A manufacturer has moved a step closer to starting work on a huge new facility in north Birmingham after securing consent for its first planning submission.
Rockwool has won the green light for its so-called 'Section 73' application for its proposed new factory on the Peddimore industrial park in Minworth.
The company makes stone wool products like building insulation, acoustic ceilings and external cladding for sectors such as construction, marine and offshore.
The application varies some of the details of the current planning permission for the Peddimore park site near Sutton Coldfield which has been created with the specific aim of attracting manufacturers and logistics businesses.
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Rockwool said it would carry out a second phase of community engagement once more detailed plans and designs had been developed, with a view to submitting a reserved matters application by early 2026 containing the specifics of the facility.
If approved, construction could begin later next year, with the facility becoming operational in 2029.
Rockwool's proposed new factory will feature proprietary electric melting technology and boost supply capacity for º£½ÇÊÓƵ and Ireland customers while also supporting its global sustainability plans.
Infrastructure including an access road and roundabout is already in place at Peddimore which serves the new Amazon warehouse which opened in 2023 next to where Rockwool's factory would be.
º£½ÇÊÓƵ and Ireland managing director Nick Wilson said: "We are very pleased to have received approval for our Section 73 application and look forward to developing the plans further and sharing them with the community in the months ahead.
"We are grateful to everyone who took the time to provide feedback on our initial plans which we will be considering as we progress.
"The West Midlands has a skilled, local workforce, a strong manufacturing tradition, and excellent transport links, so we believe the Peddimore site is an ideal location for us to expand our business and bolster our service to customers across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ and Ireland."
Rockwool's roots date back to 1937 when it first started producing stone wool in Denmark and now employs around 12,500 staff in 38 countries.
It has been operational in South Wales since 1979 where it has 500 staff and the Peddimore plant would represent only its second º£½ÇÊÓƵ base.
