New MD Mark for Welsh Slate

The UK’s largest manufacturer of natural slate, Welsh Slate, has appointed Mark Hodgkinson as a new managing director.

He takes over the reins of the North Wales-based company following 11 years experience as production director, before which he was the company’s business development manager.

Mark’s expertise with slate stretches back even further, to when, as an independent consultant, his in-depth work with the company saw the manufacturing processes, material planning all redefined, which in turn, improved productivity.

His breadth of experience also covers consultancy roles with foundries, clay quarrying and processing companies, and construction companies.

His leadership of Welsh Slate comes at a testing time for the UK construction sector, with skills and materials shortages just some of the challenges in prospect.

However, Welsh Slate’s extensive variety of uses, which include roofing, cladding, flooring, paving, walling, decorative aggregates and worktop counters, mean opportunities do lie ahead.

Mark said: “Welsh Slate is fortunate in that it is a much sought after material for heritage and specified projects but it is important for our customers that we continue to provide sustainable reserves of material, innovative use of materials, and value for money and I am looking forward to driving that on behalf of the company.”

He said he was proud to be part of an ‘incredibly passionate and resilient team’, who have the ability to develop skill sets to stay competitive.