Government Funding Boosts Heat Pump Manufacturing for Two Firms

Multi-million pound government funding has been allocated to two companies, situated in Hull and Blackpool, with the objective of increasing their heat pump production. Ideal Heating, located on National Avenue, was granted £5.2 million. This award was made in conjunction with cylinder manufacturer Gledhill. Both firms are subsidiaries of Groupe Atlantic. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the minister for energy consumers, made the funding announcement during a visit to Ideal Heating’s headquarters in Hull and its national training and technology centre, which is situated near the Humber Bridge. Jason Speedy, Ideal Heating’s chief operations officer, stated that the funding is expected to “accelerate our plans for heat pump production” and characterized it as a “vote of confidence.” This government funding, combined with an additional £6.8 million investment from Ideal Heating and Gledhill, is projected to facilitate the annual production of 115,000 air source heat pumps and indoor controls in Hull by the year 2030. Furthermore, the initiative will allow for the yearly manufacturing of 120,000 pre-plumbed hot water cylinders at the Gledhill site, also by 2030. John Cook, Ideal Heating’s production director, commented that the company is “embracing the technologies which will heat British homes and businesses for decades to come.” He further stated: “Ideal Heating has already seen one significant transformation, from coal to gas-powered products. Now, we’re evolving again to low carbon solutions.” This funding announcement represents the initial allocation from the government’s Heat Pump Investment Accelerator competition, a program designed to stimulate private sector investment within the UK.