Latest news with #Knauf
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Knauf Insulation to invest $225.7m in new manufacturing facility in North Wales
Manufacturer Knauf Insulation has announced a £170m ($225.7m) investment for constructing a new manufacturing facility in Shotton, North Wales, UK. The plant will produce over 100,000 tonnes (t) of noncombustible rock mineral wool insulation annually, with additional employment opportunities in local supply chains. This development is expected to create around 140 direct jobs. The investment aligns with ongoing discussions at the UK-EU summit focused on economic growth and is supported by the UK and Welsh governments, as well as local leadership. The North Wales Growth Deal and the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone have been instrumental in securing Knauf Insulation's commitment to the region. Knauf Insulation's expansion in North Wales will enhance the advanced manufacturing cluster in the area. The Shotton facility will be constructed on land bought from Tata Steel's Deeside operations, about two miles from the Queensferry facility of Knauf. Subject to planning and environmental clearances, construction of the Shotton facility is expected to commence in 2026, with production aimed for late 2027. UK Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 'This £170m investment by Knauf Insulation is fantastic news for North Wales and our UK government mission to drive economic growth. 'This is a vote of confidence in the Welsh economy and our government's plan to make Britain the destination of choice for investment in industry.' Knauf Insulation Northern Europe managing director Neil Hargreaves said: 'Knauf Group has a proud history of manufacturing in Wales and this project aligns with the Welsh and UK government's commitment to sustainability and the industrial vision for North Wales and Deeside. 'Using UK-first Submerged Arc Furnace technology, the new factory will produce noncombustible, low embodied carbon, recyclable rock mineral wool insulation to support the need for safer, more energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.' Knauf Insulation provides a range of insulation solutions for all applications in commercial and residential buildings. In the broader context, the UK's Labour government committed to making decisions on at least 150 infrastructure projects and building 1.5 million homes as part of its 'Plan for Change' initiative last December. "Knauf Insulation to invest $225.7m in new manufacturing facility in North Wales" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
New £170m insulation factory in North Wales will deliver 140 jobs
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Flintshire has been named as the site for a new £170m factory making rock wool insulation products. Global manufacturer Knauf Insulation is to invest in a second manufacturing facility in Deeside. The state-of-the-art site in Shotton is expected to create around 140 jobs, with more in local supply chains. The development will produce more than 100,000 tonnes of non-combustible rock mineral wool insulation each year. It will be the first site in the UK's to incorporate a Submerged Arc Furnace (SAF), a specialised electrical heating system that has the potential to decarbonise energy-intensive rockwool production. The move signals Knauf Group's confidence in the future growth of mineral wool markets in the UK and northern Europe. For its new plant, the company had scouted UK sites before opting for Flintshire. Knauf already has a site on Deeside, having operated its huge Chemistry Lane plant in Queensferry since the mid 1980s. The company's announcement coincides with the UK-EU Summit taking place in London today (Monday, May 19). UK ministers are hosting the talks in the hope closer trading ties can be agreed with Europe. Neil Hargreaves, managing director of Knauf Insulation Northern Europe, said: 'Knauf Group has a proud history of manufacturing in Wales and this project aligns with the Welsh and UK Government's commitment to sustainability and the industrial vision for North Wales and Deeside. 'Using UK-first SAF technology, the new factory will produce non-combustible, low embodied carbon, recyclable rock mineral wool insulation to support the need for safer, more energy efficient and sustainable buildings.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Knauf Insulation is the UK's largest insulation manufacturer. Founded in 1979 as a US subsidiary of German building materials giant Knauf Group, the firm employs more than 6,000 people worldwide, including 600 at its three UK manufacturing plants in Cwmbran, St Helens and Queensferry. Last week Knauf Insulation hosted a ceremonial ground-breaking event at the company's new Shotton site. Among those taking part was Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, who said the firm's commitment to Deeside was 'great news' for North Wales. He added: 'The plans will be a major investment in the area and are a testament to the skills and facilities we have here.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Knauf began scouting for a suitable site for its SAF development last year. Supporting Shotton's case were local leaders and the Welsh Government. The decision to locate a second plant in the area has been welcomed by the North Wales Growth Deal, and the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone Wales Secretary Jo Stevens said the investment underscored the UK Government's commitment to economic growth through its Plan for Change - the six 'milestones' Labour wants to be judged upon at the next election. She said it was 'fantastic news' for North Wales, adding: 'This is a vote of confidence in the Welsh economy and our government's plan to make Britain the destination of choice for investment in industry.' Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
