New industry trade association established

THE Mineral Products Association (MPA), the representative body for the UK aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, lime, mortar and silica sand industries, has now been established following the first meeting of its board on Monday 2 March 2009.

The MPA has been formed through the merger of the British Cement Association (BCA), the Quarry Products Association (QPA) and The Concrete Centre. It represents 222 members who between them supply around £5 billion of essential materials to the UK economy annually.

In its first public statement, the MPA says it aims to build on and enhance the strong reputation established by its constituent parts for supporting their members to operate in a manner that is economically viable and socially and environmentally responsible.

Based at Gillingham House, London, the MPA will represent and promote the mineral products industry in order to: secure and maintain the licence to operate for the sustainable supply of essential mineral products; continue to innovate and deliver sustainable solutions; and maintain existing and develop new markets.

Lynda Chase-Gardener is the chairman of the newly merged organization, with Nigel Jackson asked to take on the role of acting chief executive, supported by an executive team comprising Simon van der Byl, Pal Chana and Andrew Minson.

Commenting on the formation of the new trade association, Lynda Chase-Gardener said: ‘In these particularly difficult economic conditions, there is a real opportunity for the new organization to add value to the work of its member companies and to provide a more effective voice for the industry.’