NEW LOW-CARBON INSULATION MANUFACTURING PLANT
SAINT-GOBAIN UK have announced a major investment in low-carbon manufacturing in the UK with plans for a new multi-million low-carbon stone wool insulation manufacturing factory creating more than 100 high-quality jobs in the green economy. The new factory is targeted to begin production in 2027.
The new facility will invest in all-electric melting technology to power the furnace, powered by renewable electricity, helping reduce the embedded carbon of construction projects and improve the comfort and energy efficiency of new and existing homes.
With further investment the facility will produce up to 100,000 tonnes of high-performance stone wool insulation to the UK market helping to meet growing demand for sustainable construction solutions for new construction and the need to improve the insulation levels of existing housing.
What is Stonewool?
Stone wool is used as an insulation material in buildings. It provides excellent thermal, acoustic and fire protection and helps to manage noise and retain energy in buildings.
Stone wool is in increased demand in the UK as regulations require buildings to perform better than ever. Stone wool can help to reduce noise transmission in buildings and is non-combustible making it an excellent choice for fire protection. As stone wool is made from natural and recycled materials, and is recyclable, it is a sustainable choice when specifying insulation.
More than 100 high-quality jobs in phase 1
The melting process will use an electric, low-carbon furnace
Stone wool insulation has excellent fire, acoustic and thermal performance properties
Up to 100,000 tonnes per year
More than 100 high quality local jobs
The new facility will employ more than 100 people in the 1st phase, with more planned as the facility increases its production output.
There will be a wide variety of roles available from management through to operational levels. There will be opportunities in: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical engineering, Logistics including planning and driving, Quality, Safety and Operations. Saint-Gobain will be seeking to recruit local talent to join the business and embark on a career with a global leader in sustainable construction.
Discover our jobs here.
Repurposing a historic industrial site for the future
For more than 150 years the Holwell Works in Melton Mowbray has employed local people manufacturing high-quality cast iron products that are present all around the UK.
The new facility will repurpose the Holwell Works site, securing future high-quality employment in Melton Mowbray and make a contribution to sustainable construction.
The proposed facility will use the existing entrance routes for vehicles and will make use of existing concrete hard standing.
Low carbon technology
The new facility will feature an all-electric furnace powered by renewable energy and, as a result, the new facility will have a low carbon footprint and produce insulation with a very low embodied carbon.
As the UK seeks to reduce its overall carbon footprint to meet its 2050 carbon targets, reducing the carbon footprint of construction, buildings and industry are critical to the UK's transition to net zero.
A wide variety of environmental assessments are being undertaken at the site. These include ecological, botanical and extensive surveys into various species of wildlife. These studies will form part of an Environmental Impact Assessment that will be provided to the local authority when a planning application is submitted.
HAVE YOUR SAY
As part of this project, public consultation meetings were held to allow local residents and interested parties have their say on the development.
For those who weren't able to attend the public consultation meetings in person, a feedback form and digital version of the exhibition boards were made available online.
Please note, the consultation period has now ended but you can still view the digital exhibition boards below.
To access the exhibition boards, click here
