Investment of £64m in new Atlas brick factory in Walsall brings new jobs, apprenticeships and lower-carbon bricks

The new factory has the potential to produce 115 million bricks annually – a net increase of 75 million bricks.

The range produced at Atlas includes will benefit from a c.50% reduction in embodied carbon compared to the previous factory, along with a new beautiful Pathfinder Range, a collection of the UKs first CarbonNeutral (R) certified bricks. The brick range collections have been developed with house building customers to meet their need for lower-carbon bricks without compromising on quality, performance or aesthetics.

The Atlas site investment includes several energy efficiencies, heat optimisation technologies, and on-site renewable electricity.  It will also significantly benefit the local economy in terms of employment, with the renovated factory supporting 60 highly skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs, including new apprenticeship opportunities

The Pathfinder Range are Ibstock’s first CarbonNeutral(R) certified bricks. This means the carbon produced during manufacture as well at the carbon emissions across the whole product lifecycle are considered. Ibstock is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and its ambition is to reduce carbon by 40% by 2030 and be Net Zero operationally by 2040.

The Group will not stop there. As we continue our Pathfinder approach, we are already working on new technologies and solutions to further reduce carbon and achieve net zero operations by 0; leading on innovation and engaging with employees and the local community to further progress environmental improvements and social impact particularly in the local area.  

Creating Opportunities 

Ibstock is renowned for brick manufacturing, but our expertise extends far beyond that. Our innovative teams create a diverse range of building products and solutions that set industry standards. We enable architects, builders, contractors and developers to create exceptional homes, places, and spaces across the UK. Our product portfolio includes clay bricks, roof tiles, architectural masonry, facade systems and other sustainable construction solutions. By offering this comprehensive range, we continue to support the evolving needs of the construction industry and contribute to the built environment's transformation, as we all look to reduce our carbon footprint.  

We are also passionate about the development of our people, so we can continue to offer a diverse range of building products & solutions for our customers. Our apprenticeship programmes which are available nationwide, offer the chance to train for a highly skilled role, gain a nationally recognised qualification and get paid while you learn. On completion of the programme, our apprentices are ideally placed to develop their career at Ibstock.

Apprenticeships range from 15 months to 4 years, each providing a competitive salary and an opportunity to build skills for the future. Each apprentice benefits from on-the-job learning alongside and experienced mentor.

Toby Ashcroft, Manufacturing Management Trainee commented, “I’m proud to be an Ibstock apprentice because I am not just an apprentice but part of a team. Being part of the team means I get to work on exciting projects that make a difference not just for the business but also for the environment. Contributing to initiatives that reduce carbon emissions and enhance Ibstock’s sustainability efforts is both rewarding and inspiring.” adding “Ibstock is great at creating opportunities for its apprentices to gain valuable exposure across the business. The chance to connect with people from all areas of the group is brilliant. These opportunities broaden our understanding and help build strong relationships that will help us progress with in the business. I highly recommend to anyone looking to learn from industry experts and develop practical skills and understanding of a specific career or trade.”

Joe Hudson, Ibstock CEO commented “I am incredibly proud of our long standing, award-winning Apprenticeship programme here at Ibstock Plc. With a proud heritage that dates back over 200 years, we have exciting times ahead in our industry, as we help people to live and work better for generations to come.”