An order that illustrates increasing specialization in construction logistics: Logistics service provider KTV, a subsidiary of the Greiwing Group, is taking over all in-plant logistics for ISOVER (Saint-Gobain), a leading manufacturer of mineral wool and other insulation materials. The deal underscores that supply chain requirements in the insulation material industry go far beyond classic transportation services.
Insulation materials based on glass wool or stone wool place special demands on warehousing: Despite low bulk density typically ranging from 15 to 200 kg/m³ – depending on the application area according to DIN 4108-10 – the products have a high volume-to-weight ratio. This requires large storage areas with comparatively low weight per storage unit. At the same time, the sensitive fiber structures must be protected from moisture, as even minor moisture absorption significantly impairs thermal conductivity (lambda value) and reduces insulation performance.
The growing importance of specialized in-plant logistics in the insulation material sector also reflects ongoing consolidation pressure. ISOVER, part of the Saint-Gobain Group, has optimized its production capacities in recent years and closed individual facilities, as evidenced by the closure of the Bergisch Gladbach glass wool plant. In parallel, demands for just-in-time deliveries to construction sites are increasing, where insulation materials must be installed on schedule in accordance with Eurocode-compliant planning.
For planners and contracting authorities, supply chain stability is becoming increasingly important: Delays in insulation material delivery can delay entire construction phases, particularly with thermal insulation composite systems (TICS), which are weather-dependent to install. Outsourcing in-plant logistics to specialists like KTV enables manufacturers to focus on core competencies such as product development and improvement of EPD data – a growing competitive factor given increasingly stringent requirements for the CO₂ footprint of building materials.
The trend toward specialization is evident industry-wide: Other insulation material manufacturers are also increasingly outsourcing logistics processes to optimize area costs while securing delivery capability in volatile markets. In parallel, sustainability in in-plant logistics is gaining relevance, such as through optimized route planning and the use of low-emission transport – factors that are likely to be included in the overall assessment of building products in the future.
