Heat pump investment powers UK manufacturing

A major funding boost is set to drive innovation in the UK’s heating industry, accelerating the production of sustainable solutions and supporting low-carbon jobs.

Gledhill, a leading hot water cylinder manufacturer, has secured nearly £5.2 million from the Government’s Heat Pump Investment Accelerator competition to expand its manufacturing capabilities.

In partnership with Ideal Heating, the two companies will invest over £12 million to ramp up production at facilities in Blackpool and Hull.

To mark the funding, Miatta Fahnbulleh, minister for energy consumers, visited Ideal Heating’s headquarters in Hull and industry-leading National Training and Technology Centre near the Humber Bridge.

Jason Speedy, Gledhill’s chief operations officer, said: “We’ve been manufacturing market-leading heating products in the UK for almost a century.

“Across the heating industry we’re now seeing a significant transition from gas boilers to sustainable solutions, such as heat pumps. That aligns closely with the UK’s net-zero targets.

“This funding is a vote of confidence in our business and our position at the forefront of the industry’s move to low carbon heating solutions.

“It will enable us to accelerate our plans for heat pump production and complements the broader programme of investment across our operations as we lead the industry to a greener, low carbon future.”

The funding supports the production of 120,000 pre-plumbed hot water cylinders annually at Gledhill’s Blackpool site and 115,000 air source heat pumps at Ideal Heating’s Hull facility by 2030. This initiative aims to bolster the UK’s energy security while establishing a robust domestic heat pump industry.

Jo Lilley, Gledhill production director, added: “As a proud UK manufacturer, we’re embracing the technologies which will heat British homes and businesses for decades to come, including renewable solutions such as solar and heat pump cylinders.

“We’re delighted to have been awarded this significant funding which will further enhance our production capabilities at our headquarters site in Blackpool.”

Both Gledhill and Ideal Heating are part of Groupe Atlantic, a global leader in heating solutions, and are set to benefit from infrastructure and equipment upgrades to develop next-generation heating technology.

With heating accounting for 40 per cent of UK greenhouse gas emissions, the move marks a crucial step towards the Government’s 2050 net-zero target.

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