British Government Delegation Visits Mantec
Following the announcement of a £120 million support package for the British ceramic industry, and as part of a fact-finding mission organised by Ceramics UK, a delegation from the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST) visited the Mantec offices and factory in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent on 2nd September 2026.
Ceramics UK said: “the visit was designed to provide the delegation with insight into the wide range of businesses operating in the ceramics sector and how the new Ceramics Industry Support Scheme funding will help safeguard jobs, spark innovation and put the industry on a sustainable pathway for the future.”
The delegation, that also included DBIST materials analysts, was able to learn much about the expertise of the company and the varied processes and ranges involved. The tour included an overview of Mantec’s Ultralite range of lightweight insulating materials, developed to reduce energy consumption in kilns used in the whitewares, heavy clay and technical ceramics sectors.
Tim Evans, Mantec’s Sales Director, said: “Mantec is convinced that these energy-consumption-reducing materials can play a key role in the decarbonisation strategy of UK ceramics manufacturers. As a manufacturing business, we hope to secure funding through the Government’s Ceramics Industry Support Scheme for more efficient manufacturing equipment.
“This would enable us to improve the efficiency of our own manufacturing processes, reduce our costs and, ultimately, make these vital materials more affordable and accessible to the wider UK ceramics sector.”
Rob Flello, CEO of Ceramics UK, talking about the two-day visit programme that his organisation hosted, said: “Seeing business operations first hand highlighted how diverse the industry is, how many jobs and livelihoods the sector supports, and how much pride and skill goes into ceramics manufacturing.
“I am delighted that the civil servants were able to discuss detailed proposals and hear how they would and indeed wouldn’t work in the real world. All in all, it was a very valuable opportunity and I’m optimistic the scheme will be much better as a result.
“DBIST officials will now continue to engage with Ceramics UK and the sector as they develop the Ceramics Industry Support Scheme, to ensure that the policy is fit for purpose and secures the long-term competitiveness of the industry as an essential foundation industry of the UK economy.”