BMI UK & Ireland has completed a £6.3 million refurbishment of its Redland clay tile manufacturing plant in Coventry, with production resuming following five months of planned maintenance.
The investment has modernised the site’s Rosemary kiln and production processes, with the manufacturer saying the upgrades will improve operational efficiency, product quality and manufacturing resilience while reinforcing the long-term future of UK clay tile production.
The refurbishment involved more than 33,000 contact hours and included improvements to the plant’s automation and product handling systems. The kiln has also been fitted with upgraded gas and control equipment to help meet modern production demands, while the kiln entrance has been repainted and enhanced with new equipment and hydraulics.
BMI said the investment will deliver long-term operational benefits by supporting reliable production and consistent supply of its Rosemary clay roof tiles, while also improving safety and working conditions for employees at the site.
Damien Pooley, Portfolio Manager – Pitched Roofing at BMI UK & Ireland, said: “Clay will always have a future in roofing. We’re committed to UK manufacturing and our iconic Rosemary tile range, and this major investment allows us to strengthen our future manufacturing capabilities.”
He added: “With production now back underway, we’re already seeing the benefits of the refurbishment. This was a genuine team effort, with colleagues across the plant collaborating to improve efficiency based on their day-to-day, intimate understanding of our kiln operations. We’re incredibly proud of the result and what it means for both our customers and employees.”