Michael Brown takes chair at Lawton Tubes

Midlands-based copper tube and fittings specialist Lawton Tubes has appointed Michael Brown as its new Board Chairman.

Brown also joins the business as a Non-Executive Director after spending more than 15 years at Dormole Group, which operates a range of wholesale companies serving the fasteners and fixings, hand-tools and power-tools accessories.

He takes over from Rolf Herold who held the role as Lawton Tubes expanded its sales to 42 countries and grew its annual turnover to £230 million with a 140-strong workforce at its bases in Coventry, Redditch and Poole.

In that time, the company has also collected two prestigious prizes for growth in international trade – with export sales now standing at £26 million. The firm won The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2019, before collecting The King’s Award in 2024

Rich Thomas, Head of People and Culture at Lawton Tubes, said: “Michael’s appointment is a real coup for us as he brings extensive industrial leadership experience, which will stand us in good stead as we gear up for an exciting period of further growth – with our new £20 million headquarters set to open in late 2026, alongside diversifying our product ranges.

“He also shares Lawton Tubes’ passion of creating employment opportunities for the next generation in the construction industry, as he personally launched the Institute of Brilliant Ideas to provide employment opportunities across a range of sectors to disadvantaged communities.

“We’d also like to thank Rolf for his outstanding service over the years as we look forward to an exciting future."

Brown added: “Lawton Tubes is thriving on multiple fronts – from growing its domestic and overseas markets, innovating new products with its investment in its engineering division, whilst championing careers in the industry.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to use my decades of commercial leadership experience to help maximise growth opportunities over the coming years in key markets including heating and plumbing, air conditioning, medical and industrial.”