- CEO
- Neil Ash
- Full Time Employees
- 1,500
- Sector
- Non-energy minerals
- Industry
- Construction materials
- Address
- 5 Grange Park Court Northampton NH United Kingdom NN4 5EA
- IPO Date
- Apr 21, 2016
- Business
- Forterra plc is a leading UK manufacturer of essential clay and concrete building products. Its core product portfolio includes bricks, dense and lightweight concrete blocks, precast concrete floor beams, and concrete block paving. The company operates through multiple well-known brands, manufacturing over 600 building products at 17 manufacturing sites across the UK. Forterra services diverse construction sectors including residential, commercial, and infrastructure markets.
Founded originally as part of Hanson Plc's building products division and rebranded in 2016 following its separation and listing on the London Stock Exchange, Forterra has expanded significantly through acquisitions such as Bison Manufacturing and strategic plant developments. Most recently, it has invested heavily in new manufacturing capacity with a £140 million capital investment program nearing completion, including a new £95 million plant in Desford, which will become Europe’s largest and most efficient brick factory, and an advanced brick slip production facility at Accrington. The company is also developing a new mechanically fixed brick slip system, Omnia, with an initial range of 14 brick slips expected to launch by mid-2025.
In terms of strategic changes, Forterra has focused on investment-driven growth with capacity expansion and efficiency improvements, alongside bolt-on acquisitions in complementary markets. It has extended a £170 million revolving credit facility to mid-2028, supporting its financial stability. Additionally, Forterra is progressing sustainability initiatives, exploring alternative fuels such as hydrogen and carbon capture technologies to achieve net-zero targets. The company continues to address operational efficiency with the commissioning of upgraded facilities, maintaining a strong market position amidst challenging industry conditions influenced by the UK construction sector.
Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Forterra serves primarily the UK market with a focus on housebuilders and commercial builders. Its recent operational advances position it well to meet future demand shaped by government support for housebuilding and market shifts. The company has a significant presence in building materials manufacturing and is strategically advancing its product range and production technologies to enhance competitiveness and meet evolving customer needs.
Forterra's 2024 financial performance reflected resilience with revenues of £344.3 million and adjusted EBITDA of £52 million. The company reported a reduction in net debt and improved cash flow, reinforcing its cash-generative business model amid challenging market conditions. It remains focused on delivering long-term earnings and cash flow growth through continued investment in capacity, product innovation, and strategic acquisitions.