Insulation industry news from Global Insulation
Search Insulation News
Rockwool’s sales grow from performance in Eastern Europe and North America
Written by Global Insulation staff
24 August 2017
Denmark: Rockwool’s sales have grown in the first half of 2017 due to sales of flat roof insulation in Eastern Europe and general building insulation in North America. Its net sales rose by 6.6% year-on-year to Euro1.12bn from Euro1.05bn.
"As expected, the sales price increases we're implementing are beginning to show,” said chief executive officer Jens Birgersson. “Pricing will continue to be a major focus going forward, and we see positive market developments in the second half of the year, including an increasing interest for fire safe stone wool products. With better visibility for the remainder of the year, we are also increasing our guidance for sales growth."
Knauf Insulation launches automated system for off-site construction
Written by Global Insulation staff
24 August 2017
UK: Knauf Insulation has launched a system to automate the installation of blown glass mineral wool during off-site manufacturing. The new system, called Supafil Frame, is intended to reduce the time required to insulate modular homes. Developed in conjunction with Stewart Milne Timber Systems, it blows un-bonded glass mineral wool into wall panels at the point of manufacture. The insulation producer says that the new system is the first application of its kind in the UK.
Supafil Frame has achieved a Gold rating for indoor air comfort from independent test body Eurofins. It has also been shortlisted in the Product Innovation category of the Structural Timber Awards and Building Awards.
Kingspan considering further acquisition in South America
Written by Global Insulation staff
22 August 2017
Ireland: Kingspan is considering making further acquisitions in South America. Chief executive Gene Murtagh said that the insulation producer may follow up investment in the origin after its purchase of a controlling stake in Colombia's Panelmet and a production plant in Mexico, according to the Irish Times newspaper. Murtagh added that the insulation producer is ‘always’ considering buying new companies but that ‘unreasonable’ sellers were holding up potential deals.
Insulated panels sales drive growth at Kingspan in first half of 2017
Written by Global Insulation staff
18 August 2017
Ireland: Sales in insulated panels have driven increases in sales revenue and earnings at Kingspan. Its revenue rose by 19% year-on-year to Euro1.75bn in the first half of 2017 from Euro1.47bn in the same period in 2016. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 6% to Euro209m from Euro197m. It attributed its growth to increasing demand for energy efficiency in Western Europe.
“The first six months of 2017 were strong for Kingspan,” said Gene Murtagh, chief executive of Kingspan. “We expect end market activity to be broadly positive for the remainder of the year and at current exchange rates to deliver a full-year result at least in line with consensus. While margins contracted somewhat, we anticipate further recovery of input increases in the second half. Our balance sheet is strong and ready to support our development agenda as the opportunities unfold.”
By region the group says it performed well in Western Europe, including the UK, as well as the US, Scandinavia and Australia. However, it reported problems in Central Europe and the Middle East.
Johns Manville launches CladStone Water & Fire Block Insulation
Written by Global Insulation staff
18 August 2017
US/Canada: Johns Manville (JM) has launched JM CladStone Water & Fire Block Insulation in the US and Canada. The mineral wool product is for use in cavity wall and rain screen applications. JM says that the product allows for the drainage of water from an exterior wall cavity system.
“We are committed to providing our customers with an array of products to meet the needs of any project, and that’s why we’re introducing JM CladStone Water & Fire Block Insulation, a non-combustible product designed to aid in managing moisture in continuous insulation systems,” said Tommy Knappich, Vice President and General Manager of Building Insulation at JM.