Hanson Plc Chief Executive Alan Murray hosted a two-day analyst and investor site visit of some of the company's operations in the Dallas area last month. The visit included tours of Hanson Aggregates' Bridgeport plant; Hanson Brick's Mineral Wells facility; and, Hanson Pipe & Precast's Grand Prairie works.

Murray gave an overview of Hanson's present position in North America and in the near future across all of its divisions and products. Included in his comments were broad references to expanding into new markets and states in an effort to be a leader in each of its regions and product groups. He anticipates substantial growth in the areas of aggregates, precast products, and complementary products such as pavers.

Murray also discussed selectively increasing business in the company's ready mixed, asphalt, cement, pipe, and brick & tile markets. After painting a solid picture of the company in 2006, he warned that the nature of the construction materials business is “cyclical, so it will have its moments.” Still, Murray believes Hanson could achieve double-digit expansion over the current cycle through organic growth and acquisitions, and that business would double by 2015.