Hargreaves Building Products acquire Lytag Ltd
HARGREAVES Building Products (HBP) have announced the purchase of Lytag Ltd, the lightweight aggregate producer, for an undisclosed sum. HBP say the acquisition of Lytag, whose products are manufactured using pulverized fly ash, will complement their existing business, which manages and recycles the ash generated by coal-fired power stations into sustainable building products.
The Lytag brand has been on the market for more than 40 years, during which time it has been used in applications ranging from structural and precast concretes to land drainage and geotechnical fill. Being 50% lighter than natural aggregates and 25% lighter than natural aggregate concrete but with the same structural strength, it allows architects to achieve greater floor and roof spans.
Gareth Moores, managing director of Hargreaves Building Products, commented: ‘As space in our city centres is at a premium, developers are looking to the skies and building upwards. Its lightweight properties mean that Lytag Concrete is ideally suited to high-rise construction and can provide much more design and construction flexibility than alternative concretes. Some of the UK’s landmark buildings have utilized Lytag – Centre Court at Wimbledon, Swiss RE, Canary Wharf and Heathrow’s Terminal 5.’
HBP believe that with the recent Budget increasing the aggregates levy by 20%, Lytag will offer the construction industry many other financial, environmental and performance benefits, including enhanced durability; easier placing, compacting and finishing; improved insulating properties; and logistical advantages.
‘Lytag has tremendous potential to help the construction industry deliver more adventurous and sustainable buildings. We are delighted to have this exciting product as part of our growing portfolio and look forward to expanding its potential even further,’ said Mr Moores.
HBP say they plan to invest a substantial amount in technology development and research into new applications over the coming years, with lightweight concrete seen is a key growth area.
