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 following on from the installation of a £2 million production line two years ago.
The firm manufactures concrete roof tiles and fittings which can be seen on residential projects across the UK, and with developers of commercial projects.
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.
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.
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.