Investment pays off for brick maker as it scoops £580,000 contract

Independent brick maker, York Handmade Brick Company, has secured one of the most significant contracts in its 35-year history.

The manufacturer, based at Alne, near Easingwold, is supplying 385,000 of its bricks for 3 Circle Square in Manchester’s innovation district.

The contract is worth £580,000 and is seen as an endorsement of the company’s decision to invest £1.5m in new machinery earlier this year.

3 Circle Square, which is being master-minded by Manchester-based developer Bruntwood, will be a stand-alone brick-built block, near Oxford Road.

Designed by Bridge Architects of Manchester, it will offer office space to help creative, digital and technology businesses to start up and flourish. It will also feature a communal roof terrace.

Work started on site last year and will be completed by February 2025.

David Armitage, chairman of York Handmade, said: “This is a massive project for us, especially in the context of these challenging economic times.

“It has been a tremendous boost for our factory and a great honour to contribute to a pioneering and innovative development which is redefining Manchester’s cityscape for the 21st century.

“This has been a crucial year for us at York Handmade. We have invested £1.5m in brand-new machinery which has transformed how we make our bricks.

“Over the years, we have undertaken significant technological improvements, culminating in this overhaul and renewal of our manufacturing process, which has speeded up production, facilitated two brand-new products and increased efficiency.

“This has proved to be a transformational move, by far the biggest and most significant in our history.

“This investment will enable us to manufacture high-quality, UK-made bricks for many years to come and it reflects our commitment to the brick industry and the astounding architectural projects using bricks.

“I am confident we can maintain the progress we have made this year, despite inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.

“We are flourishing in commercial property and education sectors, whilst residential housing, which has been our staple for a number of years, remains strong.”