SAINT-GOBAIN UK 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. This continues a long of history of manufacturing at the site, which began in 1878.

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, ensuring the continued employment of generations of local people. The manufacturing facility will invest in cutting-edge technology, including the use of all-electric melting technology to power the furnace, powered by renewable electricity. Initially producing 50,000 tonnes of high-performance stone wool insulation products under the 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. This investment will help customers reduce the embodied carbon of construction projects and support and Saint-Gobain’s goal to be a net-zero carbon business by 2050 across scopes 1, 2 and 3.

Chris Williams, Major Projects Manager, at Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland said: ‘Since announcing our plans for future manufacturing investment in the town the Borough Council have been extremely supportive. They have provided opportunities to discuss the plans at the highest level, been open and collaborative in discussions, supported us in consulting the community and helping us to understand how the Council can assist with wider arrangements such as future employment of local people. They clearly have an understanding of what business needs to invest – openness, can-do approach, and availability of the right people at the right time to support discussions.”