£1m loan leads to new manufacturing hub creating 25 jobs

Steve Rotheram, left, and Stephen Painter

Modern construction firm, Hemsec Manufacturing, has opened a new Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Manufacturing Hub in Knowsley, creating 25 jobs.

The initiative will also help drive the city region to become net zero carbon by by 2035.

The opening has been enabled by a £1m loan from Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Flexible Growth Fund.

Hemsec began in St Helens in 1928, making cork cabinets to store ice for ice-cream makers. 

After decades of innovation, it was one of the UK’s first to develop structural insulated panels for residential applications at scale in 2007, foreseeing the UK’s need for more energy-efficient buildings, and for fast construction using modern methods of construction (MMC).

Panelised construction is a modern method of construction that involves the fabrication of structural panels off-site, which are then transported to the construction site for assembly.

SIPs provide a superior airtightness and insulation level, particularly in comparison with traditional masonry methods of building homes, producing homes that can significantly improve standards of living and are cheaper to heat.

Hemsec currently works with local housing associations on the development of low-carbon homes which can be built at speed and cost a fraction of price to heat, helping to address the housing shortage while reducing energy bills significantly for occupants.

Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, officially opened the new plant and said: “This is exactly what our Flexible Growth Fund was created for – empowering local companies to innovate, create jobs, and stay ahead in their field.

“Hemsec’s new manufacturing hub is not just an investment in their future but in the future of our region, driving forward our ambitions to be a leader in modern, energy efficient construction and helping us on our path to becoming a net zero city region by 2035.”

Cllr Mike Wharton, Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said: “Hemsec have long been pioneers in modern methods of construction and this loan will help them to stay at the forefront of this exciting sector and create jobs for local people in the process.”

Stephen Painter, Managing Director at Hemsec, said: “The opening of Hemsec’s SIPs Manufacturing Hub represents a transformative moment for the Liverpool City Region and the British manufacturing industry.

“With the capabilities of this pioneering press machine, we have an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate the construction of much needed truly affordable social housing, providing safe and sustainable homes for our communities.

“A fabric-first approach to sustainable buildings is crucial for ensuring the performance of our homes is optimised now and remains for the lifetime of the building, securing longevity in energy efficiency.”

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