Danish company ROCKWOOL Group has announced its acquisition of Wetherby Building Systems Ltd, marking a significant advancement in its strategy to enhance façade expertise in the UK. Based in Golborne, Greater Manchester, Wetherby is a prominent supplier of external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) and will now operate under the designation Wetherby Wall Systems as part of ROCKWOOL’s Wall Systems organisation.
The acquisition is set against the backdrop of the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. ROCKWOOL Group CEO Jes Munk Hansen emphasised the importance of this move, stating, “This acquisition underlines ROCKWOOL’s commitment to further expanding our presence in the UK market and to continuing to transform the construction sector towards sustainable and non-combustible façade solutions.” Hansen added that the share of stone wool insulation within the Wetherby business has been steadily increasing, and the company intends to transition Wetherby to a fully stone wool-based portfolio, following similar transformations in other markets.
The acquisition presents a promising opportunity for Wetherby Building Systems Ltd, which aims to further develop its long-term potential under ROCKWOOL’s ownership. Managing Director Bob Deane expressed optimism about the new partnership, noting the existing relationship between Wetherby and ROCKWOOL. “There is a long-standing relationship between Wetherby and ROCKWOOL, and the match is strong on all significant drivers, from business model and technology to company culture and values,” he stated. Deane believes that within the ROCKWOOL organisation, Wetherby will realise its full potential for wall system solutions.
This acquisition is timely as the UK construction industry faces increasing pressure to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in building practices. The integration of Wetherby into ROCKWOOL’s existing operations is expected to enhance the company’s ability to provide innovative and environmentally friendly building solutions.
The transaction does not impact ROCKWOOL’s financial expectations for 2024, indicating a stable outlook for the firm amidst this strategic expansion.
ROCKWOOL Group is dedicated to addressing a variety of sustainability and development challenges, from energy consumption and noise pollution to fire resilience and water scarcity. The company’s product range is designed to support customers in reducing their carbon footprint, reflecting its commitment to a more sustainable future.
With a workforce of approximately 12,000 employees across 40 countries and sales in over 120 countries, ROCKWOOL is the world leader in stone wool products. The company’s diverse offerings include building insulation, acoustic ceilings, external cladding systems, horticultural solutions, and engineered fibres for industrial applications, underscoring its versatility and commitment to quality.
As the construction sector evolves towards more sustainable practices, ROCKWOOL’s acquisition of Wetherby Building Systems is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating innovative solutions and enhancing energy efficiency in buildings throughout the UK.