Our history

The birth of a roofing revolution

The new ’stone coated metal roofing tile concept’ was discovered when bituminous emulsion was sprayed on existing iron clad buildings as a camouflage and protective coating in the UK.

The first metal tile prototype.

In New Zealand, Lou Fisher produced the first ‘Decramastic’ metal tile with bitumen coating. Stone chips were applied to the coating to prevent the sheets sticking together.

The innovation was further developed

The first 10-pan tile was produced.

Decra profile makes the roof system stronger

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

USA expressed interest in Decra

The first Decra license was granted to a U.S company based in Florida.

Europe wants Decra too!

Polytuil in Belgium commenced manufacture under licensed joint venture with the first purpose built plant to produce Decra® tiles in Europe, then under one trademark Decramastic.

Decra provides even stronger protection against weather

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

1981 Europe needs the 2nd factory!

Decra A/S in Denmark commenced manufacture as the second European licensee

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 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 Metrotile Europe and IKO Europe.

The largest pressed metal tile factory in the world

After acquiring GERARD and Twintile brands 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 acquisition of Ross Roofing Group

With the acquisition of an Auckland, New Zealand based manufacturer of global Tilcor and Metrotile brands in Asia-Pacific, RoofTG added to the product portfolio further well respected brands. They are used to be manufactured by a family owned company with a long history in roofing business (founded in 1942). This makes us proud and opens further possibilities for our customers.

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.