Ideal Heating has submitted plans for a new £10m research and development facility at its UK headquarters in Hull.
The company says its UK Technology Centre will play a key role in developing and testing low carbon heating solutions, such as air source heat pumps.
The facility is planned for Ideal Heating’s site in Hull, where 70 people are currently employed in research and development roles.
According to Ideal Heating, the investment in R&D facilities will enable that number to rise to 100 and underpin long-term employment at the site where 800 staff are based.
A detailed planning application for the UK Technology Centre has been submitted to Hull City Council. Dependent on planning approval, construction could begin this autumn, with the facility due to open in mid-2024.
The proposed facility forms part of a wider £60m investment programme by Ideal Heating across the Hull site to increase manufacturing and distribution capacity and accommodate heat pump production and warehousing.
Phil Kent, R&D Director for Combustion at Ideal Heating, said: “Domestic and commercial heating providers have a vital role to play in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
“As the market leader, we’re serious about playing our full part in meeting the challenge the UK faces in accelerating the adoption of heat pumps and other low carbon solutions.
“There is no single solution to the challenge and it’s clear that a mix of products and technologies will be needed.
“Our new UK Technology Centre will be a state-of-the-art, UK-leading facility which will enable us to develop and deliver future heating solutions and make big strides forward in our net zero journey.”
Helen Villamuera, Ideal Heating’s Engineering Director, is coordinating the investment and development programme at the Hull site.
She said: “Since being acquired by Groupe Atlantic in 2015, Ideal Heating has remained a UK-leading manufacturer based in Hull and with other sites across the country.
“The huge investment being delivered across our main site, including in the new UK Technology Centre, underpins our position as a leader in the domestic and commercial heating markets and puts us at the forefront of the industry’s net zero transition.
“Our roots in Hull date back over 100 years and we’re investing now to position the business to thrive for generations to come.
“The new R&D centre is a key element of our development and growth strategy, in what is a rapidly-evolving heating industry.”
