Aggregate Industries celebrates Cauldon Cement Plant’s 65th Anniversary

It was a special occasion at Aggregate Industries’ Cauldon Cement plant this month as the business held a jam-packed two-day event to mark 65 years of cement manufacturing excellence. 

Founded in 1957, the world-class operation based in Cauldon, Staffordshire was the very first dry-process cement plant to be installed in Britain and played a key role in the modernisation of the UK cement industry. 

Fast forward to today and the site, which is now part of Aggregate Industries, continues to break new ground as part of the business’ progressive sustainability strategy – Building Progress for a Sustainable Future – as it sets out to become the UK leader of sustainable building solutions. As part of this, in 2021 the Cauldon plant, already home to successful renewable integration, commenced works on a £13 million investment project to reduce its carbon footprint by 30,000k tonnes annually. This will be achieved by building a new pre-processing plant for the storage, handling and feeding of solid alternative fuels, that would otherwise end up as landfill, in addition to installing a new chloride bypass to ensure product quality and negate additional waste.

Alongside this, the Cauldon plant has remained a mainstay of the local community.  As well as being a major local employer and responsible for about £11 million entering the regional economy each year through salaries and investment, the Cauldon business regularly raises money for local charities. 

To mark its 65 years, the landmark site first held a special open day where key customers, both old and new, received an exclusive tour of the plant and presentations from senior leaders, along with lunch.

During a second day of celebrations, over 600 local people including veterans, employees, and family members, came together to enjoy an array of outdoor activities, painting, raffles and refreshments. This also saw special appearances from the local Waterhouses Community Swim, Waterhouses Junior Football Team, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, West Midlands Ambulance Services and Waterhouses Scouts. 

Steve Curley, Managing Director of Aggregate Industries’ Cement division, said: “From the very beginning, the Cauldon plant has thrived not only on account of its commitment to innovation, but because of the many generations of local people who have helped shape the business today. It was therefore fantastic to take the opportunity to come together, both colleagues old and new, and their families, and mark this important milestone which we have all helped to make happen.”

Stuart Hutchings, Industrial Director at Aggregate Industries, adds: “It only feels like yesterday since we were celebrating our 60th anniversary. Fast forward five years and the world is a very different place. In the midst of the climate emergency, the future health of our planet has never been more important. 

“As a business, we emerge from the uncertainty of the last two years even more committed to embedding sustainability within the future of construction. While we have already made huge strides here at our Cauldon plant, this is just the beginning for us as we continue to push boundaries in green innovation to help protect our community, environment and planet.”

“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been on our journey so far and look forward to another 65 years, and beyond, of success and building progress.”