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Controlled Environment Solutions – a new blog series
Blam Websites • Apr 15, 2020

Part 1 – Inventors and innovators

In this, our latest blog series, we bring you all you need to know about controlled environment insulated panels from the company that invented them. We start at the very beginning…

Hemsec – the family business that invented the concept of insulated panels

A whole new way of preserving ice cream was invented when Cyril Hemmings met with established businessman, Bill Walker and as a result, in 1928, Cyril invented the UK’s first insulated cabinets. They were used for Walker’s ice cream and refrigeration business, and the firm we now know as Hemsec was born. So began what has continued to be a tradition of innovation, enabling Hemsec to quietly establish itself as one of the largest composite insulated panel manufacturers in the UK.


We are proud to be the company behind the conception of fused PUR metal-faced sandwich panels, that led an industry for nearly 20 years. We also pioneered in the UK with the introduction of the cam-lock joint system, which proved ideal for standard cold room designs. When Hemsec moved into larger projects such as distribution centres, and it became difficult to match the joints up over longer lengths of panel, we created our own tongue and groove joint design allowing panels to be pushed together and enabling a quicker build process.

Fast forward to 2020 and technology continues to evolve, allowing Hemsec to use its composite insulated panels to create solutions for every imaginable type of controlled environment. And some things do not change: Hemsec remains a family-owned company, valuing both the skills and loyalty of its employees and its long-term relationships with its customers. Achieving the goal of carbon neutrality in the built environment is crucially important to us all, which is why our focus shall continue to be on developing new products, reducing energy consumption and maximising temperature control.

What makes Hemsec insulated panels the best you can buy?

The general concept behind the composition of insulated panels for cold rooms – two facings with an insulated core – has not altered. However, ensuring that our composite insulated panels meet the very highest levels of safety and thermal performance remains critical to us. That’s why our metal faced panels are made from the best quality materials, and undergo rigorous testing for fire resistance, acoustic and air leakage. Our manufacturing supply partners include some of the best known in the business, blue chip companies such as Tata Steel and BASF.


During this blog series we will be looking at what differences there are in the market, and helping you to understand which is the best type of panel for you.

What are the types of application that insulated panels can be used for?

One of the most exciting developments in recent years is how the market for various applications of insulated control panels has grown immensely. Controlled environments have traditionally focused on the food and drink industry with applications for chilled storage, food processing and preparation, storage and warehousing as well as retailing. Heightened environmental awareness (combined with improved energy efficiency), improved hygiene standards and intelligent building systems have all contributed towards an increasing demand for Controlled Environment Solutions. Examples include data rooms, clean rooms, pharmaceuticals, spray rooms, ripening rooms and large scale distribution centres. Indeed, our controlled environment composite panels can be used in practically any building you can think of, in ways that were unimaginable 20 years ago.

Continuous improvement drives creativity

The work undertaken by Cyril Hemmings all those years ago has stood Hemsec in good stead, having created a blueprint for continual innovation. Of course, as the needs of our customers change and advance, so do we; a central element of the company’s philosophy is the importance of continually keeping in contact with our customers, helping to shape our agenda and programme for research and development. If you have any ideas we would also love to hear from you. Please get in touch to talk through your requirements and projects. Our team can provide you with technical information as well as advice and guidance on which of our products best suits your application.


Contact: Phil Montgomery, Account Manager 0151 432 7567.


