The company has submitted a ‘Section 73’ application to Birmingham City Council for a new factory, which it says would support hundreds of construction jobs and create new, long-term skilled roles. It would boost supply capacity for UK and Republic of Ireland customers, while supporting Rockwool’s ‘ambitious global sustainability plans’. Having operated from South Wales since 1979, the manufacturer has strong foundations in the UK.
The Peddimore site already has outline planning permission for manufacturing in general, with the Section 73 application requesting permission to vary some of the details to Rockwool’s specific proposal. If given the go-ahead to adapt the permissions, Rockwool plans submitting a more detailed Reserved Matters application later in 2025 or early 2026, and if both applications are approved, construction could begin in 2026, with the facility operational in 2029.
Since plans were first announced last November, Rockwool has undertaken the first phase of a community engagement programme to share initial information and listen to feedback. A second phase will take place once more detailed plans and designs have been developed.