Hanson Brick realigns north region production

March 22, 2007

Hanson Brick has announced plans to realign production in its Canadian facilities as a response to changing demand for brick in its North region, maintaining operations at four of its Canadian plants, while closing its Ottawa facility. The company is currently reviewing opportunities for some salaried employees to transfer to other locations and will assist employees who have been displaced.

“We would like to thank our Ottawa employees from the line workers to the plant management for their service and dedication,” said Steve Luckett, vice president and general manager of Hanson Brick’s North region. “While it is always difficult to eliminate positions, we believe investing in our most efficient facilities is in the best interest of Hanson Brick and its North American workforce.”

Hanson acquired the Ottawa plant, which is about 50 years old, in 1998 after purchasing Canada Brick. Due to the plant’s location and shifts in market demand, it is not feasible to maintain production at a level that would enhance Hanson’s competitiveness in the market.

Instead, Hanson will focus production out of four Canadian facilities, including its Aldershot plant, which is fully computerized, employs 60 people and is one of the most modern brick manufacturing facilities in the world. In addition to the Aldershot and Burlington plants in Ontario, Hanson will maintain production at its La Prairie, Quebec, plant. Hanson currently employs 380 people in Canada.

“Hanson remains committed to the Canadian market,” Luckett added. “We believe this move will allow us to more efficiently serve our customers with quality brick products that are both innovative and stylish.”

The Ottawa facility is scheduled to cease regular production in April, but will maintain limited production through June 1 in order to fill short-term orders. About 40 production jobs will be eliminated when the plant closes.

Hanson Brick is North America's largest brick manufacturer, with approximately 1,600 employees and operations across the United States and Canada. The company provides its customers with superior selection and service, offering more than 1,000 styles of brick in five regional brick collections. Hanson Brick is based in Charlotte, N.C.

Hanson Brick is part of Hanson, one of the world's largest suppliers of heavy building materials to the construction industry. Hanson produces aggregates (crushed rock, sand and gravel), ready-mixed and precast concrete, asphalt and cement-related materials and a range of building products including concrete pipes, concrete pavers, tiles and clay bricks.

Hanson is part of the HeidelbergCement Group, which employs 70,000 people across five continents. Heidelberg has leading positions in concrete and heavy building products and is the global leader in aggregates.

Further information on Hanson can be found at na.hansonbrick.com

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