Knauf Insulation open new plant in Lannemezan - 20.7.10
The opening of Knauf Insulation's new plant in Lannemezan in May
2010 represents a new standard in insulation manufacturing. Not
only will the new hi-tech plant increase the capacity needed to
meet the higher demand for our new generation of mineral wool with
ECOSE® Technology, making it the largest single GMW
production line in Europe, but it will be the most sustainable of
all Knauf Insulation plants.
Environmentally conscious
Over 130 million Euros were invested in the plant, including the
installation of photovoltaic roofs which will serve to generate 420
MWh/an towards the energy requirements of the plant. Furthermore,
the Lannemezan plant puts sustainability at the core of its
business practice through its oxy-gas oven, double filtering
systems, water recycling system and a higher input of recycled
content in the manufacturing process. Furthermore, the areas
requiring insulation have been insulated with Knauf Insulation’s
new generation of mineral wool with ECOSE Technology, the
formaldehyde-free binder technology that delivers superior
environmental sustainability. The visual aspects of the site were
kept in mind and as such it was constructed with minimum visual
impact, incorporating rural features such green open spaces and
over 300 different varieties of trees.
Socially and economically valuable
The position of the plant on the Pyrenees border means there is
significant reduction in transport costs and a better delivery
service to clients in Western Europe. Furthermore, the plant will
employ more than 135 people and will supply the French as well as
Spanish, Italian and Portuguese markets making it socially as well
as economically beneficial to the area. The industrial site stands
at 20ha, with the possibility to extend over an additional 10ha,
should KI wish to expand further. This, along with the employment
generated by the construction of the Lannemezan plant, has brought
new life to the region, and Knauf Insulation has received an
excellent reception from local authorities.
A new standard
The Lannemezan plant is one of the most innovative in respect to
its mitigation of environmental impacts and has been constructed to
produce GMW with our revolutionary new bio-based binder ECOSE
Technology. This GMW with ECOSE Technology produced at Lannemezan
will preserve more than 200 times the energy used to produce it,
requiring one seventh of the energy used to make the bricks in a
wall insulated to R=3 level.
This truly represents the new economic standard in insulation
manufacturing brought by Knauf Insulation as it becomes a world
leader in energy efficiency systems for buildings.
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