Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

US: Holcim US has signed a deal to acquire advanced insulation systems producer Ox Engineered Products for US$136m. Switzerland-based Holcim says that the deal is scheduled for completion later in 2024. Ox Engineered Products’ product range includes IsoREDCi polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation and Ox-IS and Strong-R insulated structural sheathing.

Holcim CEO Miljan Gutovic said "Ox Engineered Products is the ideal addition to Holcim’s business in North America, with its complementary range of proprietary technologies and trusted brands. Its premium solutions enable us to offer the full suite of building envelope systems to our North America customers, from residential to commercial applications. I warmly welcome all 210 employees of Ox Engineered Products to the Holcim family."

Sweden: Owens Corning subsidiary Paroc has applied to expand its Hällekis insulation plant to 115,000t/yr of stone wool production capacity as part of an on-going upgrade. Nordic Daily News has reported that the company is also electrifying the plant and implementing recycled raw materials use. When commissioned, the upgraded plant will process 100,000t/yr of recycled minerals.

UK: A team at the University of Exeter in Devon is investigating possible types of insulation for small-scale farms to produce using byproducts from crop harvests. The project, supported by construction engineering firm Local Works Studio, is part of the Ecological Citizens Network. It is intended to bolster rural economies, address industrial labour shortages and advance sustainable construction. Farmers Guide News has reported that an accompanying podcast and other publications will help to generate engagement.

Team leader Caroline Nye said "Participation and employment in a pioneering, environmentally sensitive new industry, centred in the countryside, could foster a closer engagement of deprived rural communities with the land and bring the benefits of a distributed local economy."