UK’s brickmakers face growing demand

UK brickworks are scrambling to meet growing demand amid a revival in the housing market. Many brickworks were closed or mothballed as a result of the recession but builders are now reporting shortages of bricks and say the supply problems are causing project delays.

A shortage of roof tiles and skilled workers has been highlighted by builder Redrow.

4783 Michelmersh Brick Holdings says it is making as many bricks as possible, while many brickworks across the UK have avoided the traditional end of year stoppage and continued production throughout the winter.

A slump in demand saw the industry drop from 80 brickworks in 2007 to 50 now but demand has increased as the Help to Buy scheme provided a boost for the housing market.