The brickmaker has carried out a major investment programme to scale-up production and introduce Covid-19 safe working for staff at the Pulborough works near Horsham.

Laybrook forms a crucial part of Ibstock’s nationwide factory network, centrally located in the largest region for brick usage in the country.

Joe Hudson, CEO at Ibstock Plc, said: “Laybrook is an important factory with a long history of supplying bricks across the South of England, particularly in new build housing, and the investment we have made further strengthens its position in the market for the future”.

He added: “The reopening of the Laybrook facility has been completed in line with the latest government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

“Among the measures we have implemented include designated sanitation stations at every entrance and exit of the facility, fever screening technology for all personnel before they enter the factory, the remapping of factory floors to ensure teams can effectively socially distance and the full complement of PPE for all on-site employees.

“We believe these measures give personnel confidence that every precaution has been taken to ensure they can return safely to work.”