Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has visited Vaillant’s new, multi-million-pound manufacturing plant producing its uniSTOR high recovery, hot water cylinders. Located in Derby, the new £40m dedicated facility located in Derby, not far from its existing Belper headquarters where it manufacturers its heat pumps and boilers.
Available in a variety of sizes, the uniSTOR high recovery cylinders have been specially developed to meet the needs of UK consumers for low carbon, low temperature heating systems, as well as traditional boiler systems. A buffer, often required for heat pump systems, can be fitted above or below the cylinder allowing for cylinders installed with a boiler today to be suitable for a heat pump at a later date, as the buffer can be added retrospectively when needed.
Speaking at the event, Ed Miliband said: “What this new Vaillant plant shows is the different economic opportunities we can get from becoming a clean energy superpower. By building heat pumps in Britain and continuing their roll out, we can not only ensure people have warmer, lower carbon homes but support jobs like these in Derby.”
The Energy Secretary also spoke with apprentices new to the industry and based at the manufacturing plant who are either college based or joining Vaillant from the betterWeld organisation, which helps train and place those out of work who would like to learn more and progress in the manufacturing industry.
Joe Dunn, plant director at Vaillant Group UK, comments: “We’re proud to be able to develop our manufacturing bases in Derbyshire, where our heritage lies, and continue to offer employment opportunities for local people from the area. For Vaillant as a heating supplier, it is a natural progression. We were the first boiler manufacturer to open a UK heat pump plant back in 2022. Since then, our team has grown, developed and increased in capacity to continue to support the low carbon heating demand.”
The manufacturing plant in Derby spans 12,200m2 and includes manufacturing and warehousing space. It has been designed to incorporate sustainable features to ensure it is efficient to run in line with BREEAM Sustainable Building Certifications, including rainwater harvesting, heat pump technology and energy efficient lighting.
For more information visit www.vaillant.co.uk
