Stancold has been appointed to deliver a custom Sonocore acoustic panel solution within a laboratory environment for a specialist PPE manufacturer.

Officially introduced by Gilcrest Manufacturing in June, the new Sonocore system gives us an opportunity to deploy our composite panelling experience and provide an acoustic solution.

Gilcrest designed the Sonocore system to control industrial noise. It uses a mineral‑fibre core engineered for high sound absorption. The system has been tested to BS ISO 354, so facility managers can rely on its measured performance.

Acting on an acoustic consultant’s recommendation, the PPE manufacturer approached Gilcrest to control noise in a laboratory where sounds from machinery on one side creates distractions and disrupts team communication.

Gilcrest worked with Stancold to utilise the Sonocore system to solve this problem for the manufacturer, planning and designing a two-phase fit-out project.

Phase one of the project will involve installing a lining of perforated Sonocore panelling along the back wall of the laboratory, securing it to the stud framework of the existing laboratory wall to stop noise escaping the space.

Phase two will involve the build of a bulkhead to enclose the existing ductwork machinery, which has required an intricate design process to ensure noise issues are further minimised.

‘The internal face of the enclosure will be perforated steel,’ says Stancold’s Business Development Director Mark Kendrick. ‘A perforated face allows the mineral fibre core to facilitate optimal sound absorption.’

The enclosure will be suspended from the underside of a concrete ceiling deck.

Like Stancold’s other composite panelling projects across the UK, Sonocore is modular and adaptable, allowing design to match a facility’s exact needs.

We’re excited to work with Gilcrest on our first Sonocore project and continue to leverage our composite panelling experience to reduce noise while also addressing other facility requirements such as temperature control, hygiene standards and fire protection.

Stancold, a leading provider of temperature controlled, hygienic and fire-rated environments, has announced a significant leadership transition and strengthened senior management structure as the business positions itself for its next phase of ambitious growth.

After more than 25 years with the company, Managing Director Andy Croxton will step down, marking the end of an era defined by major expansion and capability development. He will be succeeded by Chris Honer, who has been appointed Group Managing Director and will lead Stancold through its next stage of strategic growth and investment.

Chris Honer brings extensive leadership experience in scaling businesses and driving strategic growth, with a strong focus on team development, operational performance and long term value creation. His appointment reflects Stancold’s continued investment in strengthening its leadership capability to support the next stage of expansion.

A series of recent strategic appointments and promotions across the senior team reflects the strengthened structure designed to align expertise across every stage of the customer journey – from initial enquiry and solution design through to delivery and handover.

The leadership team includes Stacy Horseman, recently promoted to Head of Marketing, leading brand and early stage engagement; Matt Jinks as Sales Director, responsible for client relationships and solution development; Gary Phillips as Head of Commercial, ensuring strong commercial governance; and Ryan Gillson as Head of Project Delivery, overseeing project execution through to completion.

Each role has been structured to support a seamless customer journey, with clear ownership at every stage – ensuring consistency, accountability and a high quality experience from first contact through to project delivery. This structure reinforces the business’s commitment to putting the customer at the heart of everything it does, ensuring decisions, processes and delivery are all aligned around customer needs.

Chris Honer said:

This next chapter is about ambition, investment and momentum. We are focused on scaling the business, strengthening our capabilities and delivering even greater value to our customers across existing and emerging sectors.

The leadership transition forms part of a broader strategic investment in the future of the business, reinforcing Stancold’s commitment to growth, innovation and high standards of delivery. This is underpinned by the continued support, expertise and commitment of the wider team, whose breadth of experience and dedication play a critical role in delivering for customers and supporting the company’s ongoing growth.

With increasing demand for high performance, compliant and specialist environments, Stancold is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities across food production, cleanrooms, cold storage, battery manufacturing, data centres and other fast growing industrial and technology-led sectors.

The new leadership structure reflects a clear intent to build on strong foundations and accelerate growth through enhanced capability, sector diversification and continued investment in people, innovation and operational strength.

Stancold is a specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of temperature controlled, hygienic and fire-rated environments. Serving clients across food, pharmaceutical, advanced manufacturing and industrial sectors, Stancold delivers coldrooms, cleanrooms, laboratories, battery manufacturing facilities and industrial partitions, helping businesses meet strict regulatory standards and operational requirements.

Media Contact:

Stacy Horseman – Head of Marketing

shorseman@stancold.co.uk