ROCKWOOL launches new fire-stopping facility in the UK
Iain Hoey
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ROCKWOOL announces new Birmingham fire-stopping hub
ROCKWOOL has announced the launch of a global centre of excellence for fire-stopping at Hams Hall, near Birmingham, according to the company.
The centre will manufacture a new range of fire-stopping products and offer hands-on training to support compliance with UK fire safety regulations.
ROCKWOOL stated that its fire-stopping range will include coated batt, sealants, collars, wraps, pillows and socket boxes, and is expected to launch in summer 2025.
The company explained that the facility will use in-house processes and equipment to manage products from concept through to delivery.
It added that the centre will also serve as a site for ongoing product development and technical innovation.
New products to be launched from the site
According to ROCKWOOL, the upcoming fire-stopping range builds on its existing Euroclass A1 non-combustible stone wool insulation portfolio.
The company said the centre would allow it to integrate manufacturing, product testing and quality control within a single UK-based site.
It added that the new range is designed to meet both performance and sustainability targets.
ROCKWOOL stated that the move forms part of a wider technical strategy intended to support new product development under changing UK building safety regulations.
The company confirmed that it will manage every stage of the new product line internally at the Birmingham site.
Training centre will support industry partners
ROCKWOOL said that a specialist training facility will open later this year at the Hams Hall location to support skills development within the construction industry.
According to the company, the centre will provide live demonstrations and guided installation sessions on fire-stopping, HVAC and fire protection products.
It explained that the facility will feature product rigs that mirror various typical building applications.
The company added that attendees will be able to count training hours as credits toward their CPD records.
ROCKWOOL also highlighted that the new site will complement its existing online learning platform, ROCKWOOL Learning.
According to the company, this digital platform offers modular self-learning, automated CPD tracking and certification for industry professionals.
Senior appointment to lead technical development
ROCKWOOL stated that Ben Peach has been appointed as Product and Technical Solutions Director at ROCKWOOL Ltd.
Peach has more than two decades of experience in the UK fire-stopping sector, the company noted.
He will be responsible for overseeing the new centre of excellence and leading technical strategy across ROCKWOOL’s product portfolio.
Ben Peach said: “I’m delighted to have joined ROCKWOOL at this critical time for fire safety in the UK.
“I have had the pleasure of working alongside the company and have seen first-hand the expertise and dedication across the team.
“Building on this with our new centre of excellence will support fire safety in the UK and further enhance ROCKWOOL’s ability to innovate and develop best-in-class products.”
Expansion continues with West Midlands investment
According to ROCKWOOL, the launch of the fire-stopping centre follows a recent land acquisition in Peddimore, located to the north east of Birmingham.
The company said it intends to develop a new UK stone wool insulation manufacturing site at the location.
Nick Wilson, Managing Director of ROCKWOOL UK and Ireland, said: “Our new global centre of excellence heralds an exciting phase for ROCKWOOL.
“As well as furthering our ongoing commitment to industry best practice in fire safety, we are excited to be creating highly skilled jobs in this important sector.
“During the past 45 years, we have built a strong foundation at our site in South Wales, where we continue to manufacture and invest for the long-term, and we’re excited about what the future holds as we expand and invest into the West Midlands.”
ROCKWOOL launches new fire-stopping facility in the UK: Summary
ROCKWOOL has opened a global centre of excellence for fire-stopping in Hams Hall, near Birmingham.
The new site will produce a fire-stopping product line, including coated batt, wraps and sealants.
The product range is expected to launch in summer 2025.
ROCKWOOL will manage product design, testing and delivery at the new facility.
A training centre at the site will support construction professionals through CPD-accredited sessions.
ROCKWOOL Learning, the company’s digital training platform, will remain active alongside the new facility.
Ben Peach has joined ROCKWOOL Ltd as Product and Technical Solutions Director.
Peach will lead the new site and oversee technical strategy across the product range.
The investment follows ROCKWOOL’s recent land purchase in Peddimore for future expansion.
ROCKWOOL’s UK operations also include a long-standing manufacturing base in South Wales.