Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns has celebrated 40 years of a leading Welsh ‘green’ business, speaking at Rockwool UK’s 40th anniversary to highlight the business’ history, growth and success during his keynote speech.
Discussing the issue of climate change, the Secretary of State welcomed the firm’s commitment to developing more efficient buildings, reducing household energy bills and boosting economic growth. Addressing Rockwool UK employees, supply chain members and key stakeholders, he also said to the audience that the UK Government is working hard to create the right conditions for economic growth through the modern Industrial Strategy which is intended to prioritise investment in skills, industries and infrastructure.
From a “humble beginning” in a factory near Bridgend in 1979, Rockwool UK has gone onto produce and export sustainable volcanic rock insulation products to countries across the UK and the world. It now employs nearly 500 staff across the UK, the majority of whom are based in Bridgend, and this growth and success has not only created a strong supply chain across south Wales and the south east of England but has also led to the development of a new logistics hub at the Pencoed site, securing an additional 115 jobs within the past year.
Mr Cairns noted the company’s commitment to clean growth, highlighting that by using only natural and sustainable volcanic rock for its products, the thriving south Wales business is tackling one of the biggest challenges facing society as set out in the UK Government’s modern Industrial Strategy.
At the reception, the Welsh Secretary said: “As we face one of the biggest universal challenges in climate change, Rockwool UK is seizing the opportunity to lead the way in finding the solutions to these questions.Using only natural and sustainable volcanic rock for its products, they are 97% recyclable and deliver energy savings within five months of installation. It is a shining example to businesses across Wales and the Union.”
Darryl Matthews, Managing Director of Rockwool UK said: “We are proud to be celebrating our 40th anniversary in the UK. Now more than ever, homes and businesses are looking to address energy efficiency, fire safety, and noise in the built environment with our recyclable volcanic rock insulation. We are growing as a result, with 115 new staff over the last year alone.
“We are delighted that the Secretary of State for Wales has been able to join us as we celebrate this occasion in our history and the fantastic social and economic contribution made by businesses all across South Wales.”
