Industry News

Armstrong World Industries Expands Data Center Portfolio

Sep 8, 2026 | News

LANCASTER, Pa. (Sept. 8, 2026) — Armstrong World Industries, Inc., an Americas leader in the design and manufacture of innovative interior and exterior architectural applications, announced the launch of DataZone™ ceiling panels (0.85 NRC / 30 CAC) and Ultima® Templok® ceiling panels engineered for a precise fit with DynaMax®, DynaMax® LT, and DynaMax® Plus structural aluminum suspension systems, as well as Prelude® XL Max® 15/16″ suspension systems. This expansion of the Armstrong data center solutions porfolio introduces new mineral fiber and tax-credit eligible phase change material (PCM) thermal storage ceiling panel options. These solutions are specifically designed to enhance resilience and support future-proofing of high density digital infrastructure, helping with faster build times, reducing operational costs, and achieving scalable design goals.

 

“Our expanded portfolio provides flexibility to design smarter, more efficient, and resilient data centers while advancing sustainability and cost-saving goals,” said Dave Hovekamp, Vice President, Sales & Marketing of WAVE, Armstrong World Industries. “These solutions give data center developers, contractors, and facility owners more options to meet the specific performance requirements of each project.”

 

Ultima® Templok® Ceiling Panels: Thermal Resiliency and Financial Incentives

Ultima Templok panels incorporate phase-change thermal energy storage material that absorbs and releases heat to optimize facility resiliency and reduce peak cooling loads.

 

  • Federal Tax Incentives: The thermal energy storage properties in Templok Energy Saving Ceilings from the PCM, combined with meeting certain domestic content requirements, may qualify the ceiling panels for a 40% federal tax credit*. Projects deployed in an Energy Community** qualify for an additional 10% federal credit. Along with the ceiling panels, associated suspension system, trim, and installation labor may qualify for tax credits under The Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (ITC) 48E.
  • Transferable Credits: Tax credits may be transferred to lessees occupying space for five years or longer, providing a compelling value proposition for colocation providers.
  • Energy Performance: Integrated energy storage helps facilities future-proof their operations, allowing them to adapt to evolving cooling strategies and increased rack densities without costly infrastructure redesign while reducing HVAC costs and energy consumption.

 

DataZone™ Ceiling Panels (0.85 NRC / 30 CAC): Durable Acoustic Performance

DataZone ceiling panels (0.85 NRC / 30 CAC) address noise control and durability requirements, providing a cost-effective alternative to premium acoustic solutions while maintaining structural compatibility for containment systems.

 

  • Acoustic performance: Delivers 0.85 NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) and 30 CAC (Ceiling Attenuation Class) per ASTM C423 and ASTM E1414.
  • Construction: Mineral fiber construction ensures long-term durability in continuous-use environments.
  • Sustainability: Part of the Armstrong Sustain® portfolio and includes mold- and mildew-resistant surfaces backed by a 30-Year Limited Ceiling System Warranty.

 

Orders for DataZone 85/30 and Ultima Templok ceiling panels for DynaMax are being accepted through Armstrong distribution partners and direct sales channels. For more information, visit www.armstrong.com/datacenters.

 

About Armstrong World Industries

Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI) an Americas leader in the design and manufacture of innovative interior and exterior architectural applications including ceilings, specialty walls and metal solutions. For more than 165 years, Armstrong has delivered products and capabilities that enable architects, designers and contractors to transform building design and construction with elevated aesthetics, acoustics and sustainable attributes. The Armstrong brand portfolio, including Turf®, 3form®,  Arktura®,  Zahner®,  BŌK Modern®, Móz™Designs, LightArt®,  Geometrik, Eventscape, and Parallel, empowers ambitious architectural ideas. With $1.6 billion in revenue in 2025, AWI has approximately 4,000 employees and a manufacturing network of 24 facilities, plus seven facilities dedicated to its WAVE joint venture. In 2025 and 2026, the sustainability efforts of Armstrong earned it the designation as one of America’s Greenest Companies by Newsweek.  To learn more about Armstrong World Industries, visit www.armstrong.com.

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