Lafarge has unveiled a research centre in Staffordshire. The technical laboratory, based at its Cauldon production centre, will replace its former laboratory in Kent. The UK£2m development includes laser equipment to study the control of particle distribution in cements and thermal equipment that will help the 11-strong research team look at the properties of materials.

This will help ensure optimum product quality, according to Lafarge Cement UK operations director Jean-Didier Catillon. He said: "This will make a huge difference to the ease with which we can work with customers across the country." The research team will also link up with Lafarge’s main research centre in Lyon, France.