Aggregate Industries take ownership of Lafarge cement assets
Successful transfer of Cookstown and Cauldon cement operations enhances AI’s operational portfolio
AS part of the global merger between construction material suppliers Lafarge and Holcim, Aggregate Industries have announced the successful transfer of ownership of two cement operations in the UK.
The addition of the plants at Cookstown in Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and Cauldon in Staffordshire means that, for the first time, Aggregate Industries portfolio of operations now includes the capacity for cement production and supply.
The acquisition of the two plants, along with a quarry at Cauldon Low and a cement terminal at Belfast Docks, was finalized on Monday 20 July 2015 and involved the transfer of 250 employees from the existing operations to Aggregate Industries.
Aggregate Industries’ new Cement & Concrete Products division is led by managing director Joe Hudson, who brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked in a number of key functional and operational roles across Lafarge since 2001.
Mr Hudson (pictured), who was heavily involved in preparations for the merger as group senior vice-president for Organisation & Development at Lafarge and has experience of running a cement business, having previously worked as managing director/chief executive officer of Lafarge WAPCO plc in Nigeria, has put together a balanced team that draws on existing Aggregate Industries operations and experienced teams from the Lafarge Tarmac organization.
Given the strength of the Lafarge cement brand, the business has chosen to continue with this branding for its cement products, although some bagged products will be renamed in due course.
Pat Ward, chief executive of Aggregate Industries, said: ‘Integrating cement production into our business represents a significant strategic opportunity for Aggregate Industries and, with a full offering of construction materials and solutions to serve the market in the UK, we are looking forward to sharing this enhanced offering with new and existing customers.
‘Also, on behalf of Aggregate Industries, I want to welcome Joe Hudson and his team from the two operations in Northern Ireland and Staffordshire. It is an exciting time to join our company and their expertise is a positive addition to our business.’
