Pitched roofing manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles is to embark on a £0.5 million investment programme in its Lochmaben factory which will result in 10 new jobs in 2018.

As part of its on-going capital investment programme, the firm is investing in new machinery and equipment in its utility and main tile plants at the 11-acre Halleaths site, one of three manufacturing sites in the UK.

The company was originally founded as The Annadale Tile Company by John Gibson in 1964, when he purchased the site, close to Lockerbie.

The Lochmaben factory now employs a team of 70 making concrete roof tiles used UK’s top house builders and high profile social housing and commercial projects, where sustainability and eco-credentials are of the utmost priority. Russell Roof Tiles is now the third largest manufacturer of concrete roof tiles in the UK by volume.

This latest investment follows a period of continued growth in the construction sector, with growing demand for roofing products for both housing and commercial projects. Gearing itself for continued and sustained growth, the company has now invested £7m in new capital equipment since it become independent six years ago (including this latest investment) across its sites.

Andrew Hayward, managing director at Russell Roof Tiles, said: “It’s vital that Russells continues to invest in our manufacturing facilities, using the latest technology to continue to drive the business forward and keep up with current and predicted growth. The new enhanced equipment means that we will require new staff to join the team.”

The new equipment will help the firm to deliver existing and new customer orders and increases capacity for its growing collection of colours and profiles.