What happened
Swisspearl, a European manufacturer of fibre cement building materials, has announced it will acquire the remaining European inventory of James Hardie cladding products. The company has also secured future operating arrangements for the Eastleigh distribution base in the United Kingdom. According to a statement from Swisspearl, these moves aim to ensure continuity of cladding product supply to distributors, housebuilders, and contractors in the UK. The full Hardie Plank and Hardie VL Plank stock will remain in the UK for local distribution.
Lee Bucknall, Managing Director at James Hardie, stated that the agreement allows customers to access James Hardie products for current developments, subject to product availability. The deal includes inventory, accessories, and arrangements for ongoing operations at Eastleigh. Swisspearl will manage the acquired inventory's distribution and supply network.
The company has recruited former James Hardie personnel to retain technical expertise and support for customers during the transition period. Swisspearl will also provide technical guidance, product advice, and project support for clients using the acquired products.
The background
Swisspearl's acquisition comes at a time when James Hardie was looking to divest its remaining stock in Europe. The move is seen as a measure to reassure project teams using Hardie Plank products that they will not face disruption or forced specification changes on ongoing UK developments. According to Swisspearl, the acquired inventory is intended to provide over 12 months' supply, based on current estimates of customer demand.
Swisspearl has emphasised that its main priority is supporting existing projects specifying Hardie Plank, aiming to cover "call-off requirements" and secure completion of in-progress developments. The agreement also sets out a transition pathway towards Swisspearl's own product lines, including Swisspearl Plank Original and Plank Connect.
James Hardie will continue to honour existing warranties for its products according to current terms and conditions. Meanwhile, Swisspearl will supply technical help and project support for ongoing and future projects during the handover period.
The operational arrangements for the Eastleigh facility are designed to provide a UK-based location for the acquired inventory. This aims to simplify distribution and reassure stakeholders of a stable supply chain for fibre cement cladding in the UK market.
What people are saying
Lee Bucknall of James Hardie remarked that the acquisition and UK distribution arrangements provide "a route for customers...to access James Hardie products for ongoing developments." He underlined the importance of subject-to-availability terms during the transition.
Mike Norton, Managing Director of Swisspearl UK & Ireland, described the agreement as a "significant commitment" to UK customers and the wider fibre cement cladding sector. He stated Swisspearl’s priority is to prevent disruption for existing customers and to enable projects to proceed as planned by securing remaining stock, bringing it into the UK, and keeping industry expertise within the business.
Norton also flagged the opportunity to introduce Swisspearl’s own product range to the market, highlighting benefits such as continuity and local support. He said the agreement is "an important step" in establishing deeper relationships with national housebuilders, merchants, contractors and installers.
What happens next
With the acquisition completed, Swisspearl will now focus on managing the distribution of the acquired Hardie Plank stock through its UK network. Customers involved in ongoing projects that specify these products are expected to have uninterrupted access to the required materials for at least the next 12 months, based on current supply projections.
Swisspearl will actively work with customers to determine future supply needs and intends to prioritise active projects during the transition. The company is also planning to support customers interested in switching to the Swisspearl Plank range for new schemes and project phases.
Clients can expect both technical and advisory services to continue during the transition, with experienced personnel from James Hardie now supporting operations at Swisspearl. Product warranties and project support for existing James Hardie products will remain valid through the normal James Hardie channels.
In parallel, the Eastleigh facility will operate as the main UK distribution centre for the acquired inventory. Interested customers have been invited to contact Swisspearl’s UK team for support and queries about ongoing or future projects involving Hardie Plank or Swisspearl branded cladding.