A jobs boost as brick firm builds for £12m future
AFAMOUS Accrington building products manufacturer has announced a jobs boost along with a £12million manufacturing investment.
The investment will see Forterra capitalise upon growing market demand for brick slips, a material which combines the aesthetically appealing finish of traditional brick with a number of sustainability benefits, including the reduction of raw material and energy usage relative to the manufacture of traditional bricks.
Manufacture is expected to commence in late 2023, with a production capacity of up to 48 million brick slips per annum.
This investment and the increased manufacturing output is expected to lead to the creation of 10 new jobs at the firm, based on Whinney Hill Road, Huncoat.
The plant – formerly known as Hanson – has been making bricks for well over 100 years.
It is famed for its NORI bricks, whose iron-hard resistance and strength have been used in the construction of famous buildings such as the Empire State Building.
Chief executive Stephen Harrison said: “This investment will allow Forterra to continue to be a leading player in innovation across the construction industry.
“We’re always on the watch for exciting new developments which can both reduce costs and secure an eco-friendly and sustainable output; the brick slips investment is a really exciting venture which will streamline our production and provide longterm benefits, not only to the industry as a whole, but also to the Accrington area.”
Brick slips, or “thin bricks” as they are sometimes known, are specially manufactured brick tiles which, when installed, have the appearance, colour and texture of an authentic brick wall.
Typically used to create a façade wall, they are lighter weight than traditional masonry. Thanks to a speedier build process, brick slips enable wind and watertight
buildings to be created earlier in the build programme.
They also offer many of the benefits of standard bricks, including longterm durability, and easy and low-cost maintenance.