Work has officially begun on a major new chapter for
Lawton Tubes, the fourth‑generation family firm that has supplied copper products into many of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects for more than a century. The Coventry‑based manufacturer is investing £20 million in a new ‘state of the art’ headquarters that will more than double its operational capacity, ensuring it can meet rapidly rising demand across domestic and emerging markets.
The new facility is being constructed directly opposite the company’s existing headquarters, which only opened in 2019. Despite its relatively young age, the current site is already operating at full stretch as the business continues to supply growing sectors including plumbing, HVAC, medical gas, data centres and renewable energy. The expansion reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting key parts of UK infrastructure with its 100% recyclable copper tube and fittings.
Representatives from principal contractor Interclass joined the Lawton board to mark the first ground being broken on site. They were accompanied by Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce; Andy Williams, director of Regeneration & Economy at Coventry City Council; and Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change.
Once complete, the new headquarters will cover an area equivalent to around 40 tennis courts — double the size of the current facility, which will continue to operate. The development comprises a 107,768 sq ft warehouse, 17,220 sq ft of office and welfare space, and a 40m service yard. The solar‑powered premises will house manufacturing and storage operations supported by automated technologies, while also providing modern collaborative workspaces aimed at developing the next generation of engineering talent.
Critical role in supplying copper tubingThe milestone comes 107 years after the business was co‑founded in Coventry by Albert Lawton. Today, Lawton Tubes remains a family-run firm and continues to play a critical role in supplying copper tubing for applications ranging from heating and water systems to medical gases and large‑scale mechanical installations. Its products have featured in landmark locations including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, The Shard and Wembley Stadium.
Of the £230 million annual turnover generated by the company, £204 million is tied directly to UK infrastructure projects spanning the NHS, Ministry of Defence, National Grid and Network Rail. Lawton Tubes currently employs 140 people across sites in Coventry, Redditch and Poole, with further recruitment expected as the business scales operations.
Giles Lawton, managing director of operations at Lawton Tubes, said: “Our new headquarters is about doubling down on what has defined our business’ success over the past 107 years: backing UK plc. Our copper tube and fittings are one of the hidden foundations which keeps Britain moving — whether it is carrying oxygen to people’s NHS hospital beds, helping National Grid in keeping millions of homes warm, or supporting Network Rail in keeping engines train-ready.”
He continued: “The sectors that we supply into are endless, and with that comes ongoing rising demand, which this new HQ will enable us to meet as we strive to continue innovating and become the number one supplier of fittings in the UK by 2030.”
Councillor Jim O’Boyle concluded: “It is great to see a business born in Coventry, growing and thriving in Coventry. Their investment in a new headquarters in the city is testament to Lawton Tubes commitment and ambition to grow and expand into new sectors which of course will mean more new jobs for local people. The ambition to be solar-powered is important too and it demonstrates a real commitment to supporting a greener future.”