PRB Systems Limited, based in Cheltenham, is a leading provider of high-quality rendering systems and technical mortar solutions, meticulously crafted to meet the diverse needs of the construction industry. Specializing in the design, manufacture, and support of a comprehensive range of products—including traditional lime renders, sand & cement, external wall insulation systems, monocouche renders, and more—PRB Systems ensures the delivery of advanced solutions that combine both superior performance and exceptional quality.
The company’s expertise extends beyond its product offerings to include a broad selection of colour ranges, technical services, and on-site support. PRB Systems is renowned for its commitment to delivering outstanding product quality, as well as its comprehensive service portfolio, which includes design consultation, system integration, and ongoing technical assistance. With a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, PRB Systems delivers solutions that optimize efficiency, safety, and productivity for its clients.
PRB Systems’ dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards and achieving customer satisfaction is reflected in every project undertaken. Whether developing new-build housing schemes or retrofitting existing properties, PRB Systems offers tailored solutions designed to meet the specific requirements of each client, ensuring top-tier performance, reliability, and long-term value across all sectors.
The PRB Journey
2023
OFFICIALLY CARBON NEUTRAL
We are proud to announce that we are now a Carbon Neutral business. This is an outstanding achievement for the business, becoming carbon neutral has been a key goal for PRB Systems and we’re excited to continue our work reducing our carbon footprint.
We are also thrilled to announce that PRB Systems has teamed up with SIG Loughborough, a large stockist of our materials, to provide an even better service to our customers. We have installed a tinting machine at their depot, which means they will now be able to offer extremely efficient lead times on tinted thin-coats and paints.
Our focus for 2023 has been to strengthen the Northern Regional Development Team with Two New Business Development Managers. PRB Systems is delighted to welcome Kevin Farrell to our Northern regional development team. Kevin brings with them a wealth of experience in sales, business development, and construction. We are confident that they will help us to continue to grow and meet the demands of our customers in the region.
During the summer months, we were delighted to welcome members of the SIG team to the PRB Factory in France. Whilst we were there, we showcased the full product range and the capabilities of PRB, with a key focus on EWI and Thin-coats.
We are delighted to announce that both SIG Plymouth and SIG Lancing are adding more PRB products to their range, with tinting machines are being placed in both branches. SIG are a specialist distributor of Rendering Materials and the stock holding and ability to tint our topcoats, with fantastic turnaround times, will be a huge added benefit to the local areas and contractors.
2022
BBA CERTIFIED
We started 2022 with an important new partnership as we welcomed RendMaster to the PRB distribution network. Based in Essex, RendMaster distribute PRB Systems nationwide.
We attended attend our first exhibition at the end of March 2022. The National Homebuilding and Renovation Show in Birmingham was a huge success after being cancelled due to the pandemic for 3 years. The team spoke with many homeowners and developers, discussing render systems, solutions and colours! With samples to view and an interactive colour visualiser, customers could be inspired and visualise exactly what they wanted.
The team were excited to travel to PRB France in 2022 to visit the factory, plant and offices. This was a fantastic trip for those on their first visit, to view the production line and operations of the products before they are transported to the UK. Maintaining the link between PRB France and PRB UK is crucial to our work and the service we offer.
We were delighted to welcome Ryan Hall to our team in 2022, Ryan joined us as Business Development Manager for Southwest and Wales. With quite a few years of sales under his belt, Ryan joined us from Cromwell Tools where he held the position of Sales Manager, managing a team of 8 employees across the Southwest Region.
We partnered with Ecologi in 2022 with the aim of becoming a climate positive workforce. Making a difference is important to us as a company, and to our employees. The world as we know it is changing every day, that is why we are taking #GreenAction!
Staying on the Green Eco theme, we launched the PRB ECO Division. A premium range of eco-designed products with a reduced carbon footprint of up to 69%, for the design of responsible and sustainable buildings. Leading the industry for a low carbon future, this ECO range is the first to be introduced into the UK market.
We were proud to announce that in 2022 we obtained a BBA Certification for our Monocouche renders OZÉ, Superbrut and ALG, offering a 30 year system. Under certificate number 22/6327, our systems are certified at a finished thickness of 12mm on masonry substrates such as lightweight block, brick and concrete block. This is a huge step in the right direction for PRB Systems, with industry standards of finished thickness at 15mm. This gives developers and contractors a cost saving benefit, as less material will be used on projects if the 12mm system is adhered to. Through time, users will notice clears savings when PRB Systems Monocouche renders are specified and use on site.
2021
BECOMING THE PREFERRED PARTNER
2021 was an outstanding year for PRB Systems, growing our distribution channel and team. The year rounded off with the signing of SIG Distribution, who came on board with 4 branches throughout England and Wales. This partnership was secured due to the service, trust, and expertise the PRB brand brings, paired with exceptional product that is quickly becoming the material of choice for many.
