Breedon open new asphalt plant in Scotland

Michael Russell MSP opens new facility at Furnace Quarry, near Inveraray, in Argyll & Bute

BREEDON Group plc, the UK’s largest independent construction materials group, have marked a significant investment in west Scotland with the opening of a replacement asphalt plant at Furnace Quarry, near Inveraray.

The facility was officially opened this week by Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll & Bute, who unveiled a plaque to commemorate the event during a visit to the plant by local Breedon customers.

Furnace Quarry is one of several in the region owned by Breedon, who operate around 30 quarries, 17 asphalt plants and 50 ready-mixed concrete plants throughout Scotland. The group has operated at Furnace for more than 15 years, producing a range of products for the local construction industry, and employs more than 50 people across the county.

The investment in a replacement plant was driven by the local community’s need for a ready and reliable source of asphalt supplies to meet future demand from regional road building and maintenance schemes, as well as from local building firms and householders. It replaces an old and increasingly inefficient plant that had reached the end of its useful life.

Alan Mackenzie, chief executive of Breedon Northern, explained: ‘We all appreciate the need to keep our roads in good condition, especially in a rural area like Argyll & Bute. We’re pleased to have been supporting the local community in this way for many years and this investment will enable us to continue doing so for many to come.’

Michael Russell MSP (right of photo) added: ‘It’s great to see the investment not only in this facility, but also from the local contractors who are all investing in the road network, which is a long-term commitment in Argyll & Bute.’