They risked it all, putting their homes on the line for investment, but it paid off.
Today Darwen Terracotta is a global leader in architectural restoration, with projects including Harrods, The Natural History Museum, and the Royal Albert Hall.
It also did the double in this year’s Red Rose awards, making off with both the Made in Lancashire Award and the Export Award
Jon, now 69, says: “We are the main manufacturer in the UK and one of three in the western world.
“We are involved in new build developments, such as the Londoner on Leicester Square, where you see 15,000 deep blue tiles or blocks made here in Lancashire. We’ve recently worked on the Lucent development in Piccadilly.”
The Blackburn based business continues to fly the flag across the globe. Jon says: “New York is one of our big markets and we’ve just won a big contract in Kentucky. We’re working in Melbourne and Sydney too.”
Steve, 66, adds: “In New York we’re working on very prestigious buildings such as the Martinique on Broadway. We are delivering something that will stand the test of time for hundreds of years.”
Darwen Terracotta has shown consistent year-on-year growth, aided by its Whitebirk Sink Company operation, which specialises in the manufacture of fireclay sinks using traditional production methods.
Steve says: “In the early years we realised the UK construction market was up and down and we had no influence on that.
“We needed another product we could rely on and so the sinks business was created.”
As the company approaches its 10th anniversary, the double win at the Red Rose
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID
Darwen Terracotta prides
itself on preserving Lancashire’s craftsmanship while embracing innovation. An incredible story, full of resilience. A phenomenal business in a niche sector. Its export opportunities continue to grow with strategic focus
Neil Cox Factory manager
I have been here since 2016 and the business has changed massively from a small operation into what you see today. Our clients are expecting a high-quality finish on our products and we are always striving to do better all the time and that comes with a highly skilled workforce. It is great to win the award.
Jason Neville Quality manager
Winning awards is a remarkable and tremendous achievement as it gives people a sense of pride. It is testament to all our hard work and endeavour of the staff and also a bit of a self-motivator to keep producing high quality products which are going worldwide.
Simona Weldon Marketing manager
These awards are credit for what Jon and Steve have accomplished in the last 10 years. They’ve invested so much in the community, not just growing the business, but taking the Lancashire name and our product abroad to other countries. They’ve brought together such an amazing team and it feels like a family.
Awards is one of its proudest moments.
Steve says: “It was testament to the staff who won it. Without the skills and dedication of the workforce, we would not be here.
“To walk into the Red Rose Awards evening and then see the Darwen Terracotta name on the screen was breath-taking, especially for the export award when you look at the contenders.”
Jon echoes the pride: “There’s a feel-good factor that we have done well. We were shocked but it is great for the work of people here. We are proud Lancastrians and the Made In Lancashire award was amazing.”
Looking to the future, technology will play a big role. Steve says: “One of the risks to the business was the age of the workforce and we have looked at several options including apprenticeships which has been successful. However, it is difficult to get young people into apprenticeships on a factory floor.”
To appeal to younger talent, the business is embracing digital production methods. He explains: “3D printing has been with us now for the last two or three years and last year we
purchased a robot. Also, when we go out and survey, instead of measuring the buildings with a tape measure we scan buildings.”
The business has high hopes for the future especially boosting exports. Steve says: “We are number one in the UK and probably have 90 per cent of the restoration market here. Growth is through looking at opportunities in North America, Australia and Canada.”
Jon adds: “We want to build the team stronger. Because of our ages there will be, over the next few years, maybe retirement, so by keeping growing the business, we want to leave it in good hands.”
LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
69
RED ROSE AWARDS
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