Richard Fowler Rejoins Ariel Plastics

Richard Fowler, a well-known figure in the UK roofing supplies industry, has rejoined Ariel Plastics – which he first joined in 1990 and was a stalwart of for nearly 35 years.

Richard is teaming back up with long-time colleague Paul Goddard, as the duo will act as Commercial Managers for the North and South of the UK for the company, which is the market leader in the supply of UK-manufactured roofing sheets, rooflights and roofing accessories.   

As part of a new structure, Richard and Paul will support the newly established business development team and also work closely with Sales Director Jennifer (known as Jen) Brookes.

He was a fundamental part of the Ariel Plastics management team for many years – responsible for managing the day-to-day requirements of key accounts, including Jewson, Travis Perkins, Huws Gray, H&B, Fortis and NBG – and he will be looking to share his experience and know-how as the company plots ambitious growth plans. 

Richard will be based at the company’s head office in Staveley in North Derbyshire, and he couldn’t contain his delight at rejoining Ariel Plastics. 

“I’m rejoining at a really exciting time for the business, which is planning a significant investment for the site at Staveley, has fresh new faces and is being bold in its approach,” he said. “Its ‘Sheet Happens – We’ve Got You Covered’ campaign is a great example of this, as it’s a tongue-in-cheek promotion that has got the industry talking. 

“Whilst there are lots of new things happening in the business, it’s also reassuring that Ariel Plastics remains a reliable supplier of roofing products that are genuinely made in this country using sustainable practices.” 

Jen Brookes offered Richard a warm welcome back to the company, which was founded in 1961 and was bought by Brett Martin in 1994. 

“Richard and Paul have been the faces for Ariel Plastics for many years, and it’s great to have such an experienced and well-known pair across the industry back together again doing what they do best. 

“Their knowledge and experience in the newly created Commercial Manager roles will be a genuine asset to our business.”

Richard’s appointment comes hot on the heels of other recent appointments by the company. 

Its new business development team consists of David McCandlish, covering Scotland and the North East; Victoria McLaughlin’s area is the North of England and North Wales; Craig Finch’s territory is Central England and Wales; and Ian St John is in London and the South East. 

Jen added: “Richard, Paul and the business development team are all passionate in championing our credentials as an integral part of a UK manufacturer at the forefront of sustainable practices, as the vast majority of our products are manufactured right here in the UK by Brett Martin, which keeps sustainability at the core of everything it does – recycling virtually all waste material from its manufacturing process and generating a significant proportion of the renewable energy it uses.” 

Ariel Plastics was founded in 1961 when German company Rhinestahl formed English company Corolite Ltd, which supplied glass-reinforced polyester roofing sheets in the UK. 

• In the 1970s, it introduced Corolux 2000 PVC and Liteglaze.
• In the 1980s, it introduced Corotherm, Coroline and GRP rooflights.
• In 1994, it was acquired by Brett Martin, and it went on to introduce Mardome rooflights and Harcon ventilation in the early 2000s.

The company has grown to become the UK’s largest plastics distribution company, supplying 4,500 builders’ merchants, DIY nationals, plastic specialists and online retailers. 

It has the widest choice of roofing sheets, rooflights and roofing accessories available in the UK. The product portfolio includes extensive roofing sheet options in polycarbonate, PVC, GRP and bitumen; roofing accessories; flat glazing; dome rooflights; roof drainage and ventilation; and cladding for commercial and residential construction projects.

Ariel Plastics’ nationwide logistics operation, national sales team and dedicated customer support ensure that merchants throughout the UK receive the highest-quality services, products and technical support.

It offers a cut-to-size service for polycarbonate, acrylic and styrene sheets, which are delivered within 3–5 days nationwide.

For more information, go to www.arielplastics.com.

Source : Ariel Plastics

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