Bags of opportunity for Lafarge and GRS
"LAFARGE Aggregates Ltd are to acquire a major stake in bagged aggregates specialists GRS (Bagging) Ltd. Lafarge say the multi-million pound deal, which will see them enter into a 50/50 joint venture with GRS, reflects the building industry’s growing preference for aggregates in bags of 25kg up to 1 tonne."
"GRS currently supply aggregates in the Midlands and South-East and have a turnover in excess of £40 million. As well their as five existing bagging operations, GRS plan to open three more bagging plants this year and are also active in quarrying and bulk aggregates distribution."
"Commenting on the deal, Lafarge Aggregates’ managing director, Dyfrig James, said: ‘Recent years have seen growth in the bagged aggregates sector and we see that trend continuing. This deal increases our involvement in the total supply chain from aggregates production to specialist distribution. As well as reducing wastage, supplying aggregates in bags is clean, convenient and cost-effective, ultimately helping us to give customers what they want.’"
"Steve Attwood, director of bagging at GRS, added: ‘Lafarge and GRS already share operations at two sites in the South-East and Midlands. We believe this move will create opportunities for new bagging operations as well as additional material ranges such as decorative gravels, pink granite, limestone and ready-blended mixes for concrete.’"
