Knauf Insulation has confirmed the intended location of its new rock mineral insulation manufacturing plant in Shotton, Clwyd, North Wales (UK).
Located less than two miles from the existing Knauf Insulation Queensferry plant, the facility will be constructed on land to be acquired from Tata Steel’s existing operational steelworks in Deeside.
Construction of the Shotton plant is scheduled to begin in 2026, with production anticipated to start by the end of 2027.
This investment of circa €200m will utilise submerged arc furnace electric melting technology to produce low embodied carbon insulation.
According to a company statement, the project is expected to generate around 140 direct jobs. This includes a variety of roles such as skilled manufacturing positions to engineering, warehouse and administrative functions. Additionally, it noted that the plant will further stimulate regional supply chains and create additional indirect employment opportunities.
Knauf Insulation said the new investment allows it to further decarbonise and increase its UK and export supply of rock mineral wool products, complementing its existing Queensferry facility.
The company added that the Shotton site was selected for its transport links, and being close to other Knauf Insulation plants enables logistics optimisation for the benefit of customers.
Local authority leaders from Flintshire and Wrexham councils welcomed the announcement by Knauf.
In a joint response, Cllr. Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham County Borough Council and chair of Ambition North Wales, and Cllr. Dave Hughes, leader of Flintshire County Council and board member of Ambition North Wales, stated: “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.”
Neil Hargreaves, managing director of Knauf Insulation Northern Europe, added: “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.”
Dominique Bossan, CEO of Knauf Insulation EMEA Region, said: “Following the recent €50m+ 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.”
