KNAUF Insulation has completed a £40 million upgrade of its glass mineral wool manufacturing plant in St Helens, which features ‘UK-first’ forming technology.
The upgrade has increased roll, slab and blowing wool capacity by up to 25,000 tonnes, added new product capability, and reduced the embodied carbon of products made at the site.
The plant features forming technology that will enable Knauf Insulation to create the next generation of low thermal conductivity, non-combustible glass mineral wool products and add thicker options to its existing ranges.
The programme of work involved over 1,100 contractors over a six-month period. It included installation of a larger plant furnace which is used to melt the main raw material of glass cullet, collected via local household recycling.
The upgraded plant was officially reopened by Knauf Group general partner Alexander Knauf and Liverpool city region mayor Steve Rotheram, alongside representatives from St Helens Borough Council and senior personnel from the Knauf Insulation Group.
“Glass mineral wool insulation is central to meeting the UK’s housebuilding and energy efficiency needs,” said Neil Hargreaves, MD, Knauf Insulation Northern Europe. “This upgrade means we can deliver increased volumes and enhanced products for our customers to meet rising demand for warmer, safer and sustainable homes with lower energy bills.”
Touring the plant, Steve Rotheram commented, “I’ve really enjoyed the visit and the tour of the new facilities. What it shows is a real demonstration of confidence, not only in the product or even in the process, but in the people of this area. St Helens is famous for glass. With a facility like this we’re going to be right at the forefront of investment and the economic growth that stems from it.”
Alexander Knauf stated, “Our people make things happen. What I saw here today makes me feel extremely proud. It’s incredible what the team has achieved over the last months. To make such a project happen has taken a true team effort from everyone. They have done an amazing job to help make tomorrow a home for all of us.”
