September 4, 2008 -- It’s an anniversary few companies ever get to celebrate, but Johns Manville (JM), a leading global manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building and specialty products, is marking 150 years in business in 2008. Throughout the year, the company will host employee events at its locations in North America, Europe and Asia to commemorate this historic occasion.

From a humble beginning as a roofing shingles business operating out of the basement of founder Henry Ward Johns’ home in New York City in 1858, today JM holds leadership positions in all of the key markets it serves for insulation, roofing, filtration, spunbond non-wovens, glass textile wall coverings and glass fibers.

The company’s innovative products have been used to protect the lives of soldiers in World Wars I and II; help America launch its space shuttle missions; provide world-famous museums like the Louvre and Guggenheim with more hygienic environments; improve the energy-efficiency and durability of buildings like the Seattle Seahawks football stadium; strengthen wind energy blades; enhance indoor air quality; reduce noise; insulate commercial aircraft and automobiles; and reinforce roads.

In 2001, JM became part of world-renowned businessman Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway family, where it has continued to flourish.

“A century and a half in business is no small achievement and JM is ready to build on the strong traditions of its past to take advantage of the great opportunities that lie ahead to serve our customers,” said JM President and CEO Todd Raba.