Member Article

Planning for Future Growth.. Roof Tiles Investment Programme Continues

As part of its on-going capital investment programme independent manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles has announced a further £2 million outlay in its Burton on Trent factory, one of three manufacturing sites in the UK.

Russell Roof Tiles this year celebrates 50 years at its Lockerbie plant and 25 years in Burton on Trent in 2015, the firm employs a team of 150 across its three sites. Last year Russell Roof Tiles invested £250,000 in its 10 acre Lockerbie site, this latest upgrade follows a £2 million investment to install a new line in Burton in 2012.

The latest investment reflects the continuing upturn in the construction industry; August saw the value of new construction contracts awarded reach £5.3 billion a 16.6 per cent increase compared to the same month last year. The residential sector enjoyed the highest portion of contracts awarded, this in turn saw an increase in demand for construction products overall and roof tiles specifically which has seen the market grow by 26 per cent. Russell Roof Tiles has seen almost a 30 percent increase in sales so far in 2014.

National Housing Building Council (NHBC) data for the three months to the end of August showed 37,300 housing starts, 5 per cent above the same period in 2013. There are now 152,400 plots under construction which is 10.5 per cent higher compared to the same time last year.

Andrew Hayward, Managing Director at Russell Roof Tiles, comments; “It is important as a UK manufacturer we invest in the latest technology to continue to drive the business forward. As well as investing in employee talent it is vital that we continue to innovate and invest in plant and equipment and this latest upgrade is proof of that.”

“Now that the construction sector has started to look more positive we need to ensure we gear up for continued future growth.” He added.

Work on the £2 million upgrade will start next spring and be fully operational by Christmas. The improvements are designed to improve speed and efficiency and provide a 30 per cent increase in capacity at the Burton factory. The project will include the latest rotary packaging system from Vortex Hydra who first designed and installed the plant in 1990.

Russell Roof Tiles manufactures a range of concrete roof tiles and fittings and an extensive range of dry fix and dry ventilation products suitable for use on both new and refurbishment projects for the commercial and housing markets that are designed to meet current building regulation requirements.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kathryn Greenwood .