Architectural terracotta firm bounces back with £1.3m revenue

A COMPANY specialising in architectural terracotta has smashed its £1.3m revenue target just 12 months after 30 skilled jobs were saved at its Lancashire factory.

Darwen Terracotta Faience says there is a “well justified buzz” about the company and optimism that hard team work and effort have paid off.

Recent orders include the Victoria Palace Theatre in London, including both restoration and new build work, new work at the Natural History Museum, and a contract for the Savoy.

Projects now in progress include Wigan Town Hall, Harrods, the Windmill Theatre in Soho and a new-build commercial development in Clerkenwell.

To meet demand the company has secured a grant from regenerate Pennine Lancashire that will help build a second kiln to increase capacity and flexibility.



Founder directors Jon Wilson and Steve Allen say they are firm believers that every situation brings opportunities, not just perils.

Darwen Terracotta Limited formed when another local firm closed its architectural ceramics business, making 39 people redundant.

The new directors believed there was potential to create a new company to fill the gap in the market and then set about developing a business plan, finding financial backing, locating suitable premises, sourcing key plant items, while keeping in touch with former colleagues.



Allen said: “We had our teething problems, but the whole team pulled together, production started and by the spring of this year we had begun to gather momentum.

“Past customers, suppliers, the local council and most people we deal with are incredibly supportive.”