Proudly Made in Britain: Why Every RTA Member Manufactures in the United Kingdom
When you choose a roof tile from a Roof Tile Association member, you are choosing a product that is designed, crafted, and manufactured right here in the United Kingdom. This is not simply a point of pride; it is a commitment that delivers real, measurable benefits to the British economy, to local communities, and to the quality of every roof installed across the country. All seven RTA members — Breedon, Dreadnought Tiles, FP McCann, Marley, Redland, Sandtoft, and Tudor Roof Tiles — manufacture their clay and concrete roof tiles on British soil. That distinction matters more today than ever before.
Investing in the British Economy
UK manufacturing is a powerful engine of economic growth. According to Oxford Economics, the total impact of British manufacturing on GDP reached approximately £518 billion in 2022, representing nearly a quarter of the entire UK economy. The sector directly employs 2.6 million people and accounts for 49% of all UK exports. Every roof tile produced by an RTA member contributes to this national success story, keeping investment, skills, and revenue circulating within our own borders.
When specifiers, developers, and homeowners choose RTA member products, they are making a direct investment in the UK economy. The money spent does not flow overseas to foreign factories; instead, it supports British wages, British supply chains, and British communities. This creates what economists call a positive multiplier effect. Every pound spent on domestically manufactured goods generates additional economic activity in the surrounding area, from the raw material suppliers to the local shops where factory workers spend their earnings.
Supporting Local Jobs and Communities
Behind every roof tile is a team of skilled workers. RTA member factories are located across England, from Kent to the Midlands and beyond, providing stable, well-paid employment in regions where manufacturing jobs are the backbone of local economies. These are not transient roles; they are careers built on craft, expertise, and generations of knowledge passed down through the industry.
The human stories within RTA member companies illustrate this perfectly. Will McGinnis, Works Manager at Tudor Roof Tile Co Ltd in Lydd, Kent, has been with the company since 1991 — a career spanning over three decades dedicated to the art and science of roof tile making. His story is far from unique. Across all RTA member factories, experienced craftspeople work alongside apprentices and recruits, ensuring that traditional skills are preserved while modern manufacturing techniques continue to evolve.
| RTA Member | Specialisation | Heritage |
| Breedon | Concrete roof tiles | Major UK building materials group |
| Dreadnought Tiles | Clay roof tiles | Manufacturing since 1805 |
| FP McCann | Concrete roof tiles | Leading UK precast concrete manufacturer |
| Marley | Clay and concrete roof tiles | Iconic British roofing brand |
| Redland | Concrete and clay roof tiles | Established UK market leader |
| Sandtoft | Clay and concrete roof tiles | One of Europe’s largest clay tile producers |
| Tudor Roof Tiles | Clay roof tiles | Handmade plain and peg tile manufacturer |
These companies do not merely operate in the UK; they are woven into the fabric of their local communities. They sponsor local events, support charitable causes, and provide apprenticeship opportunities that give young people a pathway into skilled, rewarding careers. When you specify an RTA member product, you help sustain this vital network of employment and community support.
Uncompromising Quality and Standards
Manufacturing in the United Kingdom means operating under some of the most rigorous quality and safety standards in the world. RTA members adhere to demanding British Standards, including BS 5534 for the design and installation of slating and tiling, and BS 8612 for dry-fixed ridge, hip, and verge systems. Their products are tested and certified to meet the specific challenges of the British climate — from driving rain and high winds to frost and snow.
This commitment to standards is not merely regulatory compliance; it reflects a culture of excellence that runs through every RTA member organisation. Concrete and clay roof tiles manufactured in the UK undergo rigorous testing for frost resistance, water impermeability, flexural strength, and dimensional accuracy, all in accordance with the relevant European and British Standards. The result is a product that specifiers, contractors, and homeowners can trust to perform reliably for decades.
“RTA members strive to offer the best quality roofing products, in terms of technical performance and long-term durability.” — Roof Tile Association
By contrast, imported products may not always be manufactured to the same exacting standards, and verifying their provenance and quality can be considerably more difficult. Choosing an RTA member product eliminates this uncertainty.
A Smaller Carbon Footprint
Sustainability is no longer an optional consideration in construction; it is a fundamental requirement. One of the most significant environmental advantages of UK-manufactured roof tiles is the dramatically reduced carbon footprint associated with transportation. A roof tile made in Britain and installed on a British building has travelled a fraction of the distance of an imported alternative, resulting in substantially lower transport-related carbon emissions.
RTA members are also committed to responsible manufacturing practices. Their factories operate under stringent UK environmental regulations, and many have invested heavily in reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, and sourcing raw materials locally. Clay and concrete are among the most sustainable roofing materials available — they are made from abundant natural resources, are fully recyclable at the end of their long service life, and require minimal maintenance throughout their lifespan.
The growing importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in the construction industry further underscores the transparency and accountability of RTA members. EPDs provide independently verified data on the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle, enabling architects and specifiers to make informed, evidence-based decisions.
| Sustainability Advantage | UK-Manufactured RTA Tiles |
| Transport emissions | Significantly reduced due to domestic production. |
| Regulatory compliance | Subject to stringent UK environmental laws |
| Raw material sourcing | Locally sourced clay and aggregates |
| Product lifespan | Typically 60+ years with minimal maintenance |
| End of life | Fully recyclable materials |
Supply Chain Resilience
Recent years have demonstrated, with sometimes painful clarity, the risks of relying on extended international supply chains. From the disruption caused by the Suez Canal blockage in 2021 to the ongoing challenges in global logistics and geopolitical uncertainty, the construction industry has learned that proximity and supply reliability are invaluable.
By manufacturing in the United Kingdom, RTA members offer specifiers and contractors a dependable, resilient supply chain. Lead times are shorter, communication is simpler, and the risks associated with international shipping, customs delays, and currency fluctuations are eliminated. When a project demands materials on a tight schedule, knowing that your roof tiles are being produced just a few hundred miles away — rather than on the other side of the world — provides genuine peace of mind.
Preserving a Proud Heritage
Roof tile making in Britain is not a recent innovation. Clay roof tiles were first introduced to these islands by the Romans in the 1st century AD, and the craft has been refined and perfected over nearly two millennia. RTA members are the custodians of this extraordinary heritage. Companies like Dreadnought Tiles, which have been manufacturing since 1805, represent an unbroken tradition of British craftsmanship that stretches back more than two centuries.
This heritage is not merely historical; it is a living, evolving tradition. Modern RTA member factories combine time-honoured knowledge of materials and processes with cutting-edge automation and quality control systems. The result is a product that honours the past while meeting the demands of contemporary architecture and building regulations.
A Pitched Roof Built for the Future
The benefits of a pitched roof are well established: superior structural integrity, excellent thermal efficiency, natural rainwater drainage, acoustic insulation, and the potential for additional living space. When that pitched roof is covered with tiles manufactured by an RTA member, these advantages are complemented by the assurance of British quality, the support of British jobs, and the knowledge that your choice is contributing to a more sustainable and resilient construction industry.
The Roof Tile Association and its members are proud to manufacture in the United Kingdom. It is a commitment that reflects their values, supports their communities, and delivers the highest quality products to the British construction industry. When you specify an RTA member product, you are not just choosing a roof tile — you are choosing to invest in Britain.