Hanson Cement has submitted plans for expansion of its packaging facilities at its Padeswood cement works in north Wales, UK.

Just two years ago, the plant faced the threat of closure due to depressed construction levels. However the company decided to run the Padeswood works at half capacity in the hope the situation would improve. “We have three plants – one in Padeswood, one in Lancashire and one in Lincolnshire. We only really needed two and Padeswood would probably have been the one to go,” spokesman David Weeks told local press.

Confident that the plant will return to full capacity, Mr Weeks said that work on a new packaging line would start immediately if it receives the go-ahead from local authorities.

The HeidelbergCement group company is also looking to reinstate the railhead at the plant to increase loading facilities and take lorries off the road.