Knauf Insulation's £170m Investment in Deeside to Create 140 Jobs
Knauf Insulation has announced a significant £170 million investment in a new manufacturing facility in Shotton, Deeside, promising to create around 140 new jobs. This development marks a substantial boost for the local economy and the UK's manufacturing sector, aligning with both Welsh and UK government goals for economic growth and sustainability.
The new plant is set to produce over 100,000 tonnes of non-combustible rock mineral wool insulation annually, utilizing a UK-first Submerged Arc Furnace technology. This innovative approach will enable the production of low embodied carbon, recyclable insulation materials, supporting the construction of safer, more energy-efficient, and sustainable buildings.
The investment has been warmly received by government officials, with Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens highlighting it as a 'vote of confidence in the Welsh economy.' Similarly, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates praised the project as a testament to the region's skilled workforce and excellent facilities. The initiative is also seen as a key component of the UK's modern Industrial Strategy, aiming to attract further investment and create new opportunities across the country.
Neil Hargreaves, Managing Director of Knauf Insulation Northern Europe, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainability and its alignment with the industrial vision for North Wales and Deeside. This project not only reinforces Knauf Group's manufacturing legacy in Wales but also contributes to the broader goals of economic development and environmental sustainability in the region.
