A £1 million loan from Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Flexible Growth Fund has enabled pioneering local company Hemsec Manufacturing Ltd to open a new Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Manufacturing Hub in Knowsley, creating 25 jobs and helping the city region’s drive to become net zero carbon by 2035.
Hemsec started out in St Helens in 1928 making cork cabinets to store ice for ice-cream makers. After decades of innovation, Hemsec were one of the UK’s first to develop structural insulated panels (“SIPs”) 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: A Modern Approach
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. This approach offers numerous benefits, including:
- Faster Construction Times: Off-site prefabrication allows for significant time savings compared to traditional on-site building methods, leading to quicker project completion.
- Improved Quality and Consistency: The controlled environment of a factory setting allows for more precise manufacturing, resulting in higher quality and more consistent panels.
- Reduced Waste: Prefabrication minimizes waste generation during the construction process, making it a more sustainable approach to building.
- Greater Energy Efficiency: SIPs are designed to provide superior insulation and airtightness, reducing energy consumption and lowering heating costs for homeowners.
SIPs: The Future of Sustainable Housing
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are a key component of modern panelised construction, offering numerous advantages over traditional building methods. These panels consist of an insulating core sandwiched between two structural facings, typically made of oriented strand board (OSB), plywood, or foam.
Benefits of SIPs
- Superior Insulation: SIPs provide a high level of thermal insulation, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, leading to significant energy savings.
- Airtight Construction: SIPs create airtight building envelopes, minimizing air infiltration and reducing drafts, further enhancing energy efficiency.
- Strong and Durable: SIPs offer exceptional structural strength and durability, making them resistant to wind, water damage, and seismic activity.
- Faster Installation: SIPs are relatively easy to install, requiring less time and labor than traditional building methods.
- Cost Savings: SIPs can lead to cost savings over the long term due to their energy efficiency and lower maintenance requirements.
Hemsec: Leading the Way in Sustainable Housing
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 appease the housing shortage whilst reducing energy bills significantly for occupants.
The £1m loan from the Flexible Growth Fund, the maximum amount available to a single applicant, has enabled Hemsec to create a new manufacturing hub in Huyton in Knowsley, creating 25 new jobs along with two apprenticeships for local people.
The Impact of the New Hub
The opening of this new hub signifies a significant investment in the future of the Liverpool City Region and the UK’s construction industry. This facility will allow Hemsec to increase production of SIPs, meeting the growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient housing.
“The opening of Hemsec’s SIPs Manufacturing Hub represents a transformative moment for the Liverpool City Region and the British manufacturing industry,” said Stephen Painter, Managing Director at Hemsec. “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 Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future
The success of Hemsec's new manufacturing hub is a testament to the collaboration between the public and private sectors in the Liverpool City Region. The Flexible Growth Fund, managed by River Capital, has played a vital role in supporting the growth of local businesses.
“This is exactly what our Flexible Growth Fund was created for—empowering local companies to innovate, create jobs, and stay ahead in their field,” said Mayor Steve Rotheram. “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.”
Hemsec: A Pioneer in Modern Construction
Hemsec’s commitment to sustainable construction and its innovative approach to building have made it a leader in the UK’s construction industry. The company’s focus on providing affordable and energy-efficient housing solutions has positioned it at the forefront of a rapidly changing sector.
“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,” said Cllr Mike Wharton, Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade.
A Fabric-First Approach to Sustainable Buildings
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. Hemsec’s new manufacturing hub is a symbol of this commitment, demonstrating how innovative solutions can contribute to a more sustainable future. The creation of 25 new jobs and two apprenticeships showcases the positive impact of investment in local businesses and the potential for economic growth in the region. With the opening of this new facility, Hemsec is poised to continue leading the way in sustainable construction, driving innovation and creating a brighter future for the Liverpool City Region and beyond.
