Tillicoultry Quarries acquire Hugh King & Co

Significant strategic move for Scottish quarrying firm with expansion into mortar and render markets

HUGH King & Co. Holdings Ltd, Scotland’s largest independent producers of dried mortar and render products and one of the UK’s leading suppliers of sports sand, have been acquired by Tillicoultry Quarries for an undisclosed sum.

Hugh King & Co. operate one silica sand quarry and two brown sand quarries in Ayrshire with reserves totalling 5 million tonnes, providing more than 40 years of high-quality white silica and brown sand at current rates.

With the largest sand drying plant in Scotland, a specialized high-capacity dried mortar and render plant, and automated mortar, render, sand and aggregate bagging operations, the sites have the capacity to increase output significantly to meet demand.

The acquisition represents an important strategic move for Tillicoultry Quarries as they continue to build on and invest in their existing capabilities and core product range, and expand into the mortar and render markets. 

Tillicoultry Quarries and Hugh King & Co., founded in 1931 and 1853 respectively, have a history of family ownership with both businesses sharing the same values and a commitment to excellent customer service, employee investment and a dedication to product quality.

The deal will see Tillicoultry Quarries purchase 100% of the share capital of Hugh King & Co Holdings Ltd, acquiring three sand quarries in Ayrshire, all existing plant and machinery, and the company vehicle fleet, as well as retaining all 40 employees.

Wallace Menzies, director of Tillicoultry Quarries, commented: ‘Tillicoultry Quarries is an ambitious Scottish business that has always been committed to delivering for our customers.

‘We are always looking for ways in which we can expand and improve on our offering, and this acquisition presents an excellent opportunity to further enhance our product range supported by our long-established reputation for excellence.’

Graeme King, director of Hugh King & Co. Holdings Ltd, commented: ‘I am delighted to have found a safe home for the business with Wallace and the team at Tillicoultry Quarries. The shared family values will help drive continued growth and it will be very much business as usual for the loyal and hardworking staff, customers and suppliers.’