Not just to focus on SIG Distribution, the team secured over 10 distribution partners across the UK. Building up our network of valued partners strategically, to suit our ever-growing contractor network. The team are excited to continue to grow and expect a busy 2022.
We were pleased to welcome Brian Lloyd as Technical Sales Manager for Wales and South West England. Brian has been part of the Render and EWI industry since 1992, bringing exceptional knowledge and experience to PRB. His success brought him to be involved in one of Wales’s EWI projects spanning over 60,000 SQM. We’re delighted to have him onboard.
A milestone was reached in 2021, PRB Monocouche Renders Superbrut and OZÉ were the first render systems to be featured on the NHBC Accepts list. NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. For us, this means our Monocouche systems are now accepted for use on all developments covered by the NHBC Build mark warranty. An excellent achievement which puts us in a secure position for the future.
2020
CONTINUED GROWTH
The early part of the year started how 2019 ended, with a fantastic growth for the PRB brand in the UK.
Towards the end of 2019, we arranged a factory visit for some very loyal customers that had supported us since our launch at the beginning of the year. We had great feedback and appreciation from all of our contractors, many of whom are now friends and not just customers. They all commented that they really understand and can see the friendly family feel of both companies between France and the UK. 2020 was also set for more of these trips, then, sadly the dreaded pandemic of Covid-19 arrived in March cancelling our plans. Due to the national lockdown, the first 6 weeks of the pandemic was a steep learning curve, however this did not stop us nor our loyal contractor network who carried on working through tough situations whilst keeping themselves, their families and their customers safe.
Our new and existing customers kept PRB on their toes throughout the pandemic and the brand has gone from strength to strength. Due to our growth, we added a new member of staff to the PRB team to support our contractors with their enquiries and projects. Within the first 3 months, our Northern Business Development Manager had built a solid foundation and opened up Belgrade Insulations as our Northern Distribution Partner. Even with the uncertainty of Brexit looming and the worldwide pandemic PRB has grown considerably, more than doubling our stockist network in 2020. This is testament to the hard work of our staff, loyalty of our contractors and trust of our distributor network. With results like these we look forward to what we can achieve in 2021.
We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Steven Keitley as the new Technical Manager for PRB Systems. Steve is a well known figure in the render industry and has a wealth of knowledge and experience which will fit perfectly with the PRB values to deliver excellent customer service, reliability, responsibility and innovation.
2019
HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING
This was the first official year for PRB Systems in the UK. Bringing a new product into the market was no small task, however the team at PRB really rose to the challenge by targeting existing contractors that we had worked with and gained the trust of over many years. Alongside working with applicators using PRB materials our team also started talking to stockists and added 4 distribution outlets with stock available on the ground for the contractors in various locations.
We were delighted to have also won a large prestigious site making our mark in the UK market – a huge achievement within our first year.
The PRB team also worked with Architects on correct specifications and Warranty providers ensuring that our materials met the standards required by the top UK warranty providers in the UK.
2018
PRB SYSTEMS LIMITED (UK)
PRB is proud to announce the start of a new and strong partnership with its exclusive representative in the UK. PRB SYSTEMS limited, like PRB, is a family-owned company which understand the core values of high-quality service and products. PRB SYSTEMS has been strategically located in Gloucestershire enabling a nationwide distribution hub for stockists around the UK.
We were also lucky enough to welcome our first stockist within weeks of opening, P1 The Plasterers 1 Stop Shop who are a specialist Distributor of Rendering Materials.
2018
RAIL PLATFORM
Opening of a new rail platform on our Vendée site with the inauguration of three 500m tracks, allowing several trains to be parked simultaneously. This new tool allows the reception of raw materials. Opening of a platform in Béziers (34). Relocation of Clermont-Ferrand (63)
2016-17
BUILDINGS A & B ZONE 15
Opening of two buildings housing logistics, maintenance, warehousing, joinery and samples (paints and renders). Construction and relocation of the Chambéry platform (73).
2015-16
THE ESPACE JACQUES LAURENT
Construction of the Espace Jacques LAURENT, on 3 levels: a showroom, a reception area and a 240 seat amphitheatre. The flat roof has a view over the entire PRB site. ISO 50001 energy certification.
Opening of U10, the PSE storage building. U9 CE and ACERMI certification. Opening of a platform in Saint-Rambert d'Albon (26). Relocation of Perpignan (66) and Quimper (29).
2014
UNIT 9
Intending to control the main products that make up its offer and in particular in its insulation range, PRB launched the construction of plant 9 which produces EPS (expanded polystyrene). Opening in May.
2013
UNIT 8
Creation of unit 8 for the production of fine joints and renders. Based on the best production processes in the existing plants, it provides highly flexible production.
Assembly of a third 3700 m3 silo on the la Cabaude commercial port in Sables d’Olonne making it possible to stock different types of cement. Opening of 2 PRB platforms in Chambéry (73) and Mitry-Mory (77).
