For nearly 60 years, Owens Corning Paroc's Hässleholm plant has manufactured stone wool insulation for the Nordic market. In autumn 2025, the facility underwent a major transformation. With a modernized production line, lower energy consumption, increased flexibility, and a continued focus on safety and sustainability, the plant is now well positioned for the future. Behind the investment is also a story of people, experience, and a culture where care, curiosity, commitment, and collaboration drive continuous improvement.
Building for the Future in Hässleholm
When Jan Bengtsson joined the plant in 1975, he had no idea that more than 50 years later he would witness the most significant transformation in the facility's history. Over the decades, the plant has evolved alongside changing market demands while also navigating challenging periods, including the construction downturn of the early 1980s.
"We were one of the first plants at risk of closure. But the people working here became incredibly committed. Together, we worked to demonstrate the value of the plant and secure its future," Jan recalls.
The strong sense of teamwork established during that time remains an important part of the culture today and has become a key strength during the plant's most recent transformation.
Jan Bengtsson is a Senior Advisor at the factory in Hässleholm.
An Investment in the Future
An Investment in the Future
At the heart of the project was the replacement of the curing oven installed in 1975, which had long been a central component of the production process. After 50 years of operation, it had become both energy-intensive and a limiting factor for future development.
"The old equipment no longer had the capacity we needed. The curing oven had become a bottleneck, but more importantly, it was not efficient. It required an unnecessary amount of energy to operate," says Plant Leader Fredrik Mörk.
However, the investment was about far more than replacing a single piece of equipment.
"What we have done is a strategic upgrade that future-proofs the entire Hässleholm facility. We have modernized the production flow to meet both changing customer needs and future regulatory requirements. As a result of these improvements, we estimate a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions," says Fredrik.
The new production line enables the manufacture of both wider and thicker products while creating a more flexible and resilient operation.
Seventeen Weeks That Transformed the Plant
Seventeen Weeks That Transformed the Plant
To complete the transformation, production was temporarily halted during the summer of 2025. Over an intensive 17-week period, large parts of the plant's core operations were rebuilt. At the same time, the shutdown provided an opportunity for training, continuous improvement initiatives, and skills development.
"When we restarted production, it was not only the equipment that had evolved. Our people had developed as well," says Fredrik.
From the outset, the project team made a deliberate decision to involve as many employees as possible. Both hourly and salaried employees participated in various sub-projects, while the maintenance team was engaged early to build expertise around the new equipment.
As a result, the project became not only a technical investment but also an opportunity for employees to grow and take on new responsibilities.
Fredrik Mörk, factory manager at the Hässleholm factory
Expertise Built Over Generations
Expertise Built Over Generations
One of the Hässleholm plant's greatest strengths is the deep knowledge that has been developed and passed on over several generations.
"We designed 95 percent of the curing oven ourselves. We developed the design in-house, which means we know exactly how it is built and operates," says Project Manager Bengt Andersson.
Many employees have spent much of their professional careers at the plant, transferring valuable expertise to new generations of colleagues.
"I believe the key to our success is that our employees stay with us for a long time. The most important knowledge is not only found in drawings or manuals. It resides with the people who work with the processes every day and have come to know the plant over many years," says Maintenance Leader Christian Andersson.
Developing people is a fundamental part of the culture in Hässleholm. Many employees have progressed from production roles into specialist and leadership positions, both locally and across Owens Corning's global organization.
Bengt Andersson has been the project manager for the upgrade at the Hässleholm factory
Christian Andersson is responsible for the maintenance department at the factory
Safety and Sustainability at the Core
Safety and Sustainability at the Core
During the transformation, a wide range of contractors and employees worked side by side in what had effectively become a major construction site. As a result, safety remained a top priority throughout the project.
"Safety is always our number one priority," says Fredrik.
The new facility has also been designed with safety integrated from the start through advanced automation, physical safeguards, and comprehensive risk assessments.
Sustainability goals were another key driver behind the investment. The new production line uses energy far more efficiently than before, while also enabling the plant to utilize renewable energy sources for oven heating.
"One of the most significant benefits of this project is the reduction in energy consumption," says Bengt.
The plant also continues to focus on reducing waste, reusing materials in production, and maximizing the use of resources such as waste heat and process water. Since April 2026, no waste from the operation has been sent to landfill.
The Next Chapter Begins
The Next Chapter Begins
When production resumed in autumn 2025, it marked the completion of a major project, but also the beginning of a new chapter. The investment has strengthened the Hässleholm plant's ability to meet future expectations for production efficiency, product quality, safety, and sustainability. At the same time, it has reinforced what may be the facility's most valuable asset of all: its people.
"The foundation is now in place, and the next step is to continue building on it. You should never stop being curious," says Fredrik.
With a modernized production process, strong expertise, and a culture defined by care, curiosity, collaboration, and comittment, Owens Corning Paroc in Hässleholm is ready to continue growing together with its customers, employees, and the communities it serves.
Warning: This video contains flashing images that could trigger seizures for people with photo sensitivity.
Watch the video from the factory in Hässleholm.
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