Our history

THE BIRTH OF A ROOFING REVOLUTION

A new roof tile concept was discovered when bituminous emulsion was sprayed on existing iron clad buildings as a camouflage and protective coating in the UK. It has inspired the launch of a new segment in the roofing industry, which Tilcor became a part of later on.

THE FIRST METAL TILE PROTOTYPE

In New Zealand Mr. Lou Fisher develops the world’s first stone coated pressed metal roof tile, which served as a ‚grandmother’ of several new roofing brands including Tilcor. A new industry was born.

THE INNOVATION WAS FURTHER DEVELOPED

From the prototype the first 10-pan tile was evolved.

THE INTERLOCKING PROFILE MAKES THE ROOF SYSTEM STRONGER

The first interlocking profiles were made providing further strength to an already unique product.

USA EXPRESSED INTEREST IN METAL TILES

The first stonecoated metal roof license was granted to a U.S company based in Florida.

EUROPE WANTS CHIP COATED METAL TILE TOO!

Polytuil in Belgium commenced manufacture under licensed joint venture with the first purpose built plant to produce these unique roofing tiles in Europe.

STRONGER PROTECTION AGAINST WEATHER

Bituminous emulsion was replaced by an acrylic barrier coating system with improved weathering properties.

EUROPE NEEDS THE 2ND FACTORY!

In Denmark the second European licensee commenced manufacturing.

METROTILE IN NZ STARTED THE MANUFACTURE OF PRESSED METAL TILES  

Ross Roofing started a second company  in New-Zealand manufacturing stone coated and prepainted metal roofing tiles.

METROTILE GETS A SHARE IN EUROPE AS WELL

Responding to the increased demand from the market Metrotile sales operation start distributing stone coated pressed metal tiles in Europe

METROTILE EUROPE FACTORY WAS FOUNDED TO PRODUCE STEEL TILES 

In Belgium, Tongeren Metrotile Europe was formed starting manufacturing tiles in a 1200 m2 manufacturing plant.

METROTILE USA WAS FORMED AND BEGAN MANUFACTURING STEEL TILES IN CALIFORNIA

LARGER PLANT IS NEEDED TO SATISFY MARKET DEMAND

From 1200 m2 the pressed metal roofing tile plant in Belgium was expended to 7500 m2 and later to 13000 m2.

THE BUSINESS GETS OVERSEAS ATTENTION

A Canadian company IKO, world’s largest family-owned manufacturers & exporters of roofing products see the potential and creates a joint venture between the European pressed metal roofing tile plant in Europe and IKO Europe.

TILCOR CONTINUES WITH METROTILE MARKETS OVERESEAS

Tilcor brand takes over the overseas Metrotile business. Tilcor Roofing Systems started to supply European, North-American, African, and Middle-Eastern markets.

NEW TILCOR OFFICE IN DUBAI

From this new office our team could more efficiently serve the African and Asian markets.

NEW TILCOR OFFICE IN POLAND

To meet all market needs in Central Europe this step proved to be a successful venture.

NEW TILCOR OFFICE IN USA AND JAPAN

We kept the momentum and penetrated markets with great speed.

THE LARGEST PRESSED METAL TILE FACTORY IN THE WORLD

After being a proud owner of iconic pressed metal roof tile brands such as Metrotile, GERARD, Twintile by finally acquiring Tilcor brand our company became the world’s leading manufacturer of pressed metal rooftiles under the name RoofTG. (Roof Tile Group). By merging the operation lines in Belgium RoofTG built the largest factory of pressed metal tiles in the world.

The largest pressed metal tile factory in the world become IKO METALS EUROPE NV

After acquiring Metrotile, Gerard, Decra and Tilcor brands our company became the world’s leading manufacturer of pressed metal rooftiles under the name IKO Metals Europe NV. By merging the operation lines in Belgium IKO Metals Europe built the largest factory of pressed metal tiles in the world.