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[April 2003]
Record Sales for Clay Roof Tile Council Members in UK
Figures released by the Clay Roof Tile Council (CRTC), which is made up of the six leading clay roof tile manufacturers in the UK, show that the CRTC posted its highest volume of sales when its members sold a record 115 million tiles in 2002.The Council members have enjoyed eight years of solid sales growth giving the clay roofing industry just over 8% of the UK pitched roof market. Last year's figures represent a 71% increase in sales from 1994 and are 6% up on 2001.
Commenting on the latest figures, CRTC Chairman Neil Tobin said: "Our 2002 sales figures represent the highest number of tiles sold in the history of the CRTC. Recent trends in the construction sector, including the government's proposal to build an additional 60% of new housing on brownfield sites and the increase in refurbishment projects, indicate that there is potential for continued growth. By 2004, we expect the clay roofing industry to account for 10% of the pitched roof market.
"In the early 1990s, we started promoting the unique benefits of clay tiles to our key target groups, which is another reason for the positive sales trend. The growth in demand has been matched by significant investment in new clay manufacturing technology which has increased the production capacity and speed. This will ensure that the industry meets future growth."
Suppliers of clay roof tiles - and members of the CRTC - have been quick to meet the steady rise in demand through increased production. Eternit Building Materials recently added a £3.5 million extension to its existing clay tile facility in Madeley Heath (Staffordshire), which has increased capacity by 20%. Lafarge Roofing (formerly Redland Roofing Systems) has, over the past two years, spent approximately £1.3 million to boost productivity and meet demand for clay tiles produced at its Bedworth Plant (Warwickshire). Sandtoft Roof Tiles has invested over £2 million on two intermittent kilns at its Broomfleet Works (East Yorkshire). Keymer Hand Made Tiles (Burgess Hill, West Sussex) recently installed a new moving hood kiln valued at £250,000.
ENDS