Sources: Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.; CP staff
Results from the first financial reporting period to follow the Martin Marietta–Texas Industries Inc. merger, consummated July 1, underscore the potential that three strategic cement and 100-plus ready mixed operations afford the industry’s second largest aggregate producer. Martin Marietta reports third quarter sales of $918 million, existing or heritage businesses accounting for $644 million—a 7.3 percent gain over 2013 Q3 figures.
ASTM International Committee C01 on Cement presented the Award of Merit to David Norris, assistant plant manager at Riverside Cement, Oro Grande, Calif., citing his technical and administrative contributions to the industry, especially in hydraulic cement standards development. The award is ASTM’s highest recognition for individual contributions to standards activities.
Read MoreA proposed ASTM International standard will provide a test method for properties of fresh roller compacted concrete, its development coinciding with the increasing specification of RCC for highway road base, streets, roads, parking lots and heavy industrial pavements.
Read MoreSources: Banyan Capital Partners, Toronto; CP staff
Backed by private equity operator Banyan Capital, Pennecon Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Larry Puddister has led a management team buyout of the company’s ready mixed, precast and concrete block & paver business—serving markets in the far eastern reaches of North America.
Read MoreSources: Martin Marietta Materials, Raleigh, N.C.; CP staff
Martin Marietta and Texas Industries have scheduled special shareholders meetings the morning of June 30 to consummate a merger agreement their boards unanimously approved in January. In Dallas, TXI shareholders will vote on a merger proposal netting .70 share of newly issued Martin Marietta stock for each TXI share. An hour later in North Carolina, Martin Marietta will seek approval to issue the additional shares.
Read MoreSources: Holcim Ltd., Zurich; Lafarge Group, Paris; CP staff
Two of top five global players in concrete, cement and aggregates confirm discussions surrounding a potential “merger of equals which builds on the strengths and identities of the two companies,” but stipulate that no deal has been reached nor can assurance be given that discussions will lead to definitive agreement.
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Sources: Cemex S.A.B. de CV, Monterrey, Mexico; CP staff
Following such company-wide initiatives as branded, performance product offerings and social media-styled communication of best practices, the world’s top ready mixed source continues phased rollout of technology integrating its cement, aggregates and concrete value chain to deliver building solutions exactly when customers need them.
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From the Federal Highway Administration’s Focus newsletter… Alkali-aggregate reactivity (AAR) can occur in concrete structures and pavements as both alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and alkalicarbonate reaction (ACR). FHWA’s new Alkali-Aggregate Reactivity Facts Book (Pub. No. FHWA-HIF-13-019) discusses both types of reaction but concentrates on ASR, as cases of ACR are more limited.
Read MoreMartin Marietta Materials, Inc. and Texas Industries, Inc. announced in late January their boards’ unanimous approval of a definitive merger agreement under which Martin Marietta will acquire all outstanding shares of TXI common stock in a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction. Based at existing Raleigh, N.C., headquarters and operating under the Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. banner, the combined entity will create a market-leading supplier of aggregates and heavy building materials, with low-cost, vertically integrated aggregate and targeted cement operations.
Read MoreThe Federal Highway Administration is extensively revising its Highway Materials Engineering Academy, which for 20 years has prepared transportation agency staff to develop specifications and guidance; make effective project acceptance decisions; and, design, construct and maintain assets to achieve long service life.
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