(openPR) - Nick Herbert, the Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural affairs was given an ‘on the ground’ insight into the current condition of the construction industry, by the UK’s largest brick manufacturer, Ibstock, when he visited one of its flagship factories earlier this month.

During his tour of Ibstock’s impressive Laybrook factory in West Sussex, Mr Herbert took part in discussions on the many issues facing the industry during these difficult times, as well as the measures it is putting in place to protect the environment.

The MP was met by Ibstock’s regional production manager, Andrew Craddock, marketing manager at Ibstock, Andrew Halstead-Smith, and Simon Storer from the Construction Products Association.

Nick Herbert commented: “It was fascinating to see how bricks are made at Laybrook and to hear about Ibstock’s plans for the future. As a local business in my constituency, it was useful to listen to their concerns about the impact of the recession too. With the collapse in house-building, the construction industry has been hit very hard but it was encouraging to hear that Ibstock is doing what it can to retain its skilled workforce in the area.”

Commenting on the visit, Andrew Craddock said: “It was very pleasing that Nick was able to take time out of his busy schedule to visit Ibstock’s Laybrook brick factory. He was clearly impressed by the scale and efficiency of the operation and the wide range of bricks produced to meet the local market demands.”

For further information on Ibstock’s range of bricks, call 0844 800 4875 for a brochure. Alternatively visit www.ibstock.com for all the latest news.

As the UK’s largest brick manufacturer, Ibstock invests heavily in ensuring a more sustainable future through its manufacturing, its communities and its products - over £55 million since 2003.

Making a significant contribution to sustainable building practices, Ibstock’s bricks feature high thermal mass, life long durability and minimal maintenance, as well a high recycled content and local manufacture for low transport requirements.

The company offers an unrivalled choice of over 450 different competitively priced products in its extensive range, which includes prefabricated brickwork components, rainscreens and a diverse selection of special shaped bricks and pavers.

All Ibstock’s products are backed by its unique technical, design, stockist and site support services and comprehensive information - website and literature. Almost 200 years’ brick making experience is sustained by Ibstock’s national network of 17 factories and highly trained staff.

At the 2009 BDA awards, the company won 9 awards, as well as the Supreme Award and was shortlisted for 46 projects in 13 categories.
www.ibstock.com

For further press information contact/reader enquires:
Sam Dorney, IAS B2B Marketing, Clarence Mill, Clarence Road, Bollington, Cheshire, SK10 5JZ. Tel: 01625 578 578 Fax: 01625 578 579, email sam.dorney@iasb2b.com

For further product/technical information, contact:
Ibstock Brick at Leicester Road, Ibstock, Leicestershire, LE67 6HS. Tel: 01530 261999 Fax: 01530 257457.