Swisspearl, a leading European manufacturer of fibre cement building materials, has announced a significant investment in the UK market through the planned acquisition of James Hardie’s remaining European inventory of Hardie® Plank and Hardie® VL Plank cladding products, together with associated accessories and the agreed arrangements concerning the future operation of the Eastleigh distribution facility.
Under the agreement, the entire acquired inventory will be consolidated and held in the United Kingdom, with the aim of supporting stock availability and continuity of supply for UK customers, distributors, housebuilders and contractors.
The agreement provides reassurance to customers with ongoing projects specifying Hardie® Plank products while establishing a structured pathway towards Swisspearl’s own range of cladding solutions.
Protecting existing projects and customers
A central priority is to support existing developments specifying Hardie® Plank products through to completion without unnecessary disruption, product substitution or changes to established specifications.
Swisspearl will manage the distribution and supply of the acquired Hardie® Plank and Hardie® VL Plank inventory, supporting existing projects and future call-off requirements through its UK distribution network.
Based on current estimates of customer demand and the acquired inventory, Swisspearl anticipates that the stock will provide in excess of 12 months of supply coverage. Swisspearl will work closely with customers to establish forward requirements and prioritise continuity for existing developments.
James Hardie will continue to honour applicable product warranties on James Hardie products, in accordance with the relevant warranty terms and conditions, while Swisspearl will provide technical assistance, product guidance and project support throughout the supply and transition period.
Swisspearl has recruited experienced former James Hardie personnel, retaining valuable product knowledge, technical expertise and established customer relationships within the UK market.
Eastleigh facility strengthens UK distribution capability
Swisspearl has also agreed arrangements concerning the future operation of the Eastleigh distribution facility , intended to provide a dedicated UK-based location for the acquired inventory . The facility will support stock availability, customer orders and project-specific allocations.
A clear pathway to Swisspearl
Alongside the continued availability of James Hardie products, customers will have access to Swisspearl Plank range including Swisspearl Plank Original and Swisspearl Plank Connect for future developments and new project phases.
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Mike Norton, Managing Director, Swisspearl UK & Ireland, said:
“This agreement represents a significant commitment to our customers and to the future of the UK fibre cement cladding market. Our priority has been to ensure that existing James Hardie customers have the confidence that their projects can continue without disruption. By securing the remaining stock, bringing that inventory into the UK, retaining experienced industry expertise and taking over the Eastleigh facility, we are putting the infrastructure in place to deliver that continuity.
“At the same time, this creates an opportunity to introduce more customers to Swisspearl’s own products and the long-term benefits of working with an established European manufacturer. We see this as an important step in strengthening our UK presence and building lasting relationships with housebuilders, merchants, contractors and installers.”
James Hardie comment
Mr Lee Bucknall, Managing Director, James Hardie, said:
“This agreement has been developed with a clear focus on supporting our customers and protecting continuity for existing projects, subject to product availability. Swisspearl’s acquisition of the remaining product inventory, together with the arrangements for UK distribution and technical support, provides a route for customers, subject to product availability, to access James Hardie products for ongoing developments.
“James Hardie will continue to honour applicable product warranties in accordance with the relevant warranty terms and conditions, and we are pleased to have worked with Swisspearl to establish arrangements that support our customers through this transition.”
Continued investment in the UK market
The agreement forms part of Swisspearl’s wider commitment to strengthening its position in the UK and Ireland through investment in product availability, technical capability, customer support and distribution partnerships.
ENDS
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