver Falls Art Tile Company, on 13th Street in 1936. In the late 1950’s the company shifted away from cork-based products and also began concentrating on producing ceiling tiles. At its peak the company employed 700 workers in Beaver Falls. In 1973 the 27th Street plant was closed and the workers were consolidated into the 13th Street facility. The 27th Street property was donated to Geneva College and became part of its sports complex. (Photo courtesy of Bill Cwynar) (c1958) Full Size

The 13th Street plant continued to produce ceiling tiles after the consolidation effort in 1973. The parent company was reorganized as the Armstrong World Industries in 1980, and moved its headquarters to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Local workers celebrated the company’s 100th anniversary of active service in Beaver Falls in 2003. A few years later though the company announced it was closing the 13th Street plant due to an economic downturn. I believe the facility, with 150 workers, shutdown for good in late 2011. (c1998) Full Size