Hanson Cement’s Padeswood plant has put in an application to the local council for permission to expand the site of its packing facilities to replace the paper packing line with plastic. Company spokesman David Weeks told World Cement that customers no longer want cement in paper bags, preferring plastic that can be stored outside.
The Padeswood cement plant in Flintshire, North Wales, was under threat of closure a few years ago during the worst of the construction industry slump, but instead reduced production and staff and kept operating. The company has said that construction of the new packing plant would begin immediately if permission is granted.
Weeks also reportedly told press that the company is looking into reinstating the railhead at the plant, saying: “We would need considerable investment in that because we need new loading facilities…But it would mean far fewer lorries on the roads.”
The Padeswood cement plant currently employs 71 people and would add up to 35 positions if the new line is given the green light.
Hanson Cement is part of the Heidelberg Group.
Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui