First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, officially opens Siderise £1 million Innovation Centre

"The purpose-built facility features a specialist fire test furnace."

On 8th March 2023, the Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister of Wales officially opened the Siderise’s new £1 million Innovation Centre at Maesteg, which will drive the creation of enhanced building fire safety solutions, helping to deliver safer buildings all over the world.

The event, attended by other notable guests such as Huw Irranca-Davies, Member of the Senedd for Ogmore and Cllr Martyn Jones, Mayor of Bridgend, marked a significant milestone in the development of one of the leading companies in the region. The First Minister unveiled a plaque, signifying the company’s ongoing investment in the local area and commitment to product testing and quality control.

Siderise Insulation is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of high-performance passive fire protection solutions which are installed within the building façade to prevent the spread of fire, protecting people and property. The purpose-built facility features a specialist fire test furnace which will not only help the company to enhance its research and development, but it is also seeking UKAS accreditation to allow it to offer out its use to the wider construction industry, supporting fire safety standards across the sector and help to put Wales on the world map as a hub of safety innovation.

The business moved to Maesteg, Wales in 1991, setting up a bespoke manufacturing facility for its original cavity barrier and firestopping range. The unique manufacturing and testing processes at the site has enabled the company to grow and develop its offering and seen it break into markets across the world, from Europe to the Middle East and India, and in countries across Asia Pacific.