Hanson Aggregates

Lehigh Hanson, Inc. has a big crush on the concrete materials business in North America. The company, which is part of  German construction materials firm HeidelbergCement, produces ready mixed concrete, aggregates, concrete block, concrete pipe, and pre-stressed concrete products in the US and Canada. Lehigh Hanson companies include Lehigh Cement Company and Hanson's North American operations. Other companies under the Leigh Hanson umbrella include Hanson Pipe & Precast, which makes concrete pipes, manholes, and precast concrete products and Hanson Brick & Tile. Its hardscapes division makes decorative paving stones for landscaping. Lehigh Hanson has nearly 700 facilities in operation.  

HeidelbergCement Group acquired Lehigh Hanson as part of its 2007 acquisition of UK-based Hanson; the deal created one of the world's largest cement makers. The acquisition was made at the start of the global economic crisis, which ultimately drove down the demand for building materials around the world.

In North America sales slowed down and HeidelbergCement adjusted plant production in efforts to cut costs and match demand. By 2010 the markets in the US and Canada began to recover and sales began to creep up with help from government infrastructure programs and other projects. North America accounts for nearly 30% of its parent's annual sales.