Many UK brick production facilities were mothballed or scaled back after the last recession hit and were unprepared for the upsurge in demand from house-builders in 2013 and 2014 when it came. Latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics show brick production in the UK has now responded, with close to a billikon bricks made in the UK in the first six months of 2015. Brick Development Association chief executive Simon Hay said: “The brick industry has reacted swiftly in order to meet new demand by increasing brick production by nearly 7% in comparison to the same period in 2014, a tremendous effort by a capital-intensive industry. “For the first time since the economic downturn, production is approaching 1 billion bricks in a six month period. Stock levels have also grown to nearly 450 million, a 33% rise in comparison to the stock levels at the first half of 2014, meaning choice in brick is now possible with reasonable lead in times.”

Polypipe said that it had targeted ventilation for some time, having built an understanding of the sector from its portfolio of ducting systems. Caerphilly-based Nuaire will complement this understanding through its knowledge and experience of mechanical ventilation. The acquisition will be financed using a combination of existing cash from the balance sheet and new debt and is expected to complete by the end of August. Polypipe chief executive David Hall said: “We have long been an admirer of Nuaire and this acquisition provides a perfect fit for us. Nuaire expands considerably our product platform and market reach within the growing ventilation sector, which, like other parts of our business, are being positively impacted by environmental legislative change. Nuaire will continue to operate as an independent division, as we leverage the capabilities of the combined group to drive growth, bringing more choice to our broader customer base. We are delighted to welcome Nuaire’s management and staff as we look forward to accelerating the strategic development of the enlarged group.” Nuaire chief executive Mark Huxtable said: “We are delighted to be joining Polypipe. The companies share many characteristics, including a similar culture and philosophy, and together we will be better placed to tap into the excellent prospects for the sector.” For the year to June 2015 Nuaire generated sales of £63.5m, up 19% on the previous year, and EBITDA up 29% to £12.8m. As at 30th September 2014, its had gross assets of £69.9m.

Hanson Cement has sold its Scunthorpe ground granulated blastfurnace slag facility to mineral resources company Francis Flower. Hanson Cement has sold its Scunthorpe ground granulated blastfurnace slag facility to mineral resources company Francis Flower. Read Full Article: The Construction Index

Aggregate Industries has joined the ranks of UK cement producers having taken over ownership of cement plants in Staffordshire and Northern Ireland. Aggregate Industries has joined the ranks of UK cement producers having taken over ownership of cement plants in Staffordshire and Northern Ireland. Read Full Article: The Construction Index

Half-year financial results from producer Michelmersh Brick Holdings reveal that the average price of its bricks has gone up by 9% over the past year. Half-year financial results from producer Michelmersh Brick Holdings reveal that the average price of its bricks has gone up by 9% over the past year. Read Full Article: The Construction Index