Insulation manufacturer, Rockwool, has opened a new global centre of excellence for fire-stopping at Hams Hall, on the outskirts of Birmingham, where it says it will manufacture ‘a new best-in-class range of products’.
The company – already well-known for its Euroclass A1 non-combustible stone wool insulation – says this new multi-million pound investment builds on its in-house expertise in fire safety.
Rockwool’s new fire-stopping range, due to launch this summer, will include coated batt, sealants, collars, wraps, pillows, and socket boxes. The company said: “With state-of-the-art equipment, the facility will enable us to manage the product line from conception to delivery, and support ongoing innovation and the pursuit of industry-leading performance and sustainability.”
Later this year, Rockwool will also open a specialist training centre at the Hams Hall site ‘to support partners in the construction industry’. This will give its clients the opportunity to experience product demonstrations, and to install its fire-stopping, HVAC, and fire protection products across a series of rigs set up to mirror a variety of common building applications. Visitors will be able to bank these learning sessions as credits towards their Continuing Professional Development.
To lead the centre of excellence, and drive the company’s product and technical strategy across its full portfolio of services and solutions, Rockwool has hired industry expert, Ben Peach – who has 20 years’ senior experience at the forefront of the UK’s fire-stopping industry – as Product and Technical Solutions director.
The latest investment follows Rockwool’s recent announcement of a land purchase in Peddimore, north east of Birmingham, with the aim of creating an additional UK stone wool insulation production site. Nick Wilson, MD of Rockwool UK and Ireland, said: “Our new global centre of excellence heralds an exciting phase for the company. As well as furthering our ongoing commitment to industry best practice in fire safety, we are excited to be creating highly skilled jobs in this important sector.
“During the past 45 years, we’ve built a strong foundation at our site in South Wales, where we continue to manufacture and invest for the long-term, and we’re excited about what the future holds as we expand and invest into the West Midlands.”
