Sweden’s Thomas Concrete Group has acquired three North Carolina and South Carolina ready mixed plants, strategic to the Myrtle Beach market. They join 64 other plants, across the Carolinas and Georgia, under a U.S. headquarters in Atlanta.
“In our growth strategy, we are continuously evaluating potential acquisitions,” says CEO Hans Karlander, noting how Thomas Concrete is the largest independent ready mixed supplier in the European and U.S. markets where it operates. “The three new plants complement our network. Our assessment is that the market in the U.S. is continuing to grow and we are well positioned in an expanding region.”
“We have brought together all [144] operations in Europe and the U.S under the single brand name, Thomas,” he adds. “Our former, more loosely organized group is now operating in a much more integrated way, especially in the fields of technology and development where there is a greater exchange of knowledge between various expert and specialist functions. At the same time, we are strengthening the local concrete specialist focus in the markets we serve. Our goal is to be the best in the industry, offering exceptional levels of customer service combined with adequate profitability to ensure continued growth.”
Vulcan Materials Co. has elected David Steiner to its board, joining the Safety, Health and Environmental Affairs and Governance committees. He served as Waste Management, Inc. chief executive officer from 2004 to 2016 and is presently a FedEx Corp. director.
Steiner’s appointment follows the departure of Elaine Chao, who stepped down from the Vulcan board after her confirmation as Secretary of Transportation. “Her insights into both the public and private sectors have been very valuable,” notes Vulcan CEO Tom Hill, reflecting on Secretary Chao’s two years on the company’s board of directors. “We are most grateful for the contributions she has made to Vulcan and wish her the very best as she leads the Department of Transportation.”
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| Don Rapley |
Ozinga Ready Mix Inc. Indiana Region President Don Rapley was recognized for completion of a second term (2011 and 2016) as Indiana Ready Mixed Concrete Association president. IRMCA credits him with playing an instrumental role in acquiring headquarters office space, versus continuing a lease; maintaining the group through the Great Recession; and, contributing to the recent, seamless transition in the executive director post.
“Don has a great attitude toward the IRMCA, and he has helped the Association successfully move through some very tough times,” notes Jerry Larson, executive director of the IRMCA. Rapley has one more year left on the board as past president, and plans to remain active in IRMCA at the conclusion of his term.
In celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary, Lafarge Canada Inc. will be a Gold sponsor of Habitat for Humanity Canada’s biggest build project ever. Habitat for Humanity’s 34th Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project will be taking place in every province and territory with a goal to collectively build 150 homes to mark the Confederation anniversary. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn will be visiting Canada in July, focusing their efforts in Edmonton, Alberta, and Winnipeg, Manitoba.
“Lafarge is proud to continue its work building better cities and communities by sponsoring the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project,” says Lafarge Edmonton Vice President and General Manager Bruce Willmer. “We are confident that our donation of ready-mix concrete and concrete paving will add to the sustainability of the Carter Place development in Edmonton, which will house 58 families. Concrete will provide a safe and long-standing foundation for the homes as well as a highly durable pavement which will minimize maintenance requirements.”
In addition to Habitat’s Carter Work Project, Lafarge has supported Habitat throughout Canada with donated materials and volunteer time for some 20 years. Among recent projects are the first NetZero energy precast concrete homes in North America, which the producer helped build to benefit Habitat for Humanity Edmonton.