wienerberger UK & Ireland has begun construction on what it says is the world’s first fully electric tunnel kiln for the manufacture of clay roof tiles at its Broomfleet site in East Yorkshire.
The electric kiln in Factory e will replace the conventional natural gas-powered firing processes with a 100% electric, renewable powered system. Once operational, it is expected to reduce Scope 1 carbon emissions from the production line by 75%, saving 4,700 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
The project represents a £37 million investment, with £4.3 million funded through the UK Government’s Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF), which supports industrial fuel switching and energy efficiency projects to help decarbonise hard to abate sectors.
By removing natural gas entirely from the roof tile firing process, Factory e will support wienerberger’s transition to net zero carbon emissions, while strengthening the long-term future of roof tile production at Broomfleet.
Factory e will replace a disused factory line at Broomfleet, during which the old manufacturing equipment will undergo complete replacement, enabling the move to electric firing to be delivered without interrupting ongoing product. Construction activity is now underway on site, with the former factory building cleared and extensive civil engineering works in progress. Key equipment has begun arriving on site in preparation for installation.
Keith Barker, Chief Operating Officer at wienerberger UK & Ireland, said:
“The start of construction at Broomfleet represents a pivotal step in our journey to decarbonise heavy clay manufacturing.”