01 April 2025
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(L- R) Joe Dunn, John Forkin, Henrik Hansen, Katherine Atkinson MP and Nadine Peatfield
Heating technology manufacturer, Vaillant has opened a new, multi-million-pound manufacturing plant in Derby, producing high recovery, hot water cylinders.
The new £40m dedicated facility is not far from Vaillant’s existing Belper headquarters where it manufactures its heat pumps and boilers. The new site will now produce its latest uniSTOR high recovery slimline cylinder models, which are a vital component for effective and efficient heat pump installation.
This substantial investment further demonstrates the company’s commitment to the innovation and progression of low carbon home heating systems and generating ongoing employment opportunities in the region and sector.
The uniSTOR high recovery cylinders, which will be coming off the new line in Derby, have been specially developed to meet the needs of UK consumers for low carbon, low temperature heating systems, as well as traditional boiler systems. They maximise the heat energy created by a heat pump system, and are also available in a variety of sizes and offer a flexible range of installation options. A unique buffer, often required for heat pump systems, can be fitted above or below the cylinder allowing for cylinders installed with a boiler today to be suitable for a heat pump at a later date, as the buffer can be added retrospectively when needed.
These cylinders have been developed alongside Vaillant’s installer customers, using their feedback in the design stages and have been tested out in the field, to ensure ease of installation.
The purpose-built facility could see around 200 jobs created for the area in the coming years as the heat pump market continues to grow. Some of the current employees have moved from the Belper manufacturing plant to leverage the existing quality culture and skills in place across the business, and exciting new roles have also been created for those wanting to upskill and join the industry.
The opening was officially marked by visits from key figures from the local area, including those who have been involved in the development of the cylinder and plant.
Henrik Hansen, Managing Director of Vaillant Group, UK and Ireland, commented: “This investment in a purpose-built cylinder plant marks an exciting move for Vaillant as we continue to lead the transition to decarbonised homes. The move to heat pumps in the UK requires commitment from manufacturers to invest in the UK infrastructure, build consumer confidence in the technology and generate additional jobs in the sector.
“By investing in the production of advanced, energy-efficient hot water cylinders, we’re providing the UK market with a full heat pump system solution to support the overall development of the UK supply chain, ensuring products are designed and manufactured to meet the needs of the country’s housing stock.
“With a heritage in the Derbyshire region which dates back to 1934, we are proud to be part of a region which has a wealth of manufacturing innovation and expertise across a wide range of industries. This new investment, which includes grant support from Derby City Council, continues to secure Derbyshire’s place as an engineering hub.”
Joe Dunn, Plant Director at Vaillant Group UK, comments: “We’re proud to be able to develop our manufacturing bases in Derbyshire, where our heritage lies, and continue to offer employment opportunities for local people from the area. For Vaillant as a heating supplier, it is a natural progression. We were the first boiler manufacturer to open a UK heat pump plant back in 2022. Since then, our team has grown, developed and increased in capacity to continue to support the low carbon heating demand.”
The manufacturing plant in Derby spans 12,200m2 and includes manufacturing and warehousing space. It has been designed to incorporate sustainable features to ensure it is efficient to run in line with BREEAM Sustainable Building Certifications, including rainwater harvesting, heat pump technology and energy efficient lighting.
The new uniSTOR high recovery cylinders will be available from April 2025.
