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HOD 2026: Keymer Handmade Clay Roof Tiles & Wienerberger Factory

Wienerberger’s Ewhurst factory is one of the largest brick manufacturing sites in the South East of England. The site opened in the 1920s and has an overall site area in excess of 350 acres including large areas of historic woodland and farmland, which help to screen the quarry and factory operations. The factory uses Weald clay from the extensive reserves in the adjacent Smokejacks clay pit. This quarry site is designated as a site of special scientific interest for its geological characteristics and was the source of two of the most significant finds of dinosaur remains in the UK. The site was previously recognised as 'Ockley Works', home of the famous Double Diamond brick, from the 1920s right through to 2004, when Wienerberger Ltd acquired ownership of the site from its previous owners 'the brick business Ltd’, with the newest factory on site having been built in 1999. Our factory is split into two areas. The main factory makes Wienerberger Bricks, and at the back of the factory, we hand make Keymer clay tiles. We have been making Keymer tiles using the same methods for over 400 years. As well as the opportunity to make your own Keymer tile, you will see bricks being both handmade and machine-made. In the visitor centre there will be people on hand to show you around and tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided free of charge. Both adults and children will be welcome to come along and look around.