Rockwool to build a new production site in Soissons, France

Located on the outskirts of the town of Soissons in Hauts-de-France, the new production unit will use ROCKWOOL's advanced large-scale electric fusion technology. From an environmental point of view, this choice is particularly relevant in France where electricity is low carbon. The authorities have issued the environmental permit and construction is expected to begin in 2022. The start of operations is scheduled for 2024.

“This investment in new capacities will help meet the growing demand for our insulation products in France. Creating less energy-consuming buildings is an essential element in achieving French, European and global climate objectives and our product plays an important role in this. The use of electric fusion technology is also helping to achieve our own ambitious decarbonization goals ”, says Jens Birgersson, CEO of ROCKWOOL Group.

Electric fusion technology has been in use since 2020 at ROCKWOOL's production facility in Moss, Norway, where it has reduced carbon emissions by around 80%. As this technology can use large amounts of recycled materials, it will help create greater circularity in the construction industry. The Soissons plant will use this same technology but on a larger scale.

Throughout the preparation of the new production site project, ROCKWOOL was able to work in close collaboration with public authorities, both at national and local level. In particular, the Hauts-de-France Region and the Greater Soissons agglomeration community have provided important and valuable support to the realization of the ROCKWOOL project.

Le President of Business France and Ambassador for international investments Pascal Cagni underlines how the project fits into France's national plans, declaring: “France is committed to a considerable improvement in the energy efficiency of its building stock and to developing the circular economy. With Business France, we have been monitoring the new ROCKWOOL installation project since 2018 and we are delighted with this investment announcement in Soissons, which proves the attractiveness of our regions and of France as an industrial nation ”.

Rafael Rodriguez, Managing Director of ROCKWOOL France and Southern Europe, says : “We are delighted that our investment in Soissons allows us to better support the government's ambitious efforts as well as the social and economic development of local communities. With more than 40 years of industrial presence in France, this new installation is for us a new natural step in a market which continues to grow in importance ”.