with an additional 10 000m 2, expand its offices 1 900m 2 and double its storage capacity. This project will create 30 jobs in the short term, adding to the 100 or so employees already on site

For the company, established in the north since 1989 this investment is proof of a strong commitment and a successful bet to defend industrial employment in the region. Thanks

to this expansion, the company will be able to cover the needs of the French market, but also other European markets, and African markets, particularly in South Africa.

The new production line for architectural cladding panels is scheduled to come online in the second quarter of 2026. The teams will be able to move into the new offices at the end of 2026.

Through this project, Isocab By Kingspan contributes to reducing the group ' s environmental footprint with local production that reduces the carbon cost associated with transport an environment, An environmental commitment that is part of Kingspan’ s DNA detailed in the Planet Passionate programme, and which is also reflected in numerous actions deployed on sites: installations of photovoltaic panels, recycled heat from machines to heat buildings, purchase of green electricity and rainwater harvesting.

Isocab by Kingspan is proud to demonstrate today that investing in the French industrial fabric is a winning bet. By doubling our capacity, we are showing the world that French industrial excellence creates value and jobs in the regions.

Our turnover increased from EUROS 100-million to EUROS 125-million between 2018 and 2024 and we have strong growth ambitions for the coming years.

OPTIMISING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND FIRE SAFETY IN COLD STORES AND FREEZERS

Cold storage facilities play a crucial role in preserving frozen food across a wide range of industries. While their primary function is the same- maintaining consistent low temperatures- their energy efficiency and safety performance can vary significantly. Factors such as the building ' s age, construction methods, insulation quality and technology used in the cooling systems all influence overall efficiency.

Newer facilities typically outperform older ones thanks to advancements in insulation materials and refrigeration technologies. High-performance sandwich panels, especially those with elevated insulation values, help minimise heat ingress, reducing the workload on cooling systems. Airtight construction also plays a vital role, ensuring that cold air stays in and warm air stays out. Frequent door openings, the type of doors used, and whether specialised freezing processes like shock or plate freezing are involved further affect a cold store’ s energy profile.

Internally, temperatures are kept stable- ranging from around 0 ° C in cool areas to-25 ° C or lower in freezer zones- regardless of rising external temperatures. Large-scale refrigeration units ensure consistency but still consume considerable amounts of energy. While modern systems are more efficient, energy costs remain a concern. Integrating renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels, can significantly offset energy consumption. This is especially practical as cold stores often use more power during sunny days.

For cold stores built to BREEAM sustainability standards, a thermal resistance( Rc) value of at least 10.5 m ²· K / W is required. Facilities constructed with the Quadcore insulated sandwich panel- an innovative

rigid foam developed by Kingspan and part of the Isocab by Kingspan insulated panels product range- exceed this, reaching a Rc value of 12.5 m ²· K / W( 220 mm of thickness). This high insulation level translates to lower operational costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

FIRE SAFETY AND AIRTIGHT CONSTRUCTION

In addition to energy efficiency, fire safety is a critical design consideration. Insurance coverage for fire risk typically requires the use of materials approved by FM Global. Isocab by Kingspan’ s QuadCore IND insulated panels meet FM Approvals 4880 / 4881 / 4882, offering fire protection even in structures of unlimited height from 40 to 220 mm of thickness.

Low-oxygen environments, common in some cold stores to reduce fire risk, make airtight construction essential. Isocab panels are tested under EN 12114:2000 standards to ensure performance under extreme conditions. Their panels can be installed with a butyl seal between joints, enhancing airtightness and providing a vapor-tight exterior seal that protects against moisture infiltration and freeze-thaw damage. For added airtightness, a silicone seal can be applied.

Despite the low internal temperatures, interior surfaces of cold stores usually don’ t experience aggressive environmental conditions. Still, Isocab offers cladding options tailored to Corrosion Classes C1 through C5 for operations that may include warmer processes or humid conditions. Exterior panel coatings are selected based on the surrounding environment- from lowrisk inland locations to high-risk coastal or industrial zones.

Modern cold stores are being built taller and more efficient than ever, including HighBay storage facilities reaching nearly 40m. In other cases, cold rooms may be constructed as‘ box-in-box’ solutions within food distribution centres. Isocab supports various construction techniques by offering the right panel types and fastening systems to meet performance and safety goals.

Frequently, cold stores are constructed using a combination of QuadCore IND panels and Decaroc mineral wool panels. The former delivers high levels of thermal performance and fire resistance, while the latter ensures high fire safety in demanding environments.

Energy-efficient and fire-safe cold storage is achievable with thoughtful design and high-quality materials. From insulation and airtightness to fire-resistant construction and renewable energy integration, today’ s cold stores are becoming more sustainable, safe, and cost-effective.

The new production line for architectural cladding panels is scheduled to come online in the second quarter of 2026. The teams will be able to move into the new offices at the end of 2026.