A tile manufacturer in Burton-on-Trent has just unveiled its new training and innovation centre.
A popular place to work due to its commitment to learning, Russell Roof Tiles has announced that the new hub for learning and product development is based on Wetmore Lane.
It has invested £100k into the facility, which is strategically located close to its previous training centre, and adjacent to its plastics and accessories manufacturing unit.
Russell Roof Tiles - an established independent concrete roof tile manufacturer - supplies products for independent builders, as well as high-profile social housing and commercial projects.
The company produces thousands of tiles, related fittings and accessories every week, used on pitched roofs across the UK. These products offer durability with profiles and colours designed to replicate traditional clay, stone, and slate materials.
The company has two sites in Burton and one in Scotland which employ a team of 160.
The new Russell Roof Tiles Training & Innovation Hub will also serve as a site for research and progression for the company’s new product development program. This focus on evaluating and enhancing technical aspects of roofing solutions has been fundamental to its success.
But that's not all; the new 3,418 sq ft space will house the expanded Russell Roof Tiles technical team, and will feature six modular roof rigs units, with pitched and vertical options, enabling learners to experience 'hands-on' practical sessions.
The new hub is a huge boost and extends the business' first training facility, opened in 2016, which has been used to train both staff and customers in the full range of company products.
Its syllabus covers how products are manufactured and their correct installation. Theoretical classroom training emphasises product awareness, roofing systems, correct fixing, British standards, regulations, and roof estimating as well.
Better still, the new training space has opened at a time when Russell Roof Tiles is looking to grow its workforce, with new opportunities for experienced production operatives to join the Burton branch.
And with an ongoing commitment to community engagement and environmental responsibility, its growing team can look forward to the potential of a solid future with the business and the local customers it serves.
A community-driven approach
Marking its 60th anniversary this year, the pitched roof tile manufacturer has announced its charity plans for 2025.
Its Give4Good campaign was set up in 2022 as a way of supporting local initiatives with fun and challenging events championed by its staff, suppliers, customers, and partners.
Over the years, Russell Roof Tiles has organised several activities to raise money for charity, including firewalking, ballroom dancing, a ‘Race Across Europe’ challenge, Tough Mudder, skydiving, paddleboarding, comedy and race nights, a ‘Big Charity Quiz’, and even car boot sales.
Russell Roof Tiles managing director Andrew Hayward says: "It’s an important part of our company values that we support the local communities where we are based, which helps to recognise the amazing work these organisations do.
"It's always very difficult to choose who to support when there are so many worthy charities. It’s fitting that in our diamond jubilee year, we boost this support even further, marking 60 years of Russell Roof Tiles."
In 2022, the firm relaunched its Long Service Programme so that, alongside certificates and other gifts, employees receive a legacy that supports the company's commitment to its sustainable values and Net Zero pledge.
Long-serving team members from the Burton sites now receive a dedicated area of land in Burroughs Wood, Leicestershire, from The Woodlands Trust. Each patch is donated in their name by Russell Roof Tiles, and individuals can visit it and even add to it in the future.
Andrew adds: “We’re grateful to all of our long-serving team and their dedication to Russell Roof Tiles over the years. It’s wonderful to be able to mark their legacies with a special gift that supports our sustainability values and benefits our local communities.”
Looking to future growth
The company's dedication to innovation also extends to its manufacturing operations.
Russell Roof Tiles is currently constructing an £18.5m plant at its Burton headquarters and main tile manufacturing site on Nicolson Way, which will aim to double its output, increasing energy efficiency and capacity. It will also be its first site to include solar panels.
In line with its growth and expansion, the company is also focusing on filling the new roles at its Burton branch, to meet continued demand for its products.
The roles available for production operatives will present an opportunity for experienced candidates to join the industry-focused team.
As Russell Roof Tiles continues to invest in new product development and sustainability, it remains a stand-out competitor in its sector with a bright future ahead.
