Energy Secretary unveils Vaillant’s new hot water cylinder plant

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has visited Vaillant’s new manufacturing plant to see it produce its high recovery, hot water cylinders. The multi-million pound investment underlines the company’s commitment to the innovation and progression of low-carbon home heating systems. Hot water cylinders are a vital component in effective and efficient heat pump installations.

The dedicated facility in Derby, near Vaillant’s Belper HQ, will manufacture its latest uniSTOR high recovery slimline cylinder models. The cylinders have been developed to meet the need for low-carbon, low-temperature heating systems as well as traditional boiler systems.

They are available in a range of sizes and enable different installation options. A unique buffer, often required for heat pump systems, can be fitted above or below the cylinder, which means that cylinders installed with a boiler today can be suitable for a heat pump at a later date because the buffer can be added when needed.

The Energy Secretary also spoke with apprentices new to the industry and based at the manufacturing plant, who are either college based or joining Vaillant from the betterWeld organisation, which helps train and place those out of work who would like to learn more and progress in the manufacturing industry.

Ed Miliband said: “The clean energy transition is the economic opportunity of the 21st century. This government intends to seize the chance for Britain to lead.

“What this new Vaillant plant shows is the different economic opportunities we can get from becoming a clean energy superpower. By building heat pumps in Britain and continuing their roll-out, we can not only ensure [that] people have warmer, lower carbon homes but support jobs like these in Derby.”

Henrik Hansen, managing director of Vaillant Group, UK and Ireland, added: “By investing in the production of advanced, energy-efficient hot water cylinders, we’re providing 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 that 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.”