Cemex defies downturn with new concrete plants

Cemex has opened two new concrete plants, bucking the downturn in the building and housing markets. The new plants, one in Stepney, east London, and the other in Oldbury, Birmingham, replace existing plants and represent a total investment of £3.4m.

The Stepney plant can produce 180m³ of concrete per hour and will supply materials to Laing O'Rourke for the Walkie Talkie skyscraper building at 20 Fenchurch Street and to the Balfour Beatty and Carillion joint venture on the East London Line extension.

The Oldbury plant will serve customers based in the Black Country.

As well as reusing water from the concrete process, both plants also feature a reclaim system that ensures any waste cement, gravel and sand is reused and not sent to landfill.

Chris Leese, vice-president for readymix and mortars at Cemex, said: “These new production facilities replace plants that have been in operation for over 40 years. Although the building and housing market is going through a tough time, construction activity continues and our customers are demanding high-quality products delivered on time.”