Knauf Insulation starts production of GMW in its new plant at Lannemezan

The opening of Knauf Insulation's new plant in Lannemezan in summer 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. 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 this space, 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.