Leading roof tile manufacturer, Russell Roof Tiles recently presented long-service awards to its team, marking a combined 235 years’ service.
In 2022 the firm relaunched its Long Service Programme, so that alongside certificates and other gifts, the team each gets managed woodland from The Woodland Trust, local to each Russell Roof Tiles site, donated in their name. This provides a unique and long-lasting legacy, supporting the firm’s commitment to its local communities as well as its sustainable values and Net Zero pledge.
The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity and is concerned with the creation, protection, and restoration of native woodland heritage.
Long-serving team members from the firm’s Burton site now have a dedicated area of woodland in Burroughs Wood, Leicestershire, which they can visit and even add to in the future. Those in Lochmaben were presented with dedicated trees in Miltonrigg Woods in Brampton, just east of Carlisle.
As a leading manufacturer, the company has an important role to play in supporting the UK’s transition to Net Zero, which is why Russell Roof Tiles became one of the very few UK manufacturers to announce a pledge to reach Net Zero by 2040, 10 years earlier than the Government’s agreed target.
Managing Director of Russell Roof Tiles, Andrew Hayward, said: “We’re grateful to all of our long-serving team and their dedication to Russell Roof Tiles over the years. It’s wonderful to be able to mark their legacies with a unique gift that supports our sustainability values and benefits our local communities.”
A total of 14 members of the Russell Roof Tiles team were presented with long-service awards, six from its Lochmaben site and eight from its Burton site.
Lochmaben Yard Co-Ordinator, Colin Stevenson celebrated this year’s longest service anniversary of 35 years. It was also a significant year for Technical Director, Mark Parsons who celebrated his 30-year anniversary alongside his son, Technical Assistant, Liam Parsons who was awarded for his 10 years of service.
Other recipients, who celebrated 20 years of service, included Production Supervisor, Andrew Jackson, Maintenance Manager, Douglas Campbell, Burton Operatives, Terry West and Justin Charlesworth, and Production Supervisor, Robert Thomsen.
A further six members of staff received recognition for 10 years’ service. This included Lochmaben Operative, Roy Walker, Production Administrator, Debbie Allen, Senior Logistics Planner, Thomas Baron, Area Sales Manager (Scotland and North), Scott Summers, Sales Executive (South West and South Wales), Rhodri Jones, and HR and Payroll Administrator, Laura Venables.
Russell Roof Tiles has made significant improvements to remain on track to meet its Net Zero 2040 target, including major upgrades and investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in excess of £500k at its three sites in Burton and Lochmaben since June 2023. Working closely with Planet Mark to verify and measure its carbon and social data, the manufacturer’s efforts resulted in a 3.9 per cent carbon emissions reduction in 2023.
Russell Roof Tiles is a leading independent concrete roof tile manufacturer supplying products for top housebuilders and high-profile social housing and commercial projects. Concrete tiles, many of which feature an interlocking design, allow for fast and reliable installation. The company produces thousands of concrete roof tiles and accessories every week, used on roofs across the country, which offer durability with profiles and colours designed to replicate traditional clay, stone, and slate tiles.
