Wienerberger Announces New Greener Clay Tile Factory

WIENERBERGER is expanding its roofing tile production in the UK with a new tile factory, and reducing carbon emissions.

The new concrete roof tile factory will be constructed in Smeed Dean, Kent. The factory will strengthen Wienerberger’s production in the largest regional markets of London and the South East.

The business will simultaneously complete the renovation of its Broomfleet clay plain tile factory.

Building Wienerberger’s first fully electrified clay roof tile plant, it will eliminate the use of natural gas and the associated CO₂ emissions from the firing process. Energy-efficient electric kilns will be used, fuelled by 100% renewable energy sources.

The investments are designed to improve Wienerberger’s competitive position in the UK, to deliver organic growth from an efficient cost base, and to increase Wienerberger’s exposure to the growing UK RMI market.

The new production facilities will also put in place technological solutions to deliver decarbonisation, part of Wienerberger’s sustainability roadmap. The facilities will combine new production technologies, helping to minimise the CO₂ footprint from manufacturing as well as new products that lower CO₂ emissions per square metre of installed roof.

Greener Clay Tile Factory

Heimo Scheuch, CEO Wienerberger AG, said: “These investments are showcasing our clear commitment towards our sustainable growth strategy. We are strengthening our position in the renovation market whilst further pursuing our goal of a CO₂ reduction of 40% by 2030 by actively driving our energy transition.

“Our investment in a fossil fuel free clay roof tile factory is a first for Wienerberger and the British market as a whole. It demonstrates our commitment to the UK and our customers, and their drive to deliver ‘zero carbon ready’ homes by 2025, but also Wienerberger’s ability to transform our industry towards a green future.”

Wienerberger expects the new tile-making facilities to break ground in 2023 and be fully operational in 2024. This will increase the company’s production capacity of new and existing tile formats.

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