Knauf Insulation to create 140 jobs with £170 million investment in north Wales
Knauf Insulation to create 140 jobs with £170 million investment in north Wales
Knauf Insulation has announced a £170 million investment to establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Shotton, North Wales. The new plant will produce over 100,000 tonnes of non-combustible rock mineral wool insulation annually and is expected to generate approximately 140 direct jobs, with additional opportunities in the local supply chain.
The announcement aligns with the UK-EU Summit held on Monday, May 19, highlighting the UK Government’s commitment to fostering economic growth through the Plan for Change. This investment reinforces the government’s focus on attracting inward investment to bolster the national economy.
Government support and local impact
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, praised the investment, saying: “This £170 million investment by Knauf Insulation is fantastic news for North Wales and our UK Government mission to drive economic growth. This is a vote of confidence in the Welsh economy and our government’s plan to make Britain the destination of choice for investment in industry.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, also welcomed the development: “This is great news for North Wales. The plans represent a major investment in the area and reflect the skills and facilities we have here. We will continue to support the project as it moves forward.”
Minister for Investment, Baroness Gustafsson CBE, emphasized the broader significance: “The UK is open for business, and this is yet another vote of confidence in North Wales and its thriving advanced manufacturing sector, which will boost jobs and prosperity across the region. Our modern Industrial Strategy, prioritizing advanced manufacturing as one of eight key UK sectors, will attract more investment and create new opportunities nationwide.”
Advanced manufacturing and sustainability
Neil Hargreaves, Managing Director of Knauf Insulation Northern Europe, highlighted the project’s alignment with sustainability goals: “Knauf Group has a proud history of manufacturing in Wales. This project supports the Welsh and UK Governments’ commitment to sustainability and the industrial vision for North Wales and Deeside.
The new factory will utilize UK-first Submerged Arc Furnace technology to produce non-combustible, low embodied carbon, and recyclable rock mineral wool insulation, supporting the demand for safer, more energy-efficient, and sustainable buildings.”
The development has been made possible through collaboration between the UK Government, Welsh Government, and local leadership. The decision to establish a second plant in North Wales is backed by the North Wales Growth Deal and the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, reflecting confidence in the region as a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable industrial growth.
By supporting the growing advanced manufacturing cluster in North Wales, Knauf Insulation’s expansion strengthens the region’s economic outlook and reinforces its position within the UK’s industrial strategy.
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