Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 4 July, a grand opening ceremony was held at the Technopark in Tashkent for Uzbekistan’s first Knauf Insulation plant, which will produce mineral-based thermal insulation using basalt. The facility is part of the global Knauf Group.

The new production complex spans an area of 33,100 m² and is equipped with state-of-the-art European technology designed to minimize emissions. With an annual capacity of up to 30,000 tons, the plant can supply energy-efficient insulation for up to 40,000 homes per year. This will make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of Uzbekistan’s construction industry and its environmental protection goals.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, Knauf Group Managing Partner Alexander Knauf, Partner Committee member Nikolaus Knauf, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of the Cooperation Department of the German Embassy in Uzbekistan Dr. Michael Wimmer, as well as representatives from ministries, agencies, and international organizations.

In his speech, Alexander Knauf emphasized that the plant’s launch aligns perfectly with Uzbekistan’s designation of 2025 as the Year of the Environment and Green Economy:
“Knauf delivers eco-friendly and affordable building materials around the world. Since 1999, we have invested approximately €90 million in Uzbekistan. This new plant in Tashkent is a step toward a sustainable future, where energy-efficient buildings become the norm. We are proud to contribute to improving quality of life in the region.”

The facility has created over 110 new jobs, bringing Knauf’s total workforce in Uzbekistan to more than 440 employees.

Valery Popovich, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Knauf Insulation in Uzbekistan, underlined the strategic importance of the new plant for the entire Central Asian region:
“Energy-efficient construction is becoming increasingly vital. Our non-combustible mineral wool solutions, offering excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, will help Uzbekistan reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve living conditions for millions.”

Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is expected to help Uzbekistan meet its Paris Agreement target of cutting emissions by 35% by 2030. Energy-efficient homes will also reduce pressure on the national power grid, especially as the population continues to grow.

Knauf Insulation is a global leader in thermal insulation solutions, headquartered in Visé, Belgium. With over 40 years of experience, the company operates in 40 countries and manages 28 production facilities, employing around 6,000 people.

The Knauf Group, founded in Germany in 1932, is a global family-owned company with over 300 manufacturing sites in more than 90 countries. In 2024, the Group reported revenues exceeding €15.6 billion and employed over 42,500 people worldwide.