The plants in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland and Cauldon, Staffordshire now part of the portfolio of operations at Aggregate Industries, which was previously part of Holcim and is now part of the combined LafargeHolcim group.

Aggregate Industries said the deal, which now includes the capacity for cement production and supply, 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 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, who has worked in a number of key functional and operational roles across Lafarge since 2001.

Mr Hudson 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.

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.”