Iain Wright, MP for Hartlepool returned to Knauf Insulation’s Hartlepool plant on Friday 1 April to view the newly completed facilities, following a seven-figure investment.

The purpose of the investment was to increase the plant’s productivity, reliability and create additional capacity to meet the growing demands of the industry.

Commenting on the visit, Mr Wright said: “Knauf Insulation is the UK’s leading insulation manufacturer. Its products are an important part of the construction supply chain - ensuring that Britain’s homes and businesses are able to be properly energy efficient.

“I’m pleased that the manufacturer has a factory in Hartlepool. I’m equally delighted that they have decided to invest further substantial amounts into its facilities. This is a welcome boost to the town’s economy and a show of support and confidence from Knauf Insulation in the factory’s staff and customer base, which will hopefully increase as a result of this investment.”

Stuart Bell, general manager at Hartlepool, added: “The new extruder facility was successfully completed on schedule and the plant began production again in January 2016. Since then, we have seen an improvement in the quality and reliability of the manufacturing process.

“It was a pleasure to show Iain around the plant again and meet our employees, who worked hard during the refurbishment to keep the business running.”