US: Denmark-based Rockwool has commissioned its new Ranson stone wool insulation plant in Jefferson County, West Virginia and started commercial production. The company has hired 110 people to work at the 43,000m3 facility. It says that the plant will employ a total of 150 once production has ramped up in mid/late 2021. It is equipped with fuel-flexible melting technology, enabling operations to switch to natural gas from coal. This can reduce the plant’s CO2 emissions by 30%, according to the company.
Chief executive officer Jens Birgersson said “In the US, as in Europe and Asia, there is a growing demand for Rockwool’s non-combustible, recyclable stone wool insulation. The West Virginia facility will help meet that demand in North America. We are proud that our products play such an important role in reducing the energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with buildings, and do so in a safe, sustainable manner.”
