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Insulation manufacturer Knauf Insulation is to build its new UK state-of-the-art rock mineral insulation manufacturing plant in Shotton, Clwyd, North Wales.
Located less than two miles from the company’s existing Queensferry plant, the large-scale facility will be built on land formerly occupied by Tata Steel’s steelworks in Deeside.
The investment of around €200m will utilise UK-first, cutting-edge, submerged arc furnace electric melting technology to produce low embodied carbon insulation, and will mean a capacity of over 100,000 tonnes of insulation a year.
The project is expected to generate around 140 direct jobs across a variety of roles; from skilled manufacturing positions to engineering, warehouse and administrative functions. Additionally, the plant will further stimulate regional supply chains and create additional indirect employment opportunities.
Neil Hargreaves, managing director of Knauf Insulation Northern Europe, commented: “One year on from our original announcement about our commitment to build the new facility, today is a significant milestone not just for Knauf Insulation, but for the local communities of Deeside, and the wider UK construction sector. Our new plant will offer innovative insulation solutions that safely reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints in the built environment, while also creating meaningful job opportunities and long-term economic benefits locally.”
In a joint response, Cllr. Mark Pritchard, Leader, Wrexham County Borough Council and Chair, Ambition North Wales and Cllr. Dave Hughes, Leader, Flintshire County Council, Board Member, Ambition North Wales, said: “The decision by Knauf to locate its new plant in Deeside is incredibly positive news, not only for those living and working within the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, but extending across North Wales. The development will build on Knauf’s already strong presence, and support growth in what is becoming a globally significant advanced manufacturing cluster in the region. Benefits will be far reaching – from skills development and the creation of high-value jobs, to attracting further inward investment, all while focusing on sustainability and protecting our environment for the future.”
Dominique Bossan, CEO of Knauf Insulation EMEA Region, added: “Following the recent €50 million+ investments across our two UK glass mineral wool plants, the Knauf Group are confident in the future growth of the UK and Northern European mineral wool markets and today’s announcement represents yet another exciting development for our people, our local communities, and our valued customers.”
Subject to planning, environmental and other considerations, construction of the Shotton plant is scheduled to begin in 2026, with production anticipated to start by the end of 2027.
