Kingspan – one of the most familiar names in advanced insulation and innovative building systems – recently hosted a special factory tour allowing visitors to learn more about their TEK® Building System and view their advanced manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Leeds.
A wide range of industry visitors gathered on-site to hear more from the Kingspan experts on the design benefits and technology behind their market leading TEK® structural insulated panel (SIP) system. The event saw professionals from across the construction industry attending, including those involved in building design, architecture, systems specification and the project management sectors.
A well-organised presentation schedule balanced an informative overview of the TEK® system with case study examples, alongside the opportunity to quiz the Kingspan experts and view the technology at first hand. Richard Surgey, Kingspan TEK® Product Manager, provided a detailed explanation of the TEK® system and offered a comprehensive understanding of the technology and wider development of Kingspan products, explaining the system's strengths, including its unlimited design options, precision engineering principles and exceptional structural performance.
As a 'next generation' system, TEK® SIPs provide a continuous line of insulation with panels offered at 142mm and 172mm thicknesses with varying U-values. The TEK® system consists of a high-performance fibre-free rigid urethane insulation core, sandwiched between two layers of oriented strand board type 3 (OSB/3).
A closed cell structure means no movement or sagging, while Kingspan's pre-calculated suite of values shows thermal bridging as low as 4% is achievable. The TEK® system also offers exceptional airtightness, with air leakage levels of 1m3/hour/m2 at 50 Pa being achievable. Richard Surgey also gave a comprehensive explanation of the unique panel jointing system and its many applications, both as the TEK® build system or inboard or outboard TEK® cladding system.
As well as demonstrating to visitors the benefits of the available SIP product range, the presentation also highlighted how Kingspan is leading the way in creating a more environmentally and socially conscious construction sector. Kingspan has committed to long-term sustainability through their 'planet passionate' 10-year plan, allowing them to reach carbon zero by 2030. The company is already at net zero energy and continues its mission to support the global shift to a fully decarbonised construction industry.
Following the presentation, attendees took part in the tour of the facility, with small groups led by the Kingspan team, who provided expert insight and information about the design and manufacture process.
Marc Stoker, Kingspan Operations Manager explained each stage of the manufacturing process, starting with the creation of a motherboard using their state-of-the-art CNC cutting machine. "Kingspan has a commitment to continuous improvement," said Marc. "This includes the streamlining of our manufacturing productivity from five days to three, through the introduction of six SIGMA process improvement methodology, to the SIP manufacturing line. We have made a real effort to eliminate as much wastage as possible to achieve zero landfill and future plans include installing an on-site power plant to reduce our energy use."
Visitors were also able to view materials, the production line in detail and ask questions as the tour progressed, culminating in a final stop at the Kingspan product display room, where the SIP panels were available to view as a completed system. After the tour of the factory floor, a second presentation was given by Ian Still, National Sales Director at SIP Build UK (SBUK).
As experts in the structural engineering, design, and installation of SIP panels, he gave attendees further insight and knowledge into the building process and how the TEK® system is playing a key role in developing a better built environment. He explained the whole process – from the importance of early-stage engagement and design approval to final delivery on-site.
This included the importance of budgeting, programme time scales and how SIPS can deliver huge cost and time predictability. This was demonstrated through one of their award-winning projects – a sustainable, self-build dwelling in Hampshire, which was designed to meet exacting client specifications for low U-values and thermal efficiency and was installed in just four weeks. For construction professionals interested in learning more about the benefits of adopting SIP technology, the tour of the Kingspan facility, offered an in-depth but concise introduction to their products and business.
The feedback from attendees of the event was extremely positive, with all visitors able to take away a more comprehensive understanding – not only of the SIP panels and TEK® system – but also of the ways in which Kingspan is constantly looking to the future and concentrating on investing in sustainability, productivity and technology.
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