March 2005


Against a general trend that saw UK manufacturing struggling against imports, a West Midlands-based company has bucked the trend, announcing record profits last year with sales increasing by 30% to nearly £21m.

In a history which can be traced back to 1864, making it one of the oldest companies in the West Midlands, 2004 proved to be the best one yet for Ash & Lacy, a premier manufacturer and supplier of metal roofing and cladding products.  The company, with its head office in West Bromwich and sites in London and Glasgow, employs a total of 130 personnel. 

The Managing Director commented: “Ash & Lacy achieved great results in 2004 and we are keen to build on them in the coming years, with continuous improvement and innovation continuing to be key to our success.”

The company was the first to develop an over-roof conversion system to eliminate problems associated with failing flat roofs by using a lightweight steel frame to support a new pitched or curved roof over the existing roof – and was first to introduce a steel roof spacer support system into the UK which continues to be the market leader.

Since establishing its Specification Division, the company has been enhancing its product-offering to the point where it now boasts a single-source solution for the building envelope.  Its different systems can today be seen on many prestigious buildings throughout the UK including theSapphire Heights project in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, a development of 4-storey and 5-storey flats. The project is part of the government’s ongoing plans to increase the housing stock in terms of affordable social housing in UK city centres.  Ashjack, the over-roof system, provided a viable, lightweight roofing solution for the 63 dwellings which were also clad with Ashzip, Ash & Lacy’s standing-seam system.

Another local high-profile project saw an Ash & Lacy roofing system receive national TV coverage as part of a self-build reality TV show that attracted large crowds during construction of two prefabricated houses in the heart of Birmingham's Bull Ring development.

The Managing Director continues – “Continued organic growth and driving business development opportunities head the list of our key objectives. We are working closely with our customers and suppliers to develop our range further to ensure this. We are very positive about the future, with significant growth forecast over the next three years and beyond.”