2011
DOCK AND PLATFORM
Opening of the logistics platform and the reception building to decongest the plant entrance by optimising the flow of trucks.
At the same time, PRB extended the dock near its production site and the rail platform at its Rognac warehouse to massively expand the transport of products to its warehouses in the south of France by privileging rail transport as much as possible. Opening of a PRB platform in Clermont-Ferrand (63).
2010
UNIT 7 & BUILDING 11
Construction of unit 7 to produce paste tile adhesive. Its efficient process allows it to produce large quantities, thereby offloading production from units 3 and 4.
Construction of a building grouping together all the administrative departments and senior management. Opening of 4 PRB platforms in Poitiers (86), Quimper(29), Perpignan (66), and Nancy (54).
2009
A PAGE IS TURNED
This year was marked by the death of Jacques LAURENT, who founded PRB. Many tributes were paid to the exceptional success of this native of Chaillé-sous-les-Ormeaux, a mason’s son and brother, who was at the origin of PRB’s industrial success, currently, the 3rd French producer of facade renders.
PRB extended its storage platform to the west of the site by 4410 m2. The U2 laboratory was demolished to clear space for a central truck lane. PRB obtained its ISO 14001 quality certification for its entire environmental approach, for its production site and its warehouses. Opening of 2 platforms in Orleans (45) and Dijon (21).
2008
PRB EXPANDS…
To meet the needs of increasing activity and store raw materials, unit 6 was extended by the construction of 6 additional 1200 m3 silos.
The same year, PRB purchased a plot of 6.3 ha located on the other side of the dual carriageway connecting La Roche-sur-Yon to Sables d’Olonne to build a future platform. PRB had a 24-metre long tunnel dug to directly connect the 2 sites.
2006
UNIT 6
Creation of a giant plant, with 10,500 m² of storage, used to manufacture hydraulic binder based products to support growing render and adhesive product sales. Unit 6 is organised around a production line fitted with two 10 nozzle bagging units and succeeded in the technical exploit of producing one 25 kg bag per second.
Every day it processes 2,000 tonnes of product, representing 1/3 of PRB render production which is of 600,000 tonnes per year. Opening of 3 PRB platforms in Carpentras (84), Vendargues (34) and Toulouse (31).
1999
ISO CERTIFICATION
PRB obtained ISO 9001 quality certification for its design, production and sales activities for industrial mortars, renders, tiling adhesive and coverings for the building industry..
The objective of PRB’s quality approach is to permanently improve its products and services to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Opening of 2 PRB platforms in Tours (37) and Marseilles (13).
1998
CEMENT TERMINAL
PRB installed two silos of a total of about 7000 m3 of storage on the La Cabaude commercial port in Sables d’Olonne.
Currently, the silos are used to receive white cement which at the time was imported by truck and is now imported by ship, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.
1997
UNIT 5
PRB invested in production unit for hydraulic binder based renders in order to increase its production capacity.
Fully automated and computerised, unit 5 guarantees strict raw material dosage and constant product quality.
Its specificity is that it can produce facade renders, tiling adhesives, floor levellers and fine grouting at the same time. It can also bag the small packaging lines. Opening of the fourth platform in Lyon (69).
1994
UNIT 3
PRB built a third 2500 mÇ unit (unit 3 and 4) which was fully automated, to produce organic binder based decorative products.
The company thereby diversified its offer by proposing ready-to-use products (paste tiling adhesive, paste levellers, thick plastic coverings and paints).
1986
THE PRB NETWORK
In order to distribute products nationally, in 1986 JACQUES Laurent decided to use rail transport and created a network of logistics warehouses.
In 2015, PRB had 24 national warehouses regularly supplied by the logistics platform in Vendée.
Opening of the first PRB platform in Marcoussis (91) followed by the Rennes (35), Le Cannet (83) and Bordeaux (33) platforms in 1990.
1981
LA SABLIÈRE
Sand is an essential component in the production of PRB products. Jacques LAURENT decided to find a raw materials site making it possible to extract clean sand.
By chance, he came across a 50 ha sandy site in La Boissière-des-Landes, which he purchased and quite naturally called “Sablière de la Lande”.
1980
UNIT 2
Five years after creating its first plant, PRB inaugurated a second unit (U2) used for the production of hydraulic binder based products such as other facade renders and sub-renders.
It is characterised by a high level of technology in relation to the specificity of the activity and marks the acceleration of the development of the different product lines. The workforce was 22 at the time.
1975
BIRTH OF PRB
Founding of PRB (Produits de Revêtement du Bâtiment) in La Mothe-Achard and the first facade rendering production unit, strategically located by a railway line.
The first company founded by Jacques LAURENT in 1962 allowed him to carry out the first tests on renders which were later sold under the “PRB” brand, as early as 1975. The first render was called “PRB 85”.
