May 3 2007
Member companies of the UK’s Clay Roof Tile Council (Stoke-on-Trent,
England) are continuing to pioneer new innovations and manufacturing techniques in the clay roof tile industry after investing more than £36 million over the last 12 months in factory developments and technology.
Both Sandtoft Roof Tiles and Marley Eternit have recently opened substantial new factories. All tiles produced by the companies in CRTC membership, which also embraces Dreadnought Tiles, Keymer Handmade Clay Tiles and Lafarge Roofing, are carefully manufactured using the latest computer controlled kiln technology, to ensure that they are fully resistant to the unpredictable British weather.
Nick Oldridge, chairman of the CRTC, explains: “Since the 13th century indigenous clay has been used to produce roof tiles and even today we are still developing production methods to ensure that clay roof tiles manufactured in this country are produced to the highest standards.
“Further major investments will continue to ensure that our factories run as economically and efficiently as possible whilst not compromising on the quality of the products that we produce.
“In addition to this, new technology means there is now a much bigger product range available than ever before so architects and specifiers are able to select from a vast panoply of colours and styles that complement every type of building material and structure.”
Finally, Nick adds: “It’s an exciting time for the clay industry as the demand for natural products continues to increase, driven by stricter planning controls and a more discerning marketplace that is placing increasing emphasis on environmental preservation and the aesthetics of new and refurbished buildings”.