Hemsec are high-performance insulated panel specialists – backed by almost a century of UK manufacturing expertise
Since its launch, Hemsec has remained at the forefront of composite insulated panel technology. With almost a century of UK manufacturing expertise behind it, Hemsec delivers high-performance steel and timber SIP systems designed to meet the demands of the ever-evolving construction industry.
Founded in 1928 by Cyril Hemmings, Hemsec Manufacturing Ltd remains a proud family legacy, now chaired by Cyril’s son Keith, in Merseyside – and a leading UK supplier of composite insulated panels. Having begun as a pioneer in refrigeration, innovation and sustainability have long been central to Hemsec’s approach. A nod to this innovation-rich history can be found in the lobby of its Rainhill factory where one of the original solid oak fridge units serves as a reminder to visitors and staff of the unique and deep heritage of the company.
As the company approaches its centenary, Tim Kay and Frankie Cirafici – Co-Managing Directors since October 2025 – sat down with Manufacturing Today to tell us more about their plans for Hemsec.
“Our commitment to efficiency, quality and long-term value continues to shape our investment in advanced manufacturing and automation,” begins Tim. “We’re focused on growth and want to double in size over the next two to three years. Frankie and I were brought in two years ago with the aim of growing the business, and our remit was to increase revenue, increase market share and launch the product so we can continue successfully for another 100 years,” he states.
Frankie agreed, sharing: “We’re both focused on identifying areas where the business can be strengthened and stabilized. As such, we’ve expanded the Senior Leadership Team, bringing more knowledge and experience, ensuring we are better equipped to implement the positive changes that will enable us to reach our strategic targets.”
Advanced manufacturing and sustainable construction
Hemsec currently operates across two dedicated manufacturing sites, each focused on a core product line. The Rainhill facility produces high-performance, UK-manufactured steel PIR insulated panels engineered for exceptional thermal efficiency and durability. Designed for specialized environments, these panels perform reliably in operating and internal temperatures ranging from +30°C down to -40°C, making them suitable for a wide range of temperature-controlled and industrial applications. Rainhill also houses the majority of Hemsec’s operational functions, including in-house testing lab facilities.
Long-established and going strong, Hemsec’s steel PIR panel line is “a long-standing piece of equipment, and we’re continually looking at ways to modernize it,” Frankie explains: “It’s a real workhorse – it just keeps going. That said, we’re always looking at ways of upgrading and improving its efficiency, so we’re currently carrying out an electrical upgrade. This will allow any issues to be diagnosed and resolved remotely, without the need to bring engineers onsite.” Discussing how Hemsec is further futureproofing its operations, Frankie adds, “We have also integrated AI across multiple areas of the business to drive efficiencies and enhance overall performance in our day-to-day operations.”
Just three miles away, the Huyton site is dedicated to the manufacture of sustainable timber SIPs. Durable and energy-conserving, Hemsec SIP panels enable the construction of dream homes, affordable social housing and a variety of other residential and commercial projects. As a core component of structural panelized Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), Hemsec timber SIPs are helping to lead the way in delivering smarter, more efficient approaches to building.
Hemsec timber-faced Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) cores are manufactured using polyurethane – known for being one of the most insulated products on the planet. They can be used for internal and external walls, roofs, and floors in domestic, industrial, and commercial construction. In an evolving market, a key focus for Hemsec SIPs is their potential contribution to the Zero-Bill Home Initiative – demonstrating that mass-market MMC construction with timber SIPs is not only achievable – it’s essential.
Hemsec is working closely with the UK Government and plays an active role in the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Modern Methods of Construction. This helps to shape policy and remove barriers to MMC adoption across the housing sector – from affordable homes to social housing. Hemsec hosted Matthew Pennycook (Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) at its Huyton site for the most recent APPG meeting. They were joined by other members of the APPG, as well as Annalise Midgley, MP for Knowsley Council, who chaired the meeting.
Tim explains: “Our factory is in her constituency, and she has always been a strong champion of Hemsec and what we are trying to achieve in terms of sustainable homes for the UK, and how our factory and product can play a key role in supporting the delivery of 1.5 million homes by 2030.”
The visit from Minister Pennycook underscores a shared vision between industry and government: to accelerate the adoption of MMC and make Zero-Bill Homes a mainstream reality.
“The Huyton factory sets a standard in the manufacturing of houses,” elaborates Tim. “We know we can build 2000 sustainable homes a year out of that factory that gets powered by a core team of just four. Our touch times on panels are very limited, we don’t need to touch the physical product until it gets picked up at the end of the line, packed and ready to go as a house type.”
Hemsec believes that MMC and Zero Bills are the future and that the Huyton site demonstrates that mass-market production of MMC homes is possible in the UK. The leadership feel strongly that “in terms of supporting UK housing, Hemsec heavily endorses sustainable homes. Combine the installation of Hemsec SIPs, which create an airtight house, with heat source pumps, air pumps and solar panels and you create a zero-bill home. This is about building high-quality, energy-efficient homes for everyone.”
The plan would be to establish dedicated training academies to upskill and educate individuals, helping to address the skills gaps in the UK.
Frankie continues: “Further investment to increase volume capacity at our Huyton site is in our strategy, which will further support the governments ‘new homes’ target. This is in addition to ensuring long-term business sustainability and growth, supporting Hemsec’s journey to reaching its 100-year milestone.”
“The Huyton factory sets a standard in the manufacturing of houses,” repeats Tim. “We’re working to replicate a lot of that work and bring it over into the steel side, so everything becomes automated.”
Tim continues: “There are three points of contact required in industrialized construction; supply chain, manufacturing, and design and installation of homes. In addition, there is a requirement for a full wrap around service of installation and having specialists on site to install the product, and we’re trying to create that in the marketplace. The piece of kit in Huyton was designed and built specifically for us and is the only one of its kind – it’s not off-the-shelf, it’s unique. The orbital wrapper for the houses is the second biggest in Europe and the factory is geared up for that. We’d like to get to the point where we’re building house types for developers nationally and further afield. For example, we’re doing a lot of work with a customer rebuilding houses in Barbados in an area impacted by hurricanes – the customer chose SIPs because of their strength and durability.”
Let’s build what’s next…
Whether you’re developing a new chilled facility, expanding food logistics operations, or working towards residential sustainability, Hemsec offers performance you can trust.
Talk to Hemsec today about your next build.
0151 375 9480 | [email protected]
