news

Hanson Brick and Tile announces plans to build a new concrete block and products manufacturing facility in Ashland, Va.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 10, 2007

  • Hanover County plant will incorporate the latest manufacturing technology; expand product line to include colored architectural block

Bob Christensen, president of Hanson Brick & Tile, a leading supplier of building materials in the U.S., announced that it will invest approximately $14.8 million to build a new concrete block and products facility in Ashland, Va. Production at the new facility is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2007.

The more than 40,000-square-foot plant will be located at 11115 Johnson Road, Ashland, on property owned by Hanson Brick & Tile’s sister company, Hanson Pipe & Precast, which also operates a manufacturing plant on the same site. The new facility replaces production capacity of a 34-year-old block plant, also located on the Hanover County property, which Hanson closed in September 2006 in order to focus production out of a more efficient facility.

“With this plant Hanson will officially enter the hardscapes market with truly innovative concrete products,” said Dick Covington, block operations manager for Charlotte, N.C.-based Hanson Brick & Tile. “We believe this product diversification will help us grow our business and continue offering homeowners quality products that enable them to create truly personalized homes and yards.”

The plant will have one production line, a Tiger Model TG-6S concrete products machine, which can produce multiple products with less than a 10-minute changeover time. The plant will produce gray concrete block, integrally colored architectural block, simulated rock face concrete wall brick, as well as a variety of hardscape products.

The plant, which will use the most modern, computerized manufacturing equipment, will have one shift of approximately six people, including a plant manager, and will quickly expand to two shifts as the personnel gain experience with the new technology.

Hanson Brick & Tile manufactures and markets a superior selection of bricks and concrete roof tile and a diverse range of concrete blocks.

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

Contacts: Dana Haydock
704-926-1301
dhaydock@wrayward.com
Heather Tamol
704-926-1326
htamol@wrayward.com

  back