From left: Peter Lindelöv, Global Operations Manager, BU Heating Systems Kanthal, Scott Lawson, Production Unit Manager, Perth Kanthal, Robert Stål, President Kanthal, Simon Lile, President of Business Unit Heating Systems at Kanthal and Yvonne Edenholm, Press and Media Relations Manager Kanthal and Alleima Photo: Fraser Band
Kanthal has expanded its silicon carbide heating element manufacturing facility in Perth, Scotland, as demand grows for electrified high temperature industrial processes aimed at reducing COâ‚‚ emissions.
The investment responds to increasing pressure on sectors such as electronics, glass and steel to adopt lower carbon production methods. High temperature heating remains a major contributor to industrial emissions, with heavy industry accounting for nearly a quarter of global COâ‚‚ output. Policy measures including carbon pricing, emissions regulations and clean energy incentives are accelerating the shift away from fossil fuel based heating.
Kanthal’s Globar silicon carbide heating elements, produced in Perth for more than 50 years, enable process electrification at temperatures of up to 1,625°C. These systems are designed to replace conventional fuel based heating, offering improved energy efficiency, tighter process control and reduced emissions.
The expansion, initiated in 2023, adds 1,750 m² of manufacturing space alongside new equipment, revised production layouts and additional warehousing. The company states the upgrade is intended to increase both capacity and technical capability in response to global market demand.
Robert Stål, President of Kanthal, said the Perth site remains strategically important to the company’s operations and long term development of its silicon carbide portfolio.
Alongside the UK investment, Kanthal has also established a new service centre for Globar heating elements at its existing facility in Concord, North Carolina. The combined investment of approximately SEK 100 million is aimed at improving regional proximity to customers and reducing lead times.
Simon Lile, President of Business Unit Heating Systems at Kanthal, said both sites are now operational, increasing production capacity for these products by around 40 percent while also enabling the development of larger scale electrical heating applications.