At wienerberger UK & Ireland, we are proud to support heritage through materials that respect the past while building for what’s next, and through the skilled people who make that possible every day.

One of those people is Chris Staines, a long-standing operative whose hands help shape our handmade Keymer clay tiles, renowned for preserving some of the UK’s most historical structures. Since Chris joined wienerberger, he has navigated several responsibilities and now works within the Heritage department at our Broomfleet site where has been making Keymer handmade clay tiles for almost sixteen years now.

Producing a single Keymer heritage clay tile is an art that blends traditional craftsmanship and deep technical expertise. Describing his craft and the skills he employs, Chris comments:

“There are many levels of skill involved in producing bespoke products. Some of the more intricate items require a high level of concentration because of the cutting, forming and shaping involved. Before a tile is even made, hours of preparation go into organising, and preparing the tools and equipment required for each individual project. There’s also a mathematical side to the craft, calculating shrinkage percentages and tolerances to ensure the finished tile performs exactly as required once fired.” – Chris Staines, Keymer Heritage Operative, wienerberger Broomfleet.

Keymer tiles are manufactured at our sites in Ewhurst, Surrey, and Broomfleet, East Riding of Yorkshire, and their appearance is closely tied to the landscapes they come from.

“Here at Broomfleet, we use three types of clay for various tiles: Keymer, Alluvial and brown clay. The Keymer clay is transported from our Ewhurst site and is then re‑milled to the right consistency before being extruded to form shapes or clay batts. This careful handling of raw material ensures the tiles remain authentic in look and feel.”

Chris further explains the diversity of his daily activities, as every project demands a tailored approach.

“My role varies each day depending on what projects we are delivering at any given time. Some projects need development work from a small photograph supplied by a customer while others might be based on a physical sample that needs to be carefully matched.”

According to Chris, the reason customers continue to choose wienerberger heritage clay tiles is simple: longevity, quality and care.

“Most of the heritage work is either replacing like‑for‑like bespoke tiles or producing tiles for one‑off new builds. Personally, I make each tile with pride and passion to ensure every product looks perfect. That’s what ensures the customer is happy, and that the building will stand the test of time.”  – Chris Staines, Keymer Heritage Operative, wienerberger Broomfleet.

Chris’ impact is not only visible in the roof tiles he makes, but also in his contribution to protecting historic buildings, preserving local character and carrying craftsmanship into the future.

As we mark World Heritage Day, we are reminded that our heritage clay tiles are made with care, dedication, and seasoned craftsmanship in qualities that make them a long‑term investment for buildings designed to last for generations.

Find out more about Keymer and our Heritage services here. 

Happy World Heritage Day from all of us at wienerberger UK & Ireland.