Three materials groups merge to cement impact

Three major materials groups have announced their intention to merge to form a single organisation.

The British Cement Association (BCA), the Quarry Products Association (QPA), and The Concrete Centre (TCC) will officially join forces on 1 January 2009.

The vertical integration of the association mirrors the consolidation that has occurred among cement, aggregate and concrete producers. It is intended that this will simplify its interface with members.

Simon van der Byl, director general of the QPA, said the new organisation would be based on the QPA template. “This includes looking at products as groupings and interested companies, combined with a core function looking at health and safety, waste planning and public affairs,” he added.

No name has yet been decided for the new organisation but it has Lynda Thompson as its chairman designate and Mike Gilbert as its chief executive designate.

Lynda Thompson said the £11m body would be an opportunity to reflect the changed structure of the UK industries.

She added: “With wider scope and enhanced profile, we can build upon the achievements of the three constituent bodies and take the work forward. I am confident that this merger is in the best interests of all of our members, the industry and the users of our essential products.”

Mike Gilbert said: “The opportunity for us all now is to ensure that the value of the new combined organisation is greater than the sum of its parts.”