18 June 2009

The Rockwool Group opens new 100 million Euro production site in Canada

Capacity is doubled and 100 new green jobs created. The Rockwool Group stands well prepared to benefit from the huge potential for energy efficiency improvements in North American buildings.

Ribboncutting from left: Trent Ogilvie, Roxul Inc.; Eelco van Heel, Rockwool International A/S; Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty; Milton Mayor Gordon Krantz.

The Rockwool Group has invested 100 million Euro to double its production capacity in North America. The investment creates a strong platform from which to exploit the huge po-tential for improving energy efficiency and CO2 performance of North American buildings.

Historically, stone wool insulation has only been used to a limited degree in Canada and the USA. But the rapidly increasing demand for more energy efficient buildings and reductions in CO2 emissions has significantly strengthened the focus on the benefits of stone wool.

“During past years, we have become familiar with the market and have built the basis for our business in North America. Currently, the market for stone wool insulation is only around 5%, but I fully expect to contribute in growing that share to 20-25% over the next few years,” says Eelco van Heel, CEO of the Rockwool Group. The total insulation market in North America is estimated to be around 5.4 billion Euro.

100 new green jobs created

The recent opening of the factory in Toronto, Ontario, has been followed with great interest by both the Canadian authorities and the press. At a time when industry in general is under pressure, and the demand for sustainable green jobs has become a high profile issue on the political agenda for economic growth, the establishment of the Rockwool Group’s new production site is welcomed as a sign of optimism. The Ontario authorities have actively supported Rockwool’s building activities and have also participated in its funding through an interest-free loan of 10 million Canadian Dollars.

The head of the Ontario provincial government, Premier Dalton McGuinty, participated in the opening ceremony and was extremely positive. This is not only because the Rockwool Group’s investment means up to 100 new jobs in the area, but also the fact that the production of energy saving insulation products is based on green technology and the recycling of waste products.

“This is great for the environment – and it is great for the economy,” he said from the podium.

Danish companies in North American energy offensive

In a number of areas, Canada has taken the lead in focusing efforts on assuring climate friendly growth. As an example, the province of Ontario passed the “Green Energy Act” in May which promotes the development of green energy and energy efficiency. Meanwhile in the USA, the ideas behind President Obama’s “New Green Deal” indicate growing opportunities for Danish companies specialising in energy and climate friendly technology.

“Our bridgehead in the North American market has now been significantly strengthened and we are very optimistic,” says Rockwool CEO Eelco van Heel.