UK: France-based Saint-Gobain says that it will build a stone wool insulation plant in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, at the site of the former Holwell foundry. The plant will use electrical heat and be powered by renewable sources. When operational in 2027, it will have a capacity of 50,000t/yr and employ 250 people.
Nichias Corporation to dissolve Kimitsu Rockwool Corporation
Japan: Nichias Corporation has resolved to dissolve its stone wool subsidiary Kimitsu Rockwool Corporation and filed for its liquidation. In a filing to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the group said that Kimitsu Rockwool Corporation ceased production in March 2024, amid ‘soaring’ energy and raw materials costs. It has completed disposal of its production equipment.
Knauf Insulation to build new stone wool plant in North Wales
UK: Knauf Insulation plans to build a €202m, 100,000t/yr stone wool insulation plant in Shotton, Flintshire. The new Shotton plant will produce reduced-CO2 insulation using a submerged arc furnace (SAF). It will be Knauf Insulation’s second in North Wales, along with its existing Queensferry stone wool insulation plant, also in Flintshire. The company’s other UK plants are in Cwmbrân, Gwent, and St Helens, Merseyside.
Managing director of Knauf Insulation Northern Europe Neil Hargreaves said "This project aligns with the Welsh and UK governments’ commitments to sustainability and the industrial vision for North Wales and Deeside. Using UK-first SAF technology, the new factory will support the need for safer, more energy efficient and sustainable buildings."
The new Shotton plant accords with the UK government’s €190m plans for a Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, centred on ‘advanced manufacturing’ and intended to attract €1.19bn of private investments.
Masterplast to cease publishing financial forecasts amid ‘unpredictable’ economy
Hungary: Masterplast has unveiled a new strategy for increasing internal flexibility and reducing exposure to an ‘extremely unpredictable’ global economic environment. MTI – EcoNews has reported that the producer will no longer publish numerical financial forecasts. It will additionally focus on inventory and cash-flow management and monitoring market feedback. Preparation is underway for ‘multiple scenarios,’ including slow, moderate and rapid global economic growth.
Masterplast expects to commence operations at its upcoming Szerencs glass wool plant in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county in mid-2025.
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