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HistoryThe Formation of H & R Johnson Ceramics InternationalStaffordshire Tile ProductionBy the late 18th Century, ceramic tiles were imported into England from Europe, with Holland providing the influence which was to initiate the tile industry in Britain. Dutch potters produced wall tiles similar to the famous blue-patterned delft tiles in factories in London, Bristol and Liverpool. Gradually, the industry developed into a modern, highly mechanised process, becoming more concentrated in the Staffordshire potteries. Companies like Minton Hollins, Maws (Ironbridge) and T & R Boote (Burslem) turned part of their production over to ceramic wall and floor tiles. By the end of the Century it was said that no home, public building, hotel or institute was complete without ceramic tiles. In wall tiling, Minton and Maws realised the necessity for good design and employed many well known names to help them produce specific tiles for such eminent buildings as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Palace of Westminster. H & R Johnson Tiles Ltd. is Formed
Established in Cobridge in 1901 H & R Johnson grew steadily through acquisition and after about 10 years moved to the Highgate Tile Works in Tunstall. Tile production grew and the company became the leading UK manufacturer of tiles. By 1921 more than one million square yards per year were being produced in the UK by the industry, with an export market of about 30% of total UK production. Even the recession of the 1930's saw very little effect on the profitability of the ceramic tile industry.
During the 1950's and 1960's the UK tile industry was dominated by H & R Johnson Ltd. founded in 1901 and Richards Tiles Ltd.(1893). In 1968 they merged and the well-known names of Minton Hollins, T & R Boote, Maw, Malkin Edge, Sherwin and Cotton and Campbell Tiles were interwoven into the structure of the new company.
During the 1970's the tile market in the UK developed into home improvement and DIY. H & R Johnson-Richard Tiles Ltd., (now H & R Johnsons Tiles Ltd.) which with its overseas companies on five continents, established itself as UK market leader and one of the largest manufacturers of ceramic tiles in the world. It was a boom period for the industry, with H & R Johnson products leading the way and accounting for as much as 65% of all sales. Use of ceramic tiles in Britain has significantly increased from 12 million square metres in 1970 to 56 million square metres in 2003.
H & R Johnson TodayOver the last three years in excess of £35million has been invested in developing a new fully automated manufacturing facility on a single integrated site in Stoke on Trent. Emphasis has been given to the use of the latest design technology which gives premium product quality and highly realistic interpretations of design themes.
The company has a comprehensive portfolio of leading edge products that will suit a wide range of consumer tastes and requirements. High quality wall and floor tiles are available for usage in kitchens, bathrooms, conservatories and living areas.
The market experience of H & R Johnson allows international design trends to be translated into products that specifically meet the needs of the UK consumer.
A countrywide network of independent retailers and distributors, combined with significant investment in logistics, enables the company to deliver very high levels of customer service.
Building on the success of its first 100 years H & R Johnson has undergone a radical transformation over recent years to position itself as market leader and innovator for the demands of the tile industry in the new Millennium.
The ultimate aim is to provide the consumer with the “total solution for tiles”. Johnson HeatingLaunched in 2007, Johnson Heating was established to complement Johnson's existing floor covering business with a range of innovative heating products suited to domestic, commercial and industrial applications. At the centre of the Johnson Heating product range is an innovative underfloor heating system suitable for all floor coverings in both new and existing homes. This system is complemented by heated bathroom and laundry accessories including heated towel racks and mirror demisters. Innovation is a central design philosophy, and so, Johnson's range of heating products will continuously evolve to incorporate the latest in technology. Johnson's heating products not only embody a commitment to innovation and customer value, but also to the environment. Each line has been specifically engineered to minimise the consumption of scarse natural resources and electricity. |