19-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
New £170m insulation factory in North Wales will deliver 140 jobs
Flintshire has been named as the site for a new £170m factory making rock wool insulation products. Global manufacturer Knauf Insulation is to invest in a second manufacturing facility in Deeside. The state-of-the-art site in Shotton is expected to create around 140 jobs, with more in local supply chains. The development will produce more than 100,000 tonnes of non-combustible rock mineral wool insulation each year. It will be the first site in the UK's to incorporate a Submerged Arc Furnace (SAF), a specialised electrical heating system that has the potential to decarbonise energy-intensive rockwool production. The move signals Knauf Group's confidence in the future growth of mineral wool markets in the UK and northern Europe. For its new plant, the company had scouted UK sites before opting for Flintshire. Knauf already has a site on Deeside, having operated its huge Chemistry Lane plant in Queensferry since the mid 1980s. The company's announcement coincides with the UK-EU Summit taking place in London today (Monday, May 19). UK ministers are hosting the talks in the hope closer trading ties can be agreed with Europe. Neil Hargreaves, managing director of Knauf Insulation Northern Europe, said: 'Knauf Group has a proud history of manufacturing in Wales and this project aligns with the Welsh and UK Government's commitment to sustainability and the industrial vision for North Wales and Deeside. 'Using UK-first SAF technology, the new factory will produce non-combustible, low embodied carbon, recyclable rock mineral wool insulation to support the need for safer, more energy efficient and sustainable buildings.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Knauf Insulation is the UK's largest insulation manufacturer. Founded in 1979 as a US subsidiary of German building materials giant Knauf Group, the firm employs more than 6,000 people worldwide, including 600 at its three UK manufacturing plants in Cwmbran, St Helens and Queensferry. Last week Knauf Insulation hosted a ceremonial ground-breaking event at the company's new Shotton site. Among those taking part was Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, who said the firm's commitment to Deeside was 'great news' for North Wales. He added: 'The plans will be a major investment in the area and are a testament to the skills and facilities we have here.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Knauf began scouting for a suitable site for its SAF development last year. Supporting Shotton's case were local leaders and the Welsh Government. The decision to locate a second plant in the area has been welcomed by the North Wales Growth Deal, and the Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone Wales Secretary Jo Stevens said the investment underscored the UK Government's commitment to economic growth through its Plan for Change - the six 'milestones' Labour wants to be judged upon at the next election. She said it was 'fantastic news' for North Wales, adding: 'This is a vote of confidence in the Welsh economy and our government's plan to make Britain the destination of choice for investment in industry.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince William's public dig at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shows he ‘doesn't care' what they think: experts
Prince William is sending out an undeniable message to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Jason Knauf, the former royal aide who accused the Duchess of Sussex of bullying, was recently named CEO of The Earthshot Prize, William's key environmental organization. "Prince William's decision to make Jason Knauf, the former private secretary of the Sussexes, the CEO of his most prestigious project will infuriate Harry and Meghan," royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed to Fox News Digital. "It is impossible to avoid feeling that this is precisely what William intended." King Charles Won't Hand Throne To Prince William As Monarchy Shake-up Could Spark 'Crisis': Experts "As far as the Sussexes are concerned, [Knauf] undoubtedly has pariah status," Fitzwilliams claimed. "[But] William is clearly showing he doesn't care about what his brother thinks, much less Meghan. "… The royal rift seems permanent," he added. Read On The Fox News App A statement posted on April 17 revealed that the organization's current CEO, Hannah Jones, will depart from the post this summer after four years. Knauf immediately joined Earthshot and will work with his predecessor in the coming months. "As the first CEO, Hannah has built The Prize into a world-class organization with an incredible team delivering an annual Prize, powering a platform for speeding solutions to scale, and catalyzing a movement to encourage young people, spark imaginations and infuse urgent optimism across the world," said William, 42, in a statement. "As we look ahead to the future of The Prize and the urgent work needed to scale more inspiring solutions to the world's greatest challenges, I look forward to working with Jason to chart the course for the next five years of the Earthshot Prize and beyond," he added. British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital this announcement is significant. "It [represents] Jason's stalwart support of the family during the bullying scandal," she claimed. "This is a clear signal as to the legitimacy of all the bullying reports, damning to Meghan Markle." Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter "While every royal has had issues regarding those they can trust, Prince William, having been betrayed by his brother, is wary and has deeper trust issues," Fordwich claimed. "Jason remains one of his closest confidantes, a trusted advisor and a member of his inner circle due to his discretion during difficult times." In February, Knauf gave a rare, televised interview shortly before the Duchess of Sussex launched her Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan." When asked by "60 Minutes Australia" about the sudden public attention he received after the bullying allegations went public, Knauf said, "I think it's tough, but it's probably quite good. You know, as someone who has been helping other people through how to deal with the public eye, you probably have to take your own medicine sometimes." "You can't choose just to take the fun stuff in any job, and that applies to the prince and princess as well as everyone else working for them," he said. "So, I wouldn't change anything." At the time, Fox News Digital reached out to Kensington Palace and Archewell, which handles the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for comment about Knauf's interview. For seven years, Knauf, an American, worked at "the highest levels of the royal family," The Times UK reported. During his time at the palace, Knauf was in charge of communications for Meghan and Prince Harry, as well as William and Kate Middleton. Like What You're Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News The outlet noted that in 2016, Knauf was in charge of protecting Meghan from the relentless British tabloids once her romance with Harry came to light. Knauf described the couple's 2018 wedding as an "amazing, magical experience." However, the outlet noted that five months after the royal wedding, Knauf wrote an incendiary email accusing the former American actress of bullying palace staff. Knauf wrote to Simon Case, his boss and William's private secretary, that there were "some very serious problems" with Meghan's behavior. In the emails, Knauf claimed that Meghan bullied two palace aides out of the household "in the past year." There were also allegations that Megan "undermined the confidence" of a third staff member. "The duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights," the outlet quoted him as writing. "She is bullying X and seeking to undermine her confidence. We have report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behavior." The outlet reported that Knauf felt "it seemed possible" that Meghan could turn on him next. It shared that Knauf resigned a month later but was promptly rehired to work for William and Kate as a special adviser and chief executive of their Royal Foundation. The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had their offices split before Meghan and Harry made their royal exit. WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON, PRINCE WILLIAM 'PLANNING THEIR LEGACY AMID 'ENDGAME' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020 and moved to California. They cited the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media, as well as lack of support from the palace, for their royal exit. In 2021, just days before Meghan and Harry's televised interview with Oprah Winfrey aired, Valentine Low broke the story of the bullying allegations. Meghan's team strongly refuted the claims. "The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma," a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital at the time. "She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good." A spokesperson for the Sussexes also told The Times, "Let's just call this what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation." The Times reported that Knauf resigned from his job working for William and Kate in 2021. At the time, his husband had accepted a diplomatic post abroad. Still, King Charles gave him a rare honor that's bestowed only for "exceptional service to the monarchy." Before Knauf was appointed CEO of Earthshot, he was on the board of trustees. British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that "now more than ever," William "values and surrounds himself with professional and trustworthy people." "Trust is the integral glue in William's life," Chard explained. "… Prince Harry has repeatedly voiced grievances and leaked information about his family to the press, leading to a breakdown of their relationship and all trust. "Jason Knauf has proved himself as a trustworthy, professional, valuable team player and leader. He excelled working for the Prince and Princess of Wales… Jason's care, empathy and work ethic resonated with thankful William. It is hardly surprising that he has now been appointed