The Pottelberg expansion, scheduled to come on line early next year, means the company will be able to concentrate its Flanders tile-making activities at one plant, thus reducing costs.

Heimo Scheuch, Member of the Managing Board of Wienerberger AG for North-West Europe, said in the announcement that in Belgium, France and the Netherlands, flat roof tiles were a highly valued niche product.

"We have identified a similar trend in Great Britain and Ireland. The investment in Pottelberg will allow us to position Wienerberger as a strong supplier in these regions and further increase our market shares."