Forterra boost northern brick production

Company steps up production at Claughton and Accrington in line with housing market growth

FORTERRA are continuing to boost brick production at their Claughton and Accrington sites in line with housing market growth.

Investment has centred on the installation of a new dryer system at Claughton and a complete upgrade of the factory control systems. The company has also boosted output and the range of bricks in production at its Accrington plant.

Staffing levels at both brickworks are being raised to reflect the increase in production, which comes in response to the continued growth in house building in the north of England.

Forterra’s chief executive Stephen Harrison said it had been encouraging to see demand for the company’s bricks rise in line with the growth in the house-building sector.

‘The investment in new driers for Claughton has been critical in helping us to achieve the necessary increase in that facility’s output,’ he commented.

‘In addition, we have increased operations at our Accrington brickworks, and we expect the plant to build up to full production utilizing both of its kilns during 2018.’

The extensive range of bricks available at Claughton, which has been developed to meet key aesthetic and technical requirements of planners in northern England, is also being updated and modified, to meet with the construction industry’s developing needs.

The first of the facility’s new bricks went on sale last month.

Bricks in the Claughton range are highly resistant to frost, and their sustainability credentials are enhanced by their long-life performance, low maintenance and high recycled content.