Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Ireland: Xtratherm has agreed to acquire Ballytherm’s Ireland and UK operations. The businesses include one polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation plant in Ballyconnell, County Cavan and a new production unit that the company is preparing to open at Ross-on-Wye in the UK. The expansion is intended to expand the operations of Unilin Insulation, the owner of Xtratherm, in the UK and Ireland.

Barry Rafferty, the managing director of Xtratherm, said “The acquisition of Ballytherm, along with additional investment in new technologies will allow Xtratherm to deliver on operational excellence, new product innovations and improved service that will contribute towards a stronger and more sustainable future for our employees, customers and the construction sector in the UK and Ireland.” At present Xtratherm operates two foam insulation plants in Ireland and the UK respectively.

The proposed acquisition will be subject to the approval of competition authorities in Ireland. The transaction is expected to complete by the end of 2021.

UK: The Construction Leadership Council and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy have named Knauf Insulation UK & Ireland a ‘Business Champion’ under the CO₂nstruct Zero building industry decarbonisation transition initiative. The status signifies demonstrated leadership in promoting best practice to reduce construction’s carbon footprint.

Northern Europe regional managing director Neil Hargreaves said “Net zero is a colossal challenge, and to achieve it will require unprecedented collaboration. As the biggest supplier of insulation into newbuild homes in the UK and the nation’s only manufacturer of both glass and stone Wool, we have an important role to play.” He added “We look forward to working with our partners across the supply chain to create a built environment that’s fit for the future. Improved insulation will be at the heart of UK construction’s efforts to decarbonise.”