Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

UK: Matilda's Planet, a company that develops and manufactures domestic energy-saving products, is hoping to create 55 new jobs after launching its latest insulation system for solid-walled homes. Matilda's Planet said that it will be able to increase manufacturing capacity at its Kenfig Hill plant, near Port Talbot, following a multi-million euro investment backed by Euro565,472 business finance from the Welsh Government.

The extra capacity will be used to produce its Matilda's Blanket product, which was developed in-house using patented technology and is designed to insulate older stone or brick houses that have no cavity walls. It is estimated there are around eight million solid wall homes in the UK that have no insulation, while 34% of homes in Wales were built prior to 1919, before cavity walls became the norm.

Matilda's Blanket uses a slim-line modular panel system which differs from most existing products on the market. The material is stronger than traditional wallboard while each system is made-to-measure using computer-aided design, pre-fabricated and delivered in kit form, so a room can be fully fitted and decorated in a day. Matilda's Blanket has been tested and measured by organisations such as the National Physical Laboratory and the Energy Saving Trust and has been credited with cutting fuel bills typically by around 40%.

"We wanted to keep it in Wales and Welsh Government support ensured it was viable to do so," said David Evans, founder of Matilda's Planet. "We look forward to ramping up production, launching Matilda's Blanket and creating local jobs."