News

A detailed planning application for a £6.5m transformation of the National Stone Centre (NSC) near Wirksworth, Derbyshire, that draws on influences from local rock formations for the building's form has been jointly submitted by the National Stone Centre and the Institute of Quarrying.  
 
The proposed new National Stone Centre will embody strong references and links to the area's geology and industrial heritage, including the overhanging rock formations found in local gritstone outcrops, such as Black Rocks and Stanage Edge.

CRH, the Irish-headquartered building materials major, saw further growth in sales, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation & amortisation) and margin in the first nine months of 2022 compared to the same period of last year.

The group achieved a resilient performance in an inflationary cost environment, with delivery said to be supported by the strength and resilience of its integrated solutions strategy.

CRH net sales for the nine-month review period totalled US$24.4bn (+13%), EBITDA was $4.2bn (+14%), with EBITDA margin at 17.1% (+10bps).

Hanson has demonstrated another ground-breaking carbon capture process, this time at its Ribblesdale cement works in Clitheroe, Lancashire.

The team proved that enforced carbonation of recycled concrete paste (RCP) within the plant’s wet scrubber allows for a high CO2 uptake within less than 30 minutes, preventing emissions from entering the atmosphere.

CEMEX says it is continuing its efforts to lead the transition to a net zero construction industry by implementing several new Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) projects throughout its global cement operations.

In conjunction with Leica Geosystems and Engcon, Hitachi Connected Technology hosted its first Dig Day at the Leica Geosystems Training School on the 11th and 12th of November.
 
The event attracted over 150 construction professionals across the two days. It gave visitors a hands-on experience with a range of machinery, all equipped with Leica machine control and Engcon tiltrotators, an opportunity to test out all three products at once.
 

Holcim's board of directors has appointed Steffen Kindler as the group's chief financial officer (CFO) and member of the Holcim executive committee, effective 1 May 2023.

Concrete admixture manufacturer Oscrete UK continues its 2022 growth trajectory with the appointment of three new sales managers and two new trainee concrete technicians.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reports that its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 8.8 months in October, according to an ABC member survey conducted from October 20 to November 4. The reading is 0.7 months higher than in October 2021.

The Countess of Wessex, Patron of the NSPCC, was warmly welcomed to JCB today for a double engagement – to officially open a new £100 million factory and to receive a £300,000 cheque for the children's charity.

The Countess visited JCB Cab Systems, Uttoxeter, and during a tour, Her Royal Highness was given an insight into the hi-tech manufacturing plant, complete with its computer-controlled production line and rainwater harvesting and heat capture systems. Her Royal Highness later received a cheque for £300,000 for the NSPCC after a successful employee fundraising campaign.

SaMoTer Lab, a major new innovation exhibition area within Italy's SaMoTer construction equipment show, will highlight smart technologies, including sensors, to boost on-site performance.

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has expressed relief at the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s decision not to cut capital spending in today’s Autumn Statement, as landmark infrastructure projects, including Sizewell C, HS2, and Northern Powerhouse Rail, were spared from cutbacks.