The York Handmade Brick Company based in Yorkshire is one of a kind – located in the village of Alne just north of York, this small independent brickmaker has won a host of awards in recent years, providing its handmade products for iconic buildings in the UK as well as abroad.
York Handmade is today a leader in its sector, and the largest of a handful companies that continue the centuries-old brickmaking tradition. “The Armitage family has been making bricks since 1824,”, says David Armitage, the founder and Chairman of the company, who set up his independent company in 1988. “I myself am a brickmaker inside and out, and my son is now the sixth generation to continue in the business.”
He reflects that as the production process was becoming inefficient and slow, the company made a major step in changing its modus operandi last year – York Handmade invested £1.5 million in brand-new machinery set to transform the business, opening a new chapter in the company’s history.
Entering a new era
David Armitage said: “Our bricks are now made predominantly by machine, although some are still handmade. Over the years, we have undertaken significant technological improvements, and the new manufacturing process will speed up production, facilitating two brand-new products and increasing efficiency.”
“This was by far the biggest and most significant move in our history. Our revolutionary new manufacturing line will combine three different types of brick. More generally, this investment will enable us to manufacture high-quality, UK-made bricks for many years to come. We have two kilns now and if demand requires, we shall add another one.”
The York Handmade Brick Company is able to produce bricks of any size, shape or finish to customers’ specifications. For self-build or heritage projects, York Handmade Brick have the capability to either replicate or make to design bricks of all shapes and sizes in a variety of colours and textures, to match or create the product required.
According to the company, its bricks represent approximately 4% of the cost of a new building, yet they can account for 70% of the look. Not only can York Handmade Brick offer bricks in ten blends, but variation can be achieved by mixing combinations of the basic colours.
“We also do bespoke, one-off products and unusual sizes to suit various architectural requirements. For example, our Maxima range of long-format bricks have been in great demand in commercial and public buildings. We can make these bricks to the architect’s specification in terms of size, colour, texture and shape.”
Proud achievements
David Armitage reflects that York Handmade is now a leader in this specific segment, and a valued partner to architects and self-builders alike. Asked about recent achievements, he highlights the company’s contribution to a project that won the 2022 Stirling Prize organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the highest accolade in architecture – York Handmade provided 300,000 bricks for the magnificent new Magdalene College Library at Cambridge University, sited in a highly sensitive historic setting, which was built with an arrangement of very simple brick volumes which echo the typical gabled architecture of the existing College.
This has not been the only award that York Handmade has collected over the years, says Mr Armitage, but so far the most prestigious one, expected to boost both the company’s reputation and demand for its products.
That has been achieved – over the last year, high-profile contracts included landmark projects in many parts of the UK and new awards continue. In 2024, the company is strengthening its relationship with the National Trust, and will provide bricks for Goddards, one of York’s finest houses, together with other commissions at home and abroad.
The York Handmade Brick Company’s reputation has now spread further afield – York Handmade has recently announced that it has secured one of the most prestigious contracts in its 36-year history, for the supply of over 20,000 specially manufactured bricks for a brand-new hotel in the heart of Martigny, one of Switzerland’s most historic towns.
“This is a very prestigious 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 in such an historic town.”
Traditional yet modern
One challenge that remains is the highly energy-intensive production process, as the kilns need to operate at high temperatures of up to 1100 0C. “Rising energy prices are of course a major challenge that we need to handle,” admits Mr Armitage but remains positive.
“We see demand for bricks increasing and our investment in technologies and process improvement will continue. We have always invested in the business and that’s the reason we are still here. The new production line will help us expand production but that is not the only objective.”
“We would like to build on the success of the projects for which we have received awards, further spread our reputation and participate in exciting new development schemes. Brick has been a traditional building material in the UK for centuries and there are many opportunities in historical, commercial as well as high-quality residential housing.”
“We are a modern company but the traditional aspect of what we do is also very important, and very popular with planners and conservation architects, self-builders as well as developers. The combination of traditional values and modern production is the basis of our future development.”