CEO of The Earthshot Prize." In 2022, Buckingham Palace announced it had completed a review into the handling of the bullying allegations. However, they declined to share the results of the investigation. Chard believes that Knauf's latest role "also endorses that he was correct with the bullying allegations." "… Harry and Meghan may be looking over their shoulders, wondering what new information could be unearthed referencing the bullying claims," she said. "One thing is for sure, Prince William, surprised that blood isn't always thicker than water, champions trustworthy, supportive people." Prince Harry's 'Worst Fears' Realized In Uk Security Battle Low previously told Fox News Digital in 2023 that he stood by his reporting. "The important thing is we all know they're quite litigious," he said, referring to the Sussexes. "But despite getting several strongly worded letters from their lawyers before we published — after we published, we didn't hear a word from them. So that speaks volumes, too." Low's book "Courtiers" also alleged that "relations between the couple and some of their senior staff became so fractious that William's private secretary had to step in to help keep the peace." Low also claimed that some former staff still had difficulty discussing their experiences. Some would even refer to themselves as members of "The Sussex Survivors' Club." WATCH: MEGHAN MARKLE AND PRINCE HARRY ACTED LIKE A COUPLE OF TEENAGERS, PALACE SOURCES ALLEGE IN EXPLOSIVE NEW BOOK When Low's book was published in 2023, reps for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex didn't immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace previously told Fox News Digital they generally do not comment "on such books." The Times noted that Knauf remains close to the Prince and Princess of Wales. "If anyone knows where the Megxit bodies are buried, it's a fully paid-up member of the Sussex Survivors Club: Jason Knauf," the outlet article source: Prince William's public dig at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shows he 'doesn't care' what they think: experts
Fox News
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Prince William's public dig at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shows he ‘doesn't care' what they think: experts
Prince William is sending out an undeniable message to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Jason Knauf, the former royal aide who accused the Duchess of Sussex of bullying, was recently named CEO of The Earthshot Prize, William's key environmental organization. "Prince William's decision to make Jason Knauf, the former private secretary of the Sussexes, the CEO of his most prestigious project will infuriate Harry and Meghan," royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed to Fox News Digital. "It is impossible to avoid feeling that this is precisely what William intended." "As far as the Sussexes are concerned, [Knauf] undoubtedly has pariah status," Fitzwilliams claimed. "[But] William is clearly showing he doesn't care about what his brother thinks, much less Meghan. "… The royal rift seems permanent," he added. A statement posted on April 17 revealed that the organization's current CEO, Hannah Jones, will depart from the post this summer after four years. Knauf immediately joined Earthshot and will work with his predecessor in the coming months. "As the first CEO, Hannah has built The Prize into a world-class organization with an incredible team delivering an annual Prize, powering a platform for speeding solutions to scale, and catalyzing a movement to encourage young people, spark imaginations and infuse urgent optimism across the world," said William, 42, in a statement. "As we look ahead to the future of The Prize and the urgent work needed to scale more inspiring solutions to the world's greatest challenges, I look forward to working with Jason to chart the course for the next five years of the Earthshot Prize and beyond," he added. British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital this announcement is significant. "It [represents] Jason's stalwart support of the family during the bullying scandal," she claimed. "This is a clear signal as to the legitimacy of all the bullying reports, damning to Meghan Markle." "While every royal has had issues regarding those they can trust, Prince William, having been betrayed by his brother, is wary and has deeper trust issues," Fordwich claimed. "Jason remains one of his closest confidantes, a trusted advisor and a member of his inner circle due to his discretion during difficult times." In February, Knauf gave a rare, televised interview shortly before the Duchess of Sussex launched her Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan." When asked by "60 Minutes Australia" about the sudden public attention he received after the bullying allegations went public, Knauf said, "I think it's tough, but it's probably quite good. You know, as someone who has been helping other people through how to deal with the public eye, you probably have to take your own medicine sometimes." "You can't choose just to take the fun stuff in any job, and that applies to the prince and princess as well as everyone else working for them," he said. "So, I wouldn't change anything." At the time, Fox News Digital reached out to Kensington Palace and Archewell, which handles the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for