With continued dedication to training and product investment, Russell Roof Tiles has opened its first Training & Innovation Hub, in Burton on Trent.

The pitched-roof tile manufacturer has invested £100,000 in developing a brand-new facility, close to its previous training centre and its plastics and accessories manufacturing unit.

The new Training & Innovation Hub provides a site for research and development for the company’s new product development program. 

The new 3,418ft2 space will house both Russell Roof Tiles expanded technical team, as well as an innovation hub for product development that features six modular roof rigs units, with pitched and vertical options. The custom-made rigs enable course delegates to experience 'hands-on' practical sessions with Russell’s range of tiles and fittings, along with dry fix accessories.

The facility is an extension of the company's first training facility, opened in 2016, which has been used to train both staff and customers in the full range of roofing products the company makes. 

The new facility is headed up by Technical Director Mark Parsons, who also advises leading national bodies, such as the National Home Building Council (NHBC), and the Roof Tiles Association (RTA) on technical best practices. 

As well as investing in the new site, Russell Roof Tiles is bringing its expanding central services team over from the firm’s other facility in the town, as part of a £18.5 million site enhancement project which is now nearing completion. The new plant is set to double production capacity while introducing new sustainability features, including solar panels and a curing facility.

Andrew Hayward, Managing Director of Russell Roof Tiles, commented: “This latest investment in the new facility supports our new product development as well as our investment in providing expert tuition on installing all our latest products, both tiles and dry fixing systems. We’re delighted to be bringing our teams together on one expanded site.

“We continue to invest in products, our manufacturing facilities, our people, and services to not only meet demands but offer solutions and new ideas with a dynamic approach to product innovation.”