British Ceramic Tile
British Ceramic Tile (BCT) is the largest manufacturer of ceramic & glass tiles in the UK, based in Devon. The company has been in operation at the Heathfield site, Newton Abbot since the 1850s. In September 2009, a major expansion of the BCT factory was completed,[1] making it the largest and most efficient tile-making plant on one site in Europe. The factory is currently capable of producing 30,000 square metres of tiles per day.[2] The company entered administration on 30 January 2019 citing a difficult market position and the loss of a major contract. The company was acquired by Al Murad DIY Ltd in August 2019.
Type of site | Tile Manufacturer |
---|---|
CEO | Tony Taylor |
URL | www |
Current status | In Administration |
Tile manufacturing in Devon and the UK
Tile has been produced at Heathfield in Devon, the site of BCT's facility, for over 150 years, with the raw materials occurring within a mile radius of the site. Historically the UK has struggled in the tile industry, with more than 80% of tiles sold in the UK being imported. Originally Candy Tiles, BCT became the UK's biggest tile manufacturer in 2011, when it acquired shares of Brighouse based Ceramic Prints Ltd. [3] Due in part to the decline of the tile-making industry in Britain in the 1970s, a large number of tiles are imported from Spain, Italy and more recently China.[4] Recent developments have meant that UK manufacturers will be unaffected by a potential carbon tax outlined by the EU, with environmental efficiency a primary concern for both the EU and manufacturers themselves.[5]
References
- "Princess Opens £30m Factory". Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
- "The manufacturer with £40m faith". Retrieved 17 September 2009.
- "British Ceramic Tile opens new showroom and offices". The Huddersfield Daily Examiner. 19 September 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2017.
- "British Ceramic Tile aiming for future success". The Daily Telegraph. London. 20 January 2009. Retrieved 21 June 2011.
- "EU Brick Tax Ruling Will Secure UK Jobs". Retrieved 21 June 2011.