AI takes ownership of Lafarge Cement assets

Aggregate Industries, part of the LafargeHolcim group, is the newest entrant to the cement production market in the UK, having taken ownership of the Cauldon and Cookstown cement plants in the UK.

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

Becoming a cement producer and supplier is the final piece in the jigsaw for Aggregate Industries, allowing the firm to offer contractors a full range of heavyside construction materials. 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.”

The business has chosen to continue with the Lafarge branding for its cement products, although some of the bagged products will be renamed in due course, a statement by Aggregate Industries said.

The new division is led by Joe Hudson, Managing Director, Cement & Concrete Products who has 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.

The transfer of the assets to Aggregate Industries is part of the global merger between Lafarge and Holcim. CRH will take control of the rest of the Lafarge Tarmac business.