Insulation manufacturer ROCKWOOL has launched a new global centre of excellence for fire-stopping at Hams Hall, on the outskirts of Birmingham, where it will manufacture a new best-in-class range of products. Already well-known for its Euroclass A1 non-combustible stone wool insulation, this new multi-million pound investment builds ROCKWOOL’s in-house expertise on fire safety.
ROCKWOOL’s new fire-stopping range, which is due to launch this summer, will include coated batt, sealants, collars, wraps, pillows and socket boxes. With state-of-the-art equipment, the facility will enable ROCKWOOL to manage the product line from conception to delivery, and support ongoing innovation and the pursuit of industry-leading performance and sustainability.
Later this year, ROCKWOOL will also open a specialist training centre at the Hams Hall site to support partners in the construction industry. This will provide ROCKWOOL’s clients with the opportunity to experience product demonstrations, as well as having the chance to install ROCKWOOL’s fire-stopping, HVAC and fire protection products across a series of rigs set up to mirror a variety of common building applications.
Visitors to the centre will be able to bank these learning sessions as credits towards their Continual Professional Development (CPD).
This complements the company’s existing e-Learning platform for industry – ROCKWOOL Learning – which provides industry professionals with easy access to self-guided training modules, automatic CPD tracking and digital certification, all within a centralised hub for learning and development.
As the industry continues to adapt to the changes brought in by the Building Safety Act, ROCKWOOL believes this emphasis on supporting industry skills and competence is critical for supporting building performance and public safety.
To lead the centre of excellence as well as driving the company’s product and technical strategy across its full portfolio of services and solutions, ROCKWOOL is delighted to have hired industry expert Ben Peach, who has 20 years’ senior experience at the forefront of the UK’s fire-stopping industry.
Ben, who has taken up the role of Product and Technical Solutions Director at ROCKWOOL Ltd, said:
“I’m delighted to have joined ROCKWOOL at this critical time for fire safety in the UK. During my career, I have had the pleasure of working alongside the company and have seen first-hand the expertise and dedication across the team. Building on this with our new centre of excellence will support fire safety in the UK and further enhance ROCKWOOL’s ability to innovate and develop best-in-class products.”
This latest investment follows ROCKWOOL’s recent announcement of a land purchase in Peddimore, north east of Birmingham, with the aim of creating an additional UK stone wool insulation production site.
Nick Wilson, Managing Director of ROCKWOOL UK and Ireland, said: “Our new global centre of excellence heralds an exciting phase for ROCKWOOL. As well as furthering our ongoing commitment to industry best practice in fire safety, we are excited to be creating highly skilled jobs in this important sector.
“During the past 45 years, we have built a strong foundation at our site in South Wales, where we continue to manufacture and invest for the long-term, and we’re excited about what the future holds as we expand and invest into the West Midlands.”
