Welsh Slate, which launched the rebranding of its architectural slate offering at the Natural Stone Show in London, is now offering architects visits to its factory at Penrhyn Quarry in north Wales as an event approved for double CPD credits by RIBA.

The visit involves exploration of the evolution of the production of natural slate, covering the core CPD subjects of structural design, construction, technology and engineering. This will achieve a general awareness knowledge level that earns architects double CPD points.

The factory tour is at Welsh Slate's main quarry in Bethesda near Bangor in North Wales and typically lasts two hours, giving architects a true appreciation of the demanding working environment and challenges of crafting a natural product.

It commences with a 4x4 tour of the quarry, with an explanation of today's working methods of slate extraction at Penrhyn, from where the company extracts what it proudly describes as ‘the world's finest quality slate’.

Architects (and other construction professionals who would like to visit Welsh Slate) will then travel to the factory where they will see how slate products are made and can even have a go at splitting a slate themselves – a skill which has not changed since the material was first produced for roofing 2,000 years ago.

The visit includes an overview of all uses of Welsh Slate – roofing, flooring, walling, paving, aggregates, countertops, memorials and tableware.

Welsh Slate Managing Director Chris Allwood says: “Architects will see why Penrhyn quarry has prevailed for many centuries and how modern methods of manufacturing are being applied while retaining the sense of history and traditional values of loyalty, commitment and the highest quality.”

To book a CPD factory tour call 01248 600656 or email enquiries@welshslate.com.

Welsh Slate is part of the Lagan group.