At a time when the construction market is experiencing its strongest growth since lockdown eased, Midlands-based roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles has resumed investment in plant and equipment.

Russell Roof Tiles which is seeing an increase in sales, has invested £35,000 in upgrading its dry fix machinery to enable the business to increase capacity of its roofing accessories.

Russell Roof Tiles is the largest independent manufacturer of concrete roof tiles and accessories in the UK pitched roofing market. Employing around 140 staff at three sites which covers 22 acres in the Midlands and Scotland.

Dry fix roofing accessories and fittings are mechanically fixed, which is a more reliable method compared with the traditional method of mortar fixing. It is also provides excellent waterproof resistance, guaranteeing a more sustainable roof.

The firm has purchased a new injection moulding machine from Borche, one of the leading manufacturers of injection moulding machines in the world. The new machinery will assist with the production of dry fix system components at Russell Roof Tiles Wetmore Lane site in Burton.

In 2019 Russell Roof Tiles invested over £60,000 in upgrading its equipment, systems and technology at its sites in Burton and Lochmaben.

Designed to complement its own concrete roof tile products, Russell Roof Tiles has been manufacturing dry fix components at its dedicated site since 1988. This facility supplies over 75 per cent of the UPVC fittings required for the roofing projects it supplies.

Daniel Hancox, Business Support Manager at Russell Roof Tiles said:

“This new equipment replaces two older machines and will enable us to increase overall production output by around 30per cent. More high-tech equipment also allows us to continue to be more energy efficient.

“Over the past five years, we have invested significantly in manufacturing processes to increase efficiencies and reduce our environmental impact.”

Russell Roof Tiles became the first manufacturer in the sector to have achieved an excellent rating of BES 6001: Issue 3 – the BRE Framework for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction incorporating the need for energy efficiency.

Andrew Hayward, Managing Director at Russell Roof Tiles, added said:

“It is vital that construction materials manufacturers continue to invest in the latest technology to continue to drive the business forward. This investment supports our service to customers whilst continuing to grow the business production capabilities.

“This investment is part of Russell Roof Tiles’ capital improvement plan to further enhance quality across the business, by utilising the latest innovations in technology, to increase output whilst reducing our carbon footprint.”

Russell Roof Tiles is a leading independent pitched roof tile manufacturer providing products for leading UK house builders and high-profile social housing and commercial projects, where sustainability and eco-credentials are of the utmost priority.