UK: Breedon Group has described 2017 as ‘one of the most productive years’ in its history following the full-year contribution from Hope Construction Materials that was acquired in mid-2016. Its sales revenue rose by 43% year-on-year to Euro728m in 2017 from Euro507m in 2016. Its underlying earnings before interest and taxation rose by 35% to Euro90m from Euro66.5m.

“We completed the integration of our largest-ever acquisition, concluded two bolt-on purchases and announced an important transaction with Tarmac that, subject to approval by the competition authorities, will see us streamline our ready-mixed concrete network in exchange for a substantial new reserve of minerals and a strategically valuable asphalt plant. This did not, however, distract us from our operational focus and we once again delivered a solid financial performance,” said executive chairman Peter Tom.

The construction materials group said that construction output continued to grow in 2017, rising by 3% despite a softening of the market during the second and third quarters of 2017. It reported ‘marked’ geographical disparities, with generally stronger demand in England than in Scotland and many regional variances within both countries. Growth was led by increases in residential and infrastructure development.

The group completed a programme of capital investment during the year at its Breedon Cement division. This included buying a fleet of new tractor units and powder tankers, upgrading the pre-heater riser, kiln feed and rail line at the Hope cement plant and a replacement excavator at the limestone quarry.