THE largest manufacturer of flat and pitched roofing and waterproofing solutions throughout Europe has this week opened its new technology hub in Reading.

BMI Group have now opened the hub, which marks a multi-million-pound investment in technology and is part of Standard Industries’ global mission to transform the industry.

Rich Robinson, chief technology officer at Standard Industries, parent company of BMI, said: “Digital transformation is about empowering the customer by taking the friction out of buying a roofing system.

"The new BMI Technology Hub is part of our commitment to leverage emerging technologies and lead the way in becoming a truly tech-driven building materials and construction company."

BMI is making a major commitment to accelerate the integration of data and digital capabilities into the manufacturing of high-quality roofing and waterproofing solutions.

The company is also deploying machine learning to advance and automate its production and services as well as the development of a competitive, integrated solar roof.

BMI’s significant investments in proprietary technologies continue to enhance the group’s industry-leading roofing and waterproofing solutions and services.

Shreyas Mysore, chief information officer of BMI Group, said: "The BMI Technology Hub will grow into a sophisticated centre for technology and IT innovation.

"We have many exciting opportunities for technologists, and plans to branch into sectors ripe for technological development and disruption.”"

BMI chose Reading as a regional powerhouse of IT, technology and research excellence.