Russell Roof Tiles’ (RRT) expertise has been exported to the USA after its sister company Crown Roof Tiles utilised the latest British technology to develop its own version of Russell’s Thin Leading Edge (TLE) Galloway tile.
Crown Roof Tiles, which is part of the same group (Crown Global Equity) as RRT, has operations in Texas and Florida where, as part of the US roofing market, tile alternatives are commonly used.
Asphalt shingles account for the largest share of roofing with 57% of the market, but roof tiles specifically are expected to show the most rapid growth of all roofing products. RRT says this is driven by the rebound in residential construction in the West and South, where tiles are most popular. Demand is also driven by growing interest in the aesthetics of tiles and unlike the UK, reroofing accounts for the largest market share in the US
With the positive market conditions in the US, Russell Roof Tiles has used its 50 year heritage to assist its sister company to invest in both manufacturing plant and new product development.
Juan Prestamo, chief executive of both RRT and Crown Roof Tiles, said: “We are very excited about the adoption of the tile technology from the UK into the US market; we really think this could be a game changer. I hope this takes both of our companies to new heights with Crown Roof Tiles emulating Russell Roof Tiles’ success.”
As well as product development, the UK team has been sharing knowledge and expertise with their colleagues in Texas and Florida in key areas such as operations and finance.
The US$10m Floridan plant started production last year with the help of RRT’s national operations manager, Bruce Laidlaw, and works manager, Paul Erskine. A state-of-the-art plant has also been completed in Mansfield, Texas and is already manufacturing and selling concrete roofing products. RRT says these new facilities have helped to strengthen its position within the concrete tile sector.
Prior to launching the Galloway TLE in the US, the tiles had to be submitted to tests that replicate the severe weather that the US experiences. The tiles – more used to British rain – withstood Category 3 and 4 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which includes weather conditions including trees being debarked and cars being lifted off of the ground. One of the tests, the Hail Impact Test, which is required to provide with certification in the Florida markets, consists of shooting the tile six times with a two inch diameter solid ice ball at speeds higher than 110 feet per second. The Galloway passed the tests and performed better than local products that are 25% heavier.
Andrew Hayward, managing director of RRT, said: “We are proud that our British-born and designed products will be making an impact on the US market and that Galloway will be leading the way.”
 Galloway tile developed by sister company Crown Roof Tiles to be launched in America){kind=link}