Email: phil.montgomery@hemsec.com

By Stuart Cottle 24 Apr, 2024
(4 min read) Liverpool City Region Mayor Inaugurates State-of-the-Art Press Machine at Hemsec’s New £4 Million SIPs Manufacturing Hub. Today (Liverpool, UK - 22 April 2024) marks a significant milestone in the region’s manufacturing landscape as Mayor Steve Rotheram officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art press machine at Hemsec’s new £4 million Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Manufacturing Hub, located in the heart of Knowsley, Liverpool. The unveiling ceremony, attended by key stakeholders and industry leaders, showcased Hemsec’s ambitious vision and cutting-edge capabilities of the press machine, which stands as the only one of its kind in the world. This groundbreaking technology is positioned to drive crucial innovation in the construction sector and a fabric-first approach to achieving a net zero built environment, particularly in the area of social and affordable housing. With a manufacturing capacity unlike any other, the new manufacturing hub and press promise unparalleled efficiency and precision in the production of SIPs, a building material known for its superior energy efficiency, speed of build and long-term sustainable impact. This advancement comes at a crucial time as the UK faces a significant shortfall in social housing, with communities across the country in dire need of affordable and high-quality accommodation. Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram emphasised the importance of this new manufacturing hub and its potential to address the housing crisis and other key issues important to the region's communities. Managing Director at Hemsec, Stephen Painter commented: "The opening of Hemsec’s SIPs Manufacturing Hub represents a transformative moment for Liverpool and the British manufacturing industry. With the capabilities of this pioneering press machine, we have an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate the construction of much-needed truly affordable social housing, providing safe and sustainable homes for our communities. A fabric-first approach to sustainable buildings is crucial for ensuring the performance of our homes is optimised now and remains for the lifetime of the building, securing longevity in energy efficiency."
By Stuart Cottle 08 Apr, 2024
(3 min read) Hemsec are committed to reshaping the build environment for a better tomorrow. We are proud to sponsor 23 mental wellbeing boxes created by UK Unplugged and support families in our local community in the North West. The 23 boxes will help 23 families promote and prioritise mental wellbeing, in a time where this has never been more crucial. UK Unplugged started as a local community group in 2019, dedicated to supporting parents and carers to balance their family time on and off screens. The group is made up of professional and student volunteers from Liverpool John Moores University, who create learning activities and experiences for families in Liverpool in the form of an activity box. Families can subscribe to the boxes on a monthly basis. UK Unplugged work to bring local, regional and international communities together to share experiences, all whilst ensuring that the activities reduce screentime and improve mental wellbeing for the families they support. In April, UK Unplugged will be working to donate their boxes to low-income families & those on the CAMHS waiting list. They have pulled together a team of Architecture students and volunteers who are creating specialised boxes and Hemsec has agreed to sponsor the creation of 23 these boxes. The boxes provide: · 10 hours of screen-free fun · Education on new ideas and cultures · They are accessible & eco-friendly This year UK Unplugged – Architecture box are focusing on Sustainability and diversity; the boxes will educate families on different living spaces and sustainable choices around the world. Investing in the education of sustainable buildings for families across the northwest is a brilliant cause that we are proud to be part of.
By Stuart Cottle 15 Mar, 2024
(2 min read) Hemsec hosts Riverside College & Cronton Sixth Form students at SIPs Manufacturing Hub for Aspire Week. Last Friday, (15 th March 2024) we welcomed students of digital built environment, architecture, and built environment skills from Riverside College Widnes & Runcorn and Cronton Sixth Form College to our Huyton SIPs panel factory. Students enjoyed an informative morning learning about SIPs And getting hands-on with our panels to help inform their studies. The students received a talk from Dan Haworth , Head of Manufacturing, and a factory tour, followed by round table speed meetings with staff from all areas of the business. They also had the unique opportunity to get hands-on with building miniature SIP Panel structures. And to add a little extra fun, we set up a bit of friendly competition with a structural design challenge with custard creams! Because why not? SIPs panels and custard creams are distant cousins, after all! We're looking forward to hosting more students and future construction talent in the future.
21 Dec, 2023
(4 m in read) On Tuesday Hemsec employees came together in good Christmas cheer at our annual Christmas party. Through a spirited raffle, the company successfully raised an impressive £1000 for The Big Help Project . What is The Big Help Project? The Big Help Project was set up with the mission to feed the hungry, overcome poverty, free people from the burden of unmanageable personal debt, help people into affordable housing, and to assist people onto a better future. For over ten years Big Help Project has formed a social impact eco-system, providing on-the-ground wrap-around services to make sure nobody is left in crisis. Every day of the week Big Help Project is making a difference and helping people break the cycle of poverty. So far, the project has helped thousands of people across the UK — but they still have a lot of ground to cover. That’s where local businesses like Hemsec, our customers, suppliers and partners come into the picture.
09 Nov, 2023
To avoid disappointment, place your orders ready for Christmas and the first few weeks of the New Year. (2 min read) It’s that time of year again! In an effort to allow our hardworking team some well-deserved time with their families, Hemsec has scheduled our usual temporary shutdown over the Christmas period. We want to ensure our customers are well-informed about the key dates to avoid any inconvenience in the run up, during and following this period. We encourage all our valued customers to place their orders in the coming weeks to avoid any disappointment over the Christmas period and the first two weeks of January. Our team is committed to ensuring your needs are met, and early orders will help us achieve this goal. ​**Place Your Orders Before Monday 20th November to secure delivery before Christmas​**​ Production slots are booking up fast, so please plan your orders accordingly to ensure timely delivery and secure lead times running into the new year. **Final Dispatch Day - Monday 18th December, 2023** To ensure your orders reach you before the holiday break, our last day of dispatch will be on Monday, December 18th, 2023. Please place your orders early to guarantee timely delivery. **Last Day in the Office - Friday 22nd December, 2023** Our team's last day in the office before the holiday closure will be on Friday, December 22nd, 2023. We will be available to assist with any inquiries until this date. **Reopening - Tuesday 2nd January, 2024** Hemsec will resume operations and be fully open for business on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024. We look forward to continuing to work with you in the new year. All the team at Hemsec wishes you a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this temporary shutdown. We look forward to working with you in 2024!
24 Oct, 2023
(2 min read) Earlier this month, our Macmillan Coffee Morning at Hemsec was a huge success! There was fierce competition in the ‘teacup toss’, along with an impressive 'Is it Cake?' panel replica competition, and a mouthwatering bake-off, all while raising an amazing £489 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The fundraising didn't stop there! We held a second coffee morning for our staff who couldn't make it, and the deliciousness and generosity did not disappoint. 🙌💚☕ Together the Hemsec team smashed last year's total! So we are already looking forward to the next event, keeping the momentum going, and making a difference for those who need it most. 💪☕🍰 Our Competition Winners Teacup Toss – Lyndon Gaskall Hemsec Bake-off – Liz Moran Is it Panel? Is it Cake? Competition – Stuart Cottle All our winners helped to raise an impressive sum of money for Macmillan and received a half-day holiday for their efforts in the process.
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