RCI catches up with James Moore, national sales manager at James Hardie, who discusses his career so far and the future developments of his company as it looks into hidden fixings and sustainability initiatives.
How did you first get started in the industry and to your current position?
After graduating from university, my initial role was in the construction industry before moving to a Fibre Cement manufacturer. Since the early stages of my career, I have been actively involved in the cladding sector.
How did your previous roles prepare you for what you’re doing now?
Throughout my career I’ve worked closely with builders, architects and homeowners, understanding and responding to their different requirements. This experience has given me a comprehensive knowledge of the cladding industry which I’ve brought to my role as National Sales Manager, ensuring that we as a company are focusing our development on addressing the demands of the market.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Undoubtedly my career highlight has been the creation of our new Hardie® Panel team, and introducing the Hardie® Panel into the market. Whilst there is still a lot to do, we’ve made a real impact in a short space of time.
What are the key issues facing the facades and cladding sector?
Understanding the implications of the Building Safety Act and the lack of skilled labour are two of the key issues facing our industry. Our aim at James Hardie is to ensure that we can assist our clients with these issues and help to provide solutions for the sector.
>>Read more insightful articles in the June 2024 issue.
Please explain this new Hardie® Panel team that’s being put together and its role.
James Hardie is a world leader in the manufacture of high-performance fibre cement and fibre gypsum building solutions. We’ve been operating in the UK for over 20 years, supplying various sectors with our products. Last year, we significantly improved our large format Fibre Cement Panel offering, enabling us to deliver a cost-effective product with fast and efficient lead times. Our new Hardie® Panel team is tasked with growing the Hardie® Panel range and educating construction firms, architects and home builders about the cost, aesthetic and performance benefits of our products.
Is James Hardie marking 2024 with many innovations?
As a company we’re motivated by our enthusiasm for innovation, and we invest a lot in research and development. At the beginning of this year we introduced the market to our 11mm Hardie® Panel which achieves Category 1 impact and allows for secret fixing. We also launched our new Standing Seam trim, giving our Hardie® Panels an entirely new aesthetic. In April we will be launching a new addition to the Hardie® Architectural Panel range which we are all very excited about!
Tell us more about fermacell®
fermacell® is a one board that does it all – a high performance alternative for plasterboard, blockwork and wet screed. Our unique Fibre Gypsum Building Board combines superior fire resistance, acoustic insulation, and impact strength. Having this in our product portfolio ensures that we can provide both an exterior and interior solution to any project.
Why is James Hardie delving into hidden fixings?
Secret fix provides a seamless look on the front face of panels, providing an entirely different aesthetic compared to the use of standard fixings and rivets. It can be a key driver for certain projects, and by offering this we are able to meet the demands of the market across the board.
Will hidden fixings become the norm across all Hardie® solutions?
Any new innovations, textures etc will all be available in our 11mm density. This will allow for a secret fix solution across our entire Hardie® Panel range.
Is James Hardie adopting any sustainability initiatives?
As a leader in the building materials industry, our approach to sustainability extends beyond our products and manufacturing process. We have adopted new, more ambitious goals for 2024, committing to reducing emissions, minimising waste and full product transparency.
- We are committed to sending zero manufacturing waste to landfill by 2035.
- Our exterior products can be used to construct a BRE A+ rated façade.
- We use a fibre cement density that reduces CO2 levels.
- By optimising production, we aim to reduce scope 1 (direct) and scope 2 (indirect) emissions globally by 42 % by 2030 and we’re working towards a net zero by 2050.
- We embrace the newest optimisation technologies for recycling input materials and minimising energy and water usage. Once produced, our durable fibre cement materials not only impact fewer resources for replacement but help cut back maintenance and repair costs.
- We continue to invest in the on-going development of composite cement products recognised as being durable, low maintenance and energy efficient.