comment about Knauf's interview. For seven years, Knauf, an American, worked at "the highest levels of the royal family," The Times UK reported. During his time at the palace, Knauf was in charge of communications for Meghan and Prince Harry, as well as William and Kate Middleton. The outlet noted that in 2016, Knauf was in charge of protecting Meghan from the relentless British tabloids once her romance with Harry came to light. Knauf described the couple's 2018 wedding as an "amazing, magical experience." However, the outlet noted that five months after the royal wedding, Knauf wrote an incendiary email accusing the former American actress of bullying palace staff. Knauf wrote to Simon Case, his boss and William's private secretary, that there were "some very serious problems" with Meghan's behavior. In the emails, Knauf claimed that Meghan bullied two palace aides out of the household "in the past year." There were also allegations that Megan "undermined the confidence" of a third staff member. "The duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights," the outlet quoted him as writing. "She is bullying X and seeking to undermine her confidence. We have report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behavior." The outlet reported that Knauf felt "it seemed possible" that Meghan could turn on him next. It shared that Knauf resigned a month later but was promptly rehired to work for William and Kate as a special adviser and chief executive of their Royal Foundation. The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had their offices split before Meghan and Harry made their royal exit. WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON, PRINCE WILLIAM 'PLANNING THEIR LEGACY AMID 'ENDGAME' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020 and moved to California. They cited the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media, as well as lack of support from the palace, for their royal exit. In 2021, just days before Meghan and Harry's televised interview with Oprah Winfrey aired, Valentine Low broke the story of the bullying allegations. Meghan's team strongly refuted the claims. "The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma," a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital at the time. "She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good." A spokesperson for the Sussexes also told The Times, "Let's just call this what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation." The Times reported that Knauf resigned from his job working for William and Kate in 2021. At the time, his husband had accepted a diplomatic post abroad. Still, King Charles gave him a rare honor that's bestowed only for "exceptional service to the monarchy." Before Knauf was appointed CEO of Earthshot, he was on the board of trustees. British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that "now more than ever," William "values and surrounds himself with professional and trustworthy people." "Trust is the integral glue in William's life," Chard explained. "… Prince Harry has repeatedly voiced grievances and leaked information about his family to the press, leading to a breakdown of their relationship and all trust. "Jason Knauf has proved himself as a trustworthy, professional, valuable team player and leader. He excelled working for the Prince and Princess of Wales… Jason's care, empathy and work ethic resonated with thankful William. It is hardly surprising that he has now been appointed CEO of The Earthshot Prize." In 2022, Buckingham Palace announced it had completed a review into the handling of the bullying allegations. However, they declined to share the results of the investigation. Chard believes that Knauf's latest role "also endorses that he was correct with the bullying allegations." "… Harry and Meghan may be looking over their shoulders, wondering what new information could be unearthed referencing the bullying claims," she said. "One thing is for sure, Prince William, surprised that blood isn't always thicker than water, champions trustworthy, supportive people." Low previously told Fox News Digital in 2023 that he stood by his reporting. "The important thing is we all know they're quite litigious," he said, referring to the Sussexes. "But despite getting several strongly worded letters from their lawyers before we published — after we published, we didn't hear a word from them. So that speaks volumes, too." Low's book "Courtiers" also alleged that "relations between the couple and some of their senior staff became so fractious that William's private secretary had to step in to help keep the peace." Low also claimed that some former staff still had difficulty discussing their experiences. Some would even refer to themselves as members of "The Sussex Survivors' Club." WATCH: MEGHAN MARKLE AND PRINCE HARRY ACTED LIKE A COUPLE OF TEENAGERS, PALACE SOURCES ALLEGE IN EXPLOSIVE NEW BOOK When Low's book was published in 2023, reps for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex didn't immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace previously told Fox News Digital they generally do not comment "on such books." The Times noted that Knauf remains close to the Prince and Princess of Wales. "If anyone knows where the Megxit bodies are buried, it's a fully paid-up member of the Sussex Survivors Club: Jason Knauf," the outlet added.
