Tile factory bought by rival with eye on expansion

Johnson Tiles has announced plans to close its Tunstall plant

A 30-acre tile factory site in Stoke-on-Trent has been bought by a rival company after a management buyout led to its previous owners announcing its closure.

The former Johnsons Tiles site in Tunstall – which included production facilities, offices and warehouse space – will now be run by Tile Mountain Group.

It is located next to the company's existing 400,000 sq ft (37,161 sq m) warehouse complex.

Mo Iqbal, chair of Tile Mountain Group, said the move marked a key stage in the expansion of his business. "Securing the Johnsons site gives us the space and flexibility to grow our retail and distribution operations with confidence over the medium and long term," he said.

"It also strengthens our presence in Stoke-on-Trent, a city with a long-standing connection to the tile industry."

Tile Mountain Group said they had bought the site from Norcross, former owner of Johnson Tiles.

'Heavy heart'

Production at the site stopped last year, and work to clear the premises has been taking place since.

Stephen Dixon, managing director of Johnson Tiles, speaking in April 2024, said the decision to close its factory had been made "with a heavy heart".

"The cost of making tiles in this country - despite ongoing investment - has become increasingly unsustainable," he said at the time.

It was announced that more than 100 jobs could be lost as a result of the closure.

The company, which has been operating in Stoke-on-Trent since 1901, became a standalone business as part of the buyout, with its management team assuming full control.