Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Building Materials Manufacturer in the UK
Forterra has been a cornerstone of the UK construction industry since the 1960s, delivering essential clay and concrete building products that support both traditional and modern construction methods. With 15 manufacturing sites and over 1,600 employees, we produce more than 600 products across nine brands, including iconic names like London Brick and Butterley. Our heritage spans decades, contributing to over a quarter of England's housing stock and notable structures such as stadiums, hospitals, and historic buildings. We prioritise innovation through Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) approaches, offering offsite walling systems that enhance construction efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal.Sustainability is integral to our operations, with initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions, achieve zero waste to landfill, and utilise local raw materials to minimise environmental impact. Our technical expertise and nationwide delivery network ensure we meet the evolving needs of architects, developers, and construction professionals. Backed by investments in smart manufacturing technologies and a commitment to industry leadership, we remain dedicated to advancing sustainable building practices while maintaining the quality and reliability our clients expect.
Services
Bricks
Concrete Blocks
Precast Concrete
Facade Systems
Paving Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- UK-based manufacturing reduces transportation emissions and supports local economies
- Over 60 years of heritage in producing trusted clay and concrete building products
- Extensive product range covering traditional and modern construction methods
- Commitment to sustainability with CO2 reduction and zero waste to landfill targets
- Technical expertise and nationwide delivery network for reliable project support
Services
Clay Bricks
Forterra produces high-quality clay bricks using wirecut, soft mud, and semi-dry pressed techniques. Our range includes iconic Fletton bricks under the London Brick brand, available in diverse colours and textures. These durable, low-maintenance products contribute to thermal efficiency in buildings and can be recycled at end-of-life. Our manufacturing process prioritises sustainability through local material sourcing and reduced transport emissions.
Concrete Blocks
We offer aircrete and aggregate blocks suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Available in various densities and sizes, these blocks provide structural integrity for foundations, walls, and floors. Thermalite aircrete blocks offer excellent insulation, while Conbloc aggregate blocks ensure strength for external applications. Our products support modern construction methods while maintaining environmental responsibility through efficient production techniques.
Precast Concrete
Our precast concrete solutions include Jetfloor, hollowcore, and beam and block flooring systems. These products cater to residential, infrastructure, and commercial developments with options for speed of installation and structural performance. We also manufacture infrastructure components like bridge decks and retaining walls, combining durability with sustainable practices through material efficiency and reduced on-site waste.
Facade Systems
Forterra's facade systems include Wonderwall (lightweight brick slip cladding), Quickwall (prefabricated walling), and Surebrick (retained brick slip system). These solutions enable faster build times while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Designed for modern methods of construction, they address material supply challenges and skilled labour shortages, offering architects and developers reliable, high-quality exterior finishes.
Sustainable Paving
Formpave permeable paving solutions help meet sustainability goals and SuDS requirements. Available in traditional and contemporary styles, these products manage surface water runoff while offering aesthetic flexibility. The range includes conventional and permeable block paving with varied sizes, colours, and finishes, supporting both functional drainage and visual appeal in urban environments.
Questions
What types of building products does Forterra manufacture?
We produce bricks, concrete blocks, precast concrete, paving, facade systems, chimney components, and special shaped bricks across nine brands, supporting both traditional and modern construction methods.
How does Forterra ensure sustainability in its products?
We prioritise local material sourcing, reduce CO2 emissions through manufacturing efficiency, and aim for zero waste to landfill. Our products are durable, recyclable, and contribute to building thermal efficiency.
Can Forterra products be used for large-scale infrastructure projects?
Yes, our precast concrete solutions and infrastructure components like bridge decks and retaining walls are specifically designed for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure developments.
Do you offer technical support for product specification?
Yes, our technical team provides guidance on product selection, compliance, and installation through our Specifier Academy and dedicated support services.
Are Forterra products available nationwide in the UK?
Yes, we offer nationwide delivery through our extensive distribution network, ensuring timely access to building materials across the UK construction industry.
How does Forterra support modern construction methods?
We develop offsite walling systems using Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles, reducing on-site time and addressing labour and material supply challenges.
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