Aggregate Industries takes ownership of Lafarge Cement assets

Lafarge Cement collection

The plants in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland and Cauldon, Staffordshire are a welcome addition to the Aggregate Industries portfolio of operations, which now includes the capacity for cement production and supply. This allows the company to provide a full range of construction materials and to offer a more complete service for customers.

The acquisition of the two plants, along with a quarry at Cauldon Low and a cement terminal at Belfast Docks, was finalised on Monday 20th July 2015 and involved the transfer of 250 employees from the existing operations to Aggregate Industries.

The new division is led by Joe Hudson, Managing Director, Cement & Concrete Products. Joe brings a wealth of experience with him, having worked in a number of key functional and operational roles across Lafarge since 2001. He has been 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 MD/CEO for Lafarge Wapco Plc in Nigeria. Joe has worked across both businesses to put together a well balanced team that draws on existing Aggregate Industries operations and experienced teams coming from the Lafarge Tarmac organisation.

Given the strength of the Lafarge cement brand, the business has chosen to continue with this branding for its cement products, although some of the bagged products will be renamed in due course.

Pat Ward, CEO, 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.”

As part of the LafargeHolcim group, the business can rely on support from 115,000 colleagues across the world, sharing expertise and innovation throughout the group. Aggregate Industries is proud to play its role in the success of the most advanced construction materials supplier in the world.