Lochmaben-based Russell Roof Tiles has announced a £1.7m capital investment programme for its local tile plant.
The largest independent manufacturer of concrete derivatives in the UK pitched roofing market employs approximately 150 staff - including 56 in Lochmaben.
Work is about to start on the new 11-acre site in Scotland, which should be completed by Easter this year.
It will include a major upgrade to its utility plant, with a replacement building that will house the firm’s first robotic packer.
Russell Roof Tiles is also carrying out a full electrical upgrade and introducing mechanical improvements across key machinery.
This should increase the capacity of this production line to allow the firm to meet the growing demands for its products.
This investment follows on from new moulds purchased for the Lochmaben production line over the last couple of years.
As well as £70,000 investment in new staff welfare facilities, there is an upgrade of its aluminium third round ridge manufacturing equipment planned.
Russell Roof Tiles was one of the first it its sector to resume manufacturing in May last year, enabling it to maintain good lead times and fulfil a growing order book as construction bounced back.
Managing director Andrew Hayward said: “Over the past five years, we have invested significantly in new plant and equipment at all of our three sites to both increase manufacturing efficiencies and reduce our environmental impact.”
The business is currently recruiting for 10 additional operatives in Lochmaben.
