Debut for materials trade giant

A new materials "supergroup" has been officially launched following its first board meeting this week.

The Mineral Products Association boasts members supplying £5bn worth of aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, lime, mortar and silica sand.

The new organisation has Lynda Chase-Gardener as its Chairman. Nigel Jackson has been asked to take on the role of Acting Chief Executive, supported by an executive team of Simon van der Byl, Pal Chana and Andrew Minson.

Chase-Gardener said: “In these particularly difficult economic conditions, there is a real opportunity for the new organisation to add value to the work of its member companies and to provide a more effective voice for the industry.”      

The MPA has been formed through the merger of the British Cement Association, the Quarry Products Association and the Concrete Centre. It represents 222 members across the UK.