Sales at Metrotile UK, the Chippenham-based steel roofing tile firm, rose by nearly a third last year as more builders and developers rejected traditional tiles in favour of its lightweight, cost-saving products. The 32.8% year-on-year growth took sales to just over £7.1m in the year to the end of January.
Annual pre-tax profits fell slightly from £510,000 to £493,000 following an increase in investment in marketing activities of more than £300,000 as the company bids to break into mainstream domestic construction.
Managing director John Cunningham said: “It’s been an amazing year for us as we’ve sold more than one million tiles for the first time, with a record month in September of more than 120,000 tiles.
“We’re keen to keep breaking into new markets and I believe our products can have a major impact on the construction industry as a whole. Lightweight roofs have huge sustainability benefits as well as a variety of cost savings for developers and construction companies – reductions in transport costs, building materials required, depth of foundations and scaffolding requirements.
“I believe this is just the beginning for the range of products we provide and I’m looking forward to what the next 12 months hold for everyone here.”
The firm supplies the Belgian-made tiles to construction firms and roofing contractors around the UK for commercial and domestic building projects.
Because they are up to seven times lighter than traditional roof materials such as clay and slate they can help lower building costs and reduce environmental impact.
During the year it supplied tiles for a variety of roofs from private homes, working men’s clubs and house renovations to sports clubs, supermarkets and even a bird observatory. The tiles are also increasingly becoming popular for conservatory roofs.
Metrotile UK employs 17 staff at its base on Chippenham’s Sheldon Business Park and around the UK. It is part of an international group that has been in operation for more than 30 years and sells its products in 60 countries worldwide.
Pictured: Metrotile UK managing director John Cunningham
