New structure for Hanson Quarry Products

Construction materials supplier Hanson is restructuring its concrete, asphalt and contracting business to improve efficiency and customer service and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in 2012 and beyond. The quarry products division will be split into three product-focused business lines - Hanson Aggregates (incorporating Hanson Marine), Hanson Concrete, and Hanson Asphalt and Contracting – all managed nationally.

Hanson UK CEO Patrick O’Shea said the change had been prompted by a slower than anticipated recovery in the UK construction market and continuing uncertainty in the wider economy. “Against this background, our current multi-product regional structure is no longer appropriate,” he said. “The management teams are dealing with a wide range of complex issues across different product lines.

“The new structure will bring together management of sales and production of our core products to maximise opportunities in what we predict will continue to be a very difficult market. We will also be seeking to improve logistics performance and customer service.”

Brian Charleton becomes managing director of Hanson Aggregates, responsible for production and sales from Hanson’s 75 quarries and UK network of marine wharves and depots. For the past three years he has been managing director of Hanson’s shared service centre near Bristol. Max Colligan, formerly north region director for Hanson Quarry Products, becomes managing director of Hanson Concrete and takes responsibility for Hanson’s 300 fixed and site-based production plants. And Phil Redmond, currently managing director of Hanson Contracting, heads the combined Hanson Asphalt and Contracting division, which brings together asphalt production and sales from 47 plants with the company’s road surfacing, infrastructure and civil engineering business.

There will be some job losses - around 50 from a total workforce of 1750 – but this will include removing a number of existing vacancies. “The clear aim of this restructure is to improve efficiency and sharpen our competitiveness in a difficult market,” said Patrick O’Shea. The new structure is expected to be in place by 1 January 2012.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/29112011/new_structure_for_hanson_quarry_products-/