Manufacturing Investment

Continuing its path to invest and increase efficiencies, Russell Roof Tiles has invested a further £75,000 into machinery, with a new 1+1 injection moulding tool that is set to increase its ever-growing production capacity.

That takes its 2022 investment to almost £2.25 million, following the recent capital investment which the manufacturer made to its utility plant in Lochmaben, plus investment in injection moulding equipment.

Russell Roof Tiles (RRT) is the largest independent manufacturer of concrete derivatives in the UK pitched roofing market and employs 150 staff across its two sites in Burton and one in Lochmaben (Scotland).

The new injection moulding tool is the latest investment from the pitched roof tile manufacturer in its plastic and accessories site in Burton on Trent, which has already delivered an increase in production of Commercial Dry Verge Units by approx. 16 per cent. The machinery also marks each accessory to assist with quality control and traceability on its dry fix products.

The tool was manufactured just 20 miles from the factory, which is an important part of RRT’s policy to and commitment to source locally, wherever possible, and support British businesses.

Injection moulding is a cost-effective way to create plastic components on a large volume basis. All tools are placed on an capital replacement programme, meaning that after it’s life span of 15 – 20 years it will be replaced again due to wear and tear, ensuring products are always manufactured to the highest quality using the latest equipment.

Dan Hancox, Business Support Manager at the firm said: “This as a long-term investment that helps to support us in increasing our production rate on our dry verge units, one of the most sort after elements of our roofing systems. We’re proud to be a leading producer of high-quality concrete and UPVC roofing solutions and with the manufacturing technology we have now, we can continue to be just that.”

The Dry verge units are handed to suit both sides of the verge as are the stop end units which are fixed in the eaves dry verge units. The Standard Dry Verge System manufactured by Russell Roof Tiles are in accordance with the requirements of BS 5534 and BS 8612 and are compatible with its Double Roman, Grampian, Highland and Pennine profiles.

Together the new moulding tool and the machine is continuing to increase the firms overall manufacturing capacity and provide products for leading UK housebuilders and high-profile social housing and commercial projects.

Early in 2022 Russell Roof Tiles announced its ambition to be Net Zero by 2040. The manufacturer recognises that as a leading sector player, the company has a responsibility to perform an important role in supporting the UK’s transition to Net Zero.