Forterra is to invest £27 million into its brick factory in Wilnecote, Staffordshire.

The investment will see a modernisation of the facility, which has been in operation for 30 years, bringing it up to current standards of efficiency and sustainability.

With an expected product output boost of 20%, the redevelopment project will include a new kiln, dryers and handling equipment installed and will allow the factory to create a wider array of high-quality brick products, including increasing production of the famous Staffordshire Blue Brick.

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It will also provide us with further opportunity for new contracts within the commercial and specifications markets including supplying materials for larger construction projects such as schools and hospitals.

The announcement comes after a positive half-year end for us, with an increase in demand thanks to the expanding housing and property market.

Our Chief Executive, Stephen Harrison. said: "As one of Britain's biggest manufacturers of building products, we endeavour to set the benchmark in terms of manufacturing efficiency, output and sustainability.

"In keeping with our strategic focus on manufacturing excellence, our new facility in Wilnecote will allow us to respond to the increasing demand for bricks as the rate of housebuilding continues to accelerate nationwide and crucially balance this with a greater reach into the commercial and specifications markets."

Work on the factory is expected to begin in late 2022, with the factory closing for around nine months to allow for construction. The upgraded factory will re-open in 2023.