Cosentino, the Spanish manufacturer of Silestone quartz and Sensa factory-sealed granite, saw sales in the UK and Ireland reach k18.4 million last year - up 19% on 2010.

The company says it is on target for a further 17% increase in sales this year, with a new warehouse opening in Darlington to join those already in Hook, Manchester, Gloucester and Dublin. Darlington will service North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Scotland.