Thermal and acoustic insulation manufacturer Armacell has commenced site extension works at its ISO 9001 and 14001 certified Oldham plant.

The capital investment programme is scheduled for completion in April next year and, upon completion, will provide a large new logistics area and warehousing, including a one way access system for heavy goods vehicles visiting the Mars Street site. When the work is finished, freight vehicles will park at a new covered despatch area, complete with automated loading bays and additional holding lanes. The new 6,300sq m site is designed to create a smooth flow of traffic to the new warehouse building and will help prevent congestion on the surrounding access roads.

The UK plant is one of 23 Armacell manufacturing facilities worldwide and a primary location for the production of the AF/Armaflex Class O, ArmaSound RD and Tubolit insulation ranges for HVAC-R, industrial process and heating and plumbing applications. Armacell UK has been based at the 26,400sq m Mars Street site since the mid 1960s and the approved multi-million pound development plans represent a significant investment in improving the infrastructure and capacity at the premises.

The new site layout will accommodate state of the art extrusion and milling equipment for the Armaflex range and the extension building will house Armacell’s value added manufacturing activities including ArmaSound production processes, new self-seal production lines, lamination activities and pre-fabricated fittings for pipe bends, elbows and t-pieces. The extension will also incorporate a new maintenance and engineering workshop and stores.   

The main office building is also being modernised, with wheelchair friendly access routes to the main reception and staff entrances and a new pedestrian walkway around the perimeter of the building currently nearing completion. New windows and shutters, roof canopies, access gates, bike parking, outdoor seating, re-painting and new signage will refresh the facade of the building, whilst new LED lighting throughout the shop floor and office areas completes the planned energy efficiency and access improvements.

A currently disused building on the Mars Street site is also being renovated into a new office space for Armacell’s finance and admin team, enabling them to join the firm’s 100 strong sales & marketing, logistics and production staff in the main offices.

The scheduled work follows on from the recent opening of a new technical application training centre at the Mars Street premises, equipped with new pipe, valve and ductwork demonstration equipment. Armaflex application training courses are held monthly at the new centre, providing accredited instruction for thermal insulation and M&E contractors.