Australasian insulation firm to build new plant in Melbourne

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Kingspan Insulation, Australia’s leading manufacturer of rigid board insulation for the building sector, has announced that it will invest more than $30 million in the construction of a new plant in Somerton, Victoria.

The plant, due for completion in the final quarter of 2016, will create 50 new jobs in Melbourne’s northern region, and will have the capacity to service demand for high performance insulation in Australia, New Zealand and South-east Asia.

Managing director Scott Gibson says the new plant demonstrates Kingspan’s confidence in the Australasian market for locally produced, technologically advanced thermal insulation products.

“We take great pride in this project, which will be a shining example of how high-quality Australian manufacturing processes can be globally competitive,” Mr Gibson says.

“Local manufacturing ensures faster and more responsive materials handling, swifter deliveries to clients, and uncompromising quality control at every stage of production. Naturally, we are also thrilled to be able to provide local employment opportunities.”

 

Advanced manufacturing technology

The new plant will produce rigid Kooltherm phenolic board insulation, featuring Kingspan’s own advanced Kooltherm manufacturing technology.

Kooltherm is Australia’s leading rigid board insulation brand, and is used in a huge array of residential, commercial and industrial buildings as an alternative to conventional bulk fibre insulation products, and temperature-sensitive polystyrene insulation boards.

Renowned architect Tone Wheeler has been engaged, along with local firm Watson Young Architects and Corplex Builders, to deliver the Somerton facility, which will showcase 5 Star Green Star efficiencies, including high-performance insulation throughout, energy-saving smart lighting, and an 800 kW solar renewable energy system.

Kingspan has a global target of net zero emissions for all its manufacturing facilities by 2020, and the new Somerton plant will contribute directly to this goal.

The Federal Government, in partnership with the Government of Victoria, has contributed $3 million to the project as part of the “Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund” (MNIIF).

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