Midlands-based
Lawton Tubes, a copper tube and fittings manufacturer, has appointed a new board chairman for the first time in a decade. Michael Brown took up the role in late November and also joins the business as a non-executive director. He brings more than 15 years of experience from
Dormole Group, which operates wholesale companies serving the fasteners, fixings, hand-tools and power-tools accessories markets, including Galleon Fixings where he was CEO for 3.5 years.
Mr Brown succeeds Rolf Herold, who oversaw a period of significant growth at Lawton Tubes, with sales expanding to 42 countries and annual turnover reaching £230 million. The company now employs 140 people across its sites in Coventry, Redditch and Poole.
Over the past decade, Lawton Tubes has also been recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2019 and The King’s Award in 2024, in the international growth category, with export sales now standing at £26 million.
Further growthRich Thomas, head of people and culture at Lawton Tubes, said: “Michael’s appointment is a real coup for us as he brings extensive industrial leadership experience, which will stand us in good stead as we gear up for an exciting period of further growth – with our new £20 million headquarters set to open in late 2026, alongside diversifying our product ranges.”
He continued: “He also shares Lawton Tubes’ passion of creating employment opportunities for the next generation in the construction industry, as he personally launched the
Institute of Brilliant Ideas to provide employment opportunities across a range of sectors to disadvantaged communities. We would also like to thank Rolf for his outstanding service over the years as we look forward to an exciting future.”
Mr Brown concluded: “Lawton Tubes is thriving on multiple fronts – from growing its domestic and overseas markets, innovating new products with its investment in its engineering division, while championing careers in the industry, so I cannot wait to get started. This is a fantastic opportunity to use my decades of commercial leadership experience to help it maximise growth opportunities over the coming years in key markets including heating and plumbing, air conditioning, medical and industrial.”