Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

US: The US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has begun investigating Kingspan Insulated Panels following allegations of anti-trade union behaviour. The Irish Times newspaper has reported that the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) lodged complaints citing unfair labour practices at a plant in California.

Kingspan rebutted the claims, which it says are designed to damage its reputation after it refused to sign a neutrality agreement with unions. The producer says that the agreement in question would infringe upon its employees' privacy and voting rights.

North America: Knauf Insulation has launched its new Knauf Performance+ range of glass wool insulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning applications. The launch of the range, which is asthma and allergy friendly and formaldehyde-free, coincided with the start of Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month on 1 May 2024.

Knauf Insulation said “In a world where indoor air is two-to-five times more polluted than outdoor air, improving indoor air quality is critical.” Senior vice president sales, marketing and innovation Nathan Walker added “By the end of 2024, Knauf commits to eliminating formaldehyde from all its remaining products. This move sets a new standard in the production of high-performing building materials.”

US: The National Insulation Association (NIA) has announced its new appointments to its executive committee and board of directors for 2024. Johns Manville’s senior industrial product manager Jack Bittner takes over as NIA president, with Performance Contracting’s senior vice president operations Rick Sutphin serving as president elect. Thermal Solutions’ president John Stevens will be NIA secretary and treasurer, and Systems Undercover’s operations manager Lee Stuckenschmidt will be assistant treasurer.

Representing different regions of the US on the board, Brian Willett of Gribbins Insulation Company will serve the Central States Association, Rick Baptista of Irex Contracting Group will serve the Eastern States Insulation Contractors Association, Matt Hymer of Midwest Materials will serve the Midwest Insulation Contractors Association, Matt Caldwell of Caldwell Insulation will serve the Southeastern Insulation Contractors Association, David Patrick of Specialty Products & Insulation will serve the Southwest Insulation Contractors Association and Shawn Reichenbach of Performance Contracting will serve the Western Insulation Contractors Association.

Russia: Knauf is seeking to transfer its ‘entire business in Russia’ to its local management, pending the approval of Russian authorities. The Kyiv Independent newspaper has reported that Knauf elected for the transfer in order to protect the jobs of 4000 employees in the country.

Germany/Ukraine: The Würzburg Prosecutor's Office has opened a preliminary investigation into Knauf over its alleged involvement in the on-going reconstruction of Russian-occupied Mariupol. The investigation will seek to establish whether an ‘initial suspicion’ of criminal activity exists. Germany-based media outlet ARD published its allegation of Knauf’s involvement in the reconstruction via the use of its materials earlier in April 2024.

The producer denied the allegations, adding that it complies with relevant laws and sanctions.