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{{Infobox Company |
{{Infobox Company |
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| company_name = Rockwool International A/S |
| company_name = Rockwool International A/S |
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| company_logo = [[File:Rockwool_logo.gif|190px]] |
| company_logo = [[:File:Rockwool_logo.gif|190px]]<!--Non free file removed by DASHBot--> |
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| company_type = [[Public limited company|Public]] |
| company_type = [[Public limited company|Public]] |
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| foundation = [[Hedehusene]], [[Denmark]] (1909) |
| foundation = [[Hedehusene]], [[Denmark]] (1909) |
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Revision as of 05:02, 9 December 2010
| 190px | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Building materials Construction |
| Founded | Hedehusene, Denmark (1909) |
| Headquarters | Hedehusene, near Copenhagen, Denmark |
Key people | Tom Kähler, Chairman Eelco van Heel, CEO |
| Products | Insulation |
| Divisions | Rockfon, Rockpanel, BuildDesk, XPR premium systems |
| Subsidiaries | Lapinus Fibres |
| Website | www.rockwool.com |
Rockwool International A/S is a Danish company listed on the OMX Copenhagen Stock Exchange and headquartered in Hedehusene near Copenhagen. It is the world’s largest producer of stone wool insulation and the second largest insulation producer globally[1].
History
Rockwool or Stone Wool was first discovered after a volcanic eruption on the Hawaiian volcano Kīlauea where the natives found woolen strings of stone lying on the ground. They thought it was hair from their goddess, Madame Pele that the she had torn out in rage. In around 1900, scientists on the island showed it to be rock fibre, and that it could be used as an effective insulant.
In 1937, the volcanic principle was brought to Denmark and the first Rockwool factory was set up near Copenhagen. The sub-zero Climate_of_the_Nordic_countries created a huge demand for building insulation materials and work began to refine a process which would imitate nature in the creation of rock fibre.
Over the course of the 20th century the Rockwool Group expanded throughout the world, building and acquiring factories across Europe, Asia and North America. In 2010 the company has over 8,000 employees in more than 30 countries[2].
Manufacturing Process
Stone wool is formed from one of the earth's most abundant materials - volcanic diabase rock. The rocks are graded and crushed to a suitable size, mixed with coke and recycled materials, then melted in a furnace at a temperature of 1500°C. The melt is directed onto a series of rotating wheels where it is spun into wool. From the spinning machine the wool enters a chamber where small quantities of resin binder and mineral oil are added to lock the strands together and make them water repellent. The wool is formed into a mat which is then carried through ovens where it is cured and compressed. Then it's cut into various shapes and sizes which can be combined with other facing materials creating standard and specialist products for a wide range of applications.
Properties
Thermal
The Rockwool material’s primary role is as a thermal insulator, utilizing its thermal properties from trapped natural air between the structure of stone wool.
Acoustic
Stone wool’s open fibrous structure makes it ideal for absorbing and regulating noise.
Fire Prevention
As Rockwool insulation is made from volcanic rock it has a melting point of over 1000°C. The EU rates Rockwool stone wool as ‘non-combustible’ and it is used extensively to provide passive fire protection in buildings.
The Rockwool Foundation
The largest shareholder in Rockwool International A/S is the Rockwool Foundation, a charitable organisation that supports scientific, humanitarian, artistic, and/or social activities. It also aims to contribute to improving environmental conditions and development in society.
Applications
Insulation
The insulation business, forming the majority of the Group, is split into four different areas. They are building insulation, Rockwool Technical Insulation, Rockwool Marine & Offshore Insulation and Rockwool Sandwich Panels.
Acoustic Ceiling Tiles
The Rockwool ceiling tiles division goes under the trade name ‘Rockfon’ and provides a range of acoustic ceiling solutions.
External Cladding Panels
Rockwool External Cladding panels go under the trade name ‘Rockpanel’, and are manufactured in the Netherlands and exported around the world.
Horticticultural Substrates
Stone wool is used as an alternative to soil by the horticultural industry to help make savings in fertilizer, water, and energy consumption. The Rockwool Group’s offering in this sector goes under the trade name ‘Grodan’ and is used throughout the world in the cultivation of vegetables and flowers, including tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, aubergines, roses, and gerberas.
Reinforcement fibres
Rockwool International is a parent company to Lapinus Fibres, the world's largest producer of precision-engineered mineral fibre products[3]. Using the research and development resources of the Rockwool International Group, it aims to create versatile, custom-engineered solutions for all kinds of global industries and applications, such as friction materials, paper-and rubber-based gaskets, sealants, plastics, plasters and other building materials.
Vibration and noise reduction
Rockwool International provides a range of vibration and noise reducing products under the trade name RockDelta[4]. RockDelta Vibration Isolation systems can help reduce the effects of ground-bourne vibration and common in areas near railway lines by providing a balance between the need for firm rail support and vibration attenuation.
RockDelta also provides noise reducing products for homes situated near busy roads in the form of NoiStop Noise Fences, which replace the typical outer fence of a property and absorb and reflect external sound.
Consultancy
The Rockwool Group also provides a strategic consultancy service focused on improving energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings and the environment under the Trade name ‘BuildDesk’.