Why British-made roofing materials still matter on the world stage
8 September 2026
Discussions around UK manufacturing often focus on the industries that declined during the deindustrialisation of the 1980s, when much of the UK’s large-scale manufacturing reduced capacity level or moved abroad. As a result, there is a misconception that the UK no longer produces world-class construction materials.
However, the roofing sector, and particularly Welsh Slate, tells a different story. While other industries favoured large scale production, Welsh Slate’s reputation has been built around quality and long-term performance, meaning the material continues to be favoured by architects and construction teams across the world.
But this is something the roofing industry doesn’t shout about particularly well. British-made roofing materials are consistently chosen for major architectural and heritage projects, as Welsh Slate is widely recognised as the one of the leading natural slate in the world - so why don’t more people know about it?
What sets Welsh Slate apart?
What many people don’t realise is that slate differs across the globe, meaning there are significant differences in its quality depending on where you are. Much of this comes down to geology, which has a direct influence on the appearance and long-term performance of the product.
The slate from our Penrhyn, Cwt-y-Bugail and Ffestiniog quarries was formed between 470 and 550 million years ago, is uniform in appearance and not reactive to pollution. Other slate deposits around the world, however, were often formed later and can contain more reactive minerals within the structure of the stone, which can affect performance over time.
However, geology is only one part of the process. Consistency in production is equally important, particularly when materials are being used for buildings expected to last for generations. Welsh Slate focuses on supplying first-grade roofing slates across three thickness grades - Capital, County and Celtic - and if they don’t meet the required standards, they won’t be used for roofing slates. Instead, the slate will be repurposed for architectural or aggregate use.
This combination of geology and high production standards have made sure Welsh Slate is favoured amongst architects and contractors who require reliable, top quality materials for projects all over the world.
A global reputation
The global export of Welsh Slate is not a new concept - it’s been happening since the late 1400s. The Industrial Revolution massively increased production levels and enabled the mass export of slate from Wales. Before the arrival of the railways in the 1850s, Welsh Slate was transported by sea across the British Empire as well as to mainland Europe and America.
One of the most interesting moments in that history came during the Australian gold rush. Ships travelling from Britain needed ballast, a heavy material used to add stability to a boat, before returning with gold - and Welsh Slate proved to be the ideal choice. It packed efficiently into the ships’ holds, provided the heavy weight needed and could be sold once it reached its destination. That’s why Welsh Slate is visible in so many of Australia’s public buildings and civic architecture today. These buildings have proven just how durable the material can be. More than 150 years later, we’re only just seeing many of those roofs needing to be replaced or repaired.
The durability of Welsh Slate can also be seen closer to home. More than 200 years ago, Welsh Slate from the Penrhyn quarry was used to roof St John’s Riding School in London. Today, the Grade II listed building is once again choosing Welsh Slate as part of its restoration, helping to preserve one of the capital’s most significant military buildings.
As building owners are understandably keen to replace like with like, heritage and restoration work has become an increasingly important part of our export business. If a roof has protected a building for multiple centuries, there is usually a good argument for using exactly the same material again. The challenge for any manufacturer is that when your product has a lifespan of more than 150 years, you have to wait a very long time before a customer comes back for another order!
International demand for Welsh Slate
That export market has continued to develop and today, around 40% of Welsh Slate's sales are exported, supplying projects across Europe, Australia and further afield.
The re-roofing of the Dutch Parliament Building is a great example of how Welsh Slate continues to be chosen for important restoration projects across the globe. Slate from our Penrhyn, Cwt-y-Bugail and Ffestiniog quarries was selected for the replacement roof, covering around 25,000m² of the historic building.
The Dutch Parliament project is part of a much bigger trend, however. Welsh Slate continues to be chosen for significant buildings around the world, from the Royal Palace in Amsterdam and Buda Castle in Budapest to St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney and the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo. In each case, the decision comes down to choosing a material the architects are certain will stand the test of time.
Supporting British manufacturing
The continued success of Welsh Slate reflects the quality that still exists within British roofing manufacturing. The fact that we are returning to buildings more than 150 years after the original roof was installed, often using the same material again, says a great deal about the confidence people have in Welsh Slate.
For the roofing industry, this is an important story to tell. The UK has a long history of producing materials that have been trusted to build some of the world's most significant buildings, and Welsh Slate continues to be part of that today. From heritage projects requiring restoration to new developments where quality and appearance matter, British slate remains valued by architects and construction professionals around the world.
The challenge is making sure more people recognise that success. While much of the conversation around British manufacturing focuses on what has been lost, there are still sectors that continue to produce specialist materials that are distributed across the world. Roofing is one of them, and the industry should be more confident in sharing that story.
