Swisspearl Buys James Hardie Cladding Stock and Eastleigh Distribution Base

Swisspearl has announced a significant investment in the UK market through a planned acquisition.

Swisspearl has acquired James Hardie’s remaining European inventory of cladding products, together with associated accessories and made arrangements for future operations of the Eastleigh distribution facility.

Under the agreement, the entire acquired inventory of Hardie Plank and Hardie VL Plank will be held in the United Kingdom, with the aim of supporting stock availability and continuity of supply for UK customers, distributors, housebuilders and contractors.

Lee Bucknall, Managing Director, James Hardie, said: “Swisspearl’s acquisition of the remaining product inventory, together with the arrangements for UK distribution and technical support, provides a route for customers, subject to product availability, to access James Hardie products for ongoing developments.”

The agreement provides reassurance to customers with ongoing projects specifying Hardie Plank products while, the company says, “establishing a pathway towards Swisspearl’s own range of cladding solutions”.

Swisspearl, European manufacturers of fibre cement building materials, will manage the distribution and supply of the acquired Hardie Plank and Hardie VL Plank inventory, supporting existing projects and future call-off requirements through its UK distribution network.

It says its priority is to support existing developments specifying Hardie Plank products through to completion without unnecessary disruption, product substitution or changes to established specifications.

Based on current estimates of customer demand and the acquired inventory, Swisspearl anticipates that the stock will provide more than 12 months of supply. Swisspearl says it will work closely with customers to establish forward requirements and prioritise continuity for existing developments.

James Hardie will continue to honour applicable product warranties on James Hardie products, in accordance with the relevant warranty terms and conditions. In the meantime, Swisspearl will provide technical assistance, product guidance and project support throughout the supply and transition period.

Swisspearl has recruited experienced former James Hardie personnel, retaining valuable product knowledge, technical expertise and established customer relationships within the UK market.

Distribution and Future

Swisspearl has also agreed arrangements for future operation of the Eastleigh distribution facility to provide a UK-based location for the acquired inventory.

Alongside the continued availability of James Hardie products, customers will have access to Swisspearl Plank range including Swisspearl Plank Original and Swisspearl Plank Connect for future developments and new project phases.

Mike Norton, Managing Director, Swisspearl UK & Ireland, said: “This agreement represents a significant commitment to our customers and to the future of the UK fibre cement cladding market. Our priority has been to ensure that existing James Hardie customers have the confidence that their projects can continue without disruption. “By securing the remaining stock, bringing that inventory into the UK, retaining experienced industry expertise and taking over the Eastleigh facility, we are putting the infrastructure in place to deliver that continuity.

“At the same time, this creates an opportunity to introduce more customers to Swisspearl’s own products and the long-term benefits of working with an established European manufacturer. We see this as an important step in strengthening our UK presence and building lasting relationships with housebuilders, merchants, contractors and installers.”

Customers who require more information should call: + 44 (0) 20 3372 2300 or email: planksales@gb.swisspearl.com.

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