Tile adhesive company, Kerakoll Group has acquired 40,000 square metres of land in Preston to build its twentieth production plant globally, which is expected to open by spring 2026. This is the company's second production plant in the country – the first is in nearby Leyland – and is part of a global expansion plan with products being made and distributed from here to the rest of the UK and Northern Europe. 

The company, which has B Corp status, has also announced the appointment of Carl Gardner (who has held roles at Saint-Gobain and Travis Perkins) as general manager of the UK and director of the UK, Nordics and the Netherlands. His appointment is part of the implementation of the new International Business Unit of the Group.

Last year, Kerakoll turned over £40m in the UK and the new expansion plans will increase production capacity in the UK by 100% by 2028. It currently employs 130 employees in the UK and the new plant will employ green technologies and sustainable practices, such as photovoltaic panels, which are expected to produce 245 kWh per day, and advanced rainwater recycling systems. In line with its B Corp status, Kerakoll Group is committed to achieving Very Good, or above, in the BREEAM rating, an internationally recognised assessment of environmental performance. 

In 2017, Kerakoll purchased Tilemaster Adhesives and is continuing to integrate the brands. 

Marco Zini, CEO of Kerakoll Group, commented: “I couldn’t be prouder of Kerakoll Group’s latest accomplishments. Both the launch of our second production site project in Lancashire and the appointment of a seasoned professional like Carl Gardner reflect Kerakoll Group's unwavering dedication to accelerating expansion in strategically vital regions. I’m sure Carl will make a big impact in his new role, helping us sustain the momentum in our trajectory of international growth”.