International manufacturer Knauf Insulation has unveiled plans to build a £170m production facility in Shotton, North Wales, creating around 140 jobs.
The state-of-the-art plant will produce more than 100,000 tonnes of non-combustible rock mineral wool insulation annually, with additional employment expected across local supply chains.
The development coincides with a UK-EU summit in London and forms part of wider UK Government efforts to boost economic growth through inward investment.
Knauf Insulation Northern Europe managing director Neil Hargreaves said the project aligns with UK and Welsh government sustainability goals and their industrial strategy for Deeside.
The factory will feature a submerged arc furnace – a first for the UK – to produce low embodied carbon, recyclable insulation products. These will contribute to safer, more energy-efficient building design.
The announcement follows joint efforts from the UK and Welsh Governments, including support through the North Wales Growth Deal and the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone.
Welsh secretary Jo Stevens said the investment demonstrated confidence in the Welsh economy. Cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales Ken Skates said ministers would continue to support delivery of the scheme.
Baroness Gustafsson of Chesterton CBE, UK minister for investment, said the factory would strengthen North Wales’ advanced manufacturing sector and help deliver the UK’s forthcoming industrial strategy, which prioritises advanced manufacturing as one of eight key sectors.
Knauf already operates a plant in North Wales. The expansion strengthens the advanced manufacturing cluster in the region.
Source: Gov.uk