Saint-Gobain UK launch plans for new low-carbon, Electric stone wool insulation factory

SAINT-GOBAIN UK have announced a major investment in low-carbon manufacturing in the UK with plans for a new multi-million pound low-carbon stone wool insulation manufacturing factory at the former Holwell Foundry Works, Melton Mowbray. The new factory is targeted to begin production in 2027 and has the potential to deliver 250 new high-quality jobs when at full capacity.

The new manufacturing facility will invest in cutting-edge technology including the use of all-electric melting technology to power the furnace, powered by renewable electricity. This investment will help customers reduce the embodied carbon of construction projects and support Saint-Gobain’s goal to be a net-zero carbon business by 2050 across scopes 1, 2 and 3.

The facility will initially produce 50,000 tonnes of high-performance stone wool insulation products under the brand Saint-Gobain Isover brand with the potential, following further investment, to double its output to 100,000 tonnes a year. The insulation, made from abundant, mostly volcanic natural rock, will help meet increasing demand for sustainable construction solutions for new construction, the growing need to improve the insulation levels of existing housing and support the UK’s net-zero carbon targets.

The new Saint-Gobain Isover stone wool insulation facility will build on Saint-Gobain’s existing UK insulation manufacturing capacity at its Isover glass wool plant in Runcorn, and utilise Saint-Gobain’s Isover’s global expertise in stone wool insulation manufacturing.

The facility will be located on the site of the former Saint-Gobain PAM Holwell Foundry Works in Melton Mowbray. This continues a long of history of manufacturing at the site which began in 1878. As part of the planned facility the site will be regenerated, natural habitats restored and enhanced and more than 100 local jobs created in the first phase. This redevelopment will continue Saint-Gobain’s employment of generations of local people.

DEAN O’SULLIVAN, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain’s Interior Solutions businesses said:

“This is a major investment in new low-carbon stone wool insulation in the UK. Light and sustainable construction solutions are growing in demand – driven by the need to reduce the impact of buildings on the environment and our own goals to meet our business’ target to become a net-zero carbon business. Through this investment which we plan to begin production in 2027, we will be able to provide customers with high-performance, very low-embodied carbon stone wool insulation in addition to our existing glass wool insulation. The investment is a strong sign of commitment to delivering low-carbon light and sustainable solutions and meeting our own ambitious sustainability targets.” 

To keep up to date on the proposals local people can find out more and discover the plans in full detail at: www.saint-gobain.co.uk/stonewool.

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”. 

• €47.6 billion in sales in 2024
• 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
• Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050
• For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and follow us on X @saintgobain