Knauf Insulation is to build a €120 million plant in Malaysia to meet demand for its mineral wool insulation solutions in the Asia Pacific region.
The plant will be located in Johor Bahru in the southern part of the country and have a capacity of 75,000 tonnes a year. The plant is scheduled to be completed in early 2020 and will create 180 jobs in Malaysia as well as a further 60 new positions across the region.
“We have seen record sales due to increasing energy costs across Asia and more stringent energy-saving building regulations in countries such as Australia, Japan and Korea,” said Stuart Dunbar, Regional General Manager for the Asia Pacific Region at Knauf Insulation.
“This is a reflection of the growing preference our customers have for the exceptional quality, performance, ease of handling and sustainability of our solutions.”
The facility will build on this success providing a competitive edge for the company as well as advantages for customers. It will feature new technology and control equipment making it one of the most efficient and sustainable insulation plants in the Asia Pacific region.
The plant will use up to 80% post-consumer recycled glass in the manufacturing process and feature Knauf’s high compression packaging. All products will be made using Knauf’s bio-based binder, ECOSE Technology.
The facility will offer customers services and a wider product range for residential and non-residential buildings specifically tailored for the Asia Pacific market, as well as solutions for HVAC systems and domestic appliances such as ovens, cars and fridges.
Shipping logistics from Malaysia will also enable Knauf to develop new distribution partnerships in South-East Asian countries and strengthen its presence in the major insulation markets of Japan, Australia, Korea, New Zealand and Singapore.
