Lehigh Hanson

IRVING, Texas (March 31, 2010) – Hanson Brick, North America’s largest brick manufacturer, is celebrating 33 years without a lost-time accident at its Athens, Texas, plant. Hanson has achieved this monumental accomplishment due to great teamwork, dedication to safety and a core focus on sustainability.

 

“As a company we have a responsibility, not only to ourselves, but to the families of our employees, and to the industry,” said Wayne Turnage, Athens plant manager. “You should never be too busy for safety.”

 

“The last accident at this facility was in 1977, and thanks to the commitment, high efficiency and expertise of our employees, Hanson has been able to avoid any accidents since,” added Mike Shipley, vice president, operations, Hanson Brick.

 

More than half of the facility’s 19 employees have been employed for 15 years and six have been employed for more than 20 years. Safety committees ensure that at least one person from each department meets monthly to tour the facility, discuss specific safety topics and participate in a luncheon. Such activity has enhanced team morale and overall communication. Hanson’s Athens team keeps safety at the forefront of their daily activity as well, by analyzing small and large tasks in order to plan for potential accidents.

 

“Hanson’s high attention to safety and efficient use of resources, relates to our mission to operate as a sustainable company,” added Richard Manning, president, Hanson Building Products North America. “I am proud of the leadership taken and the benchmarks set by this facility.”

 

Hanson Brick is a division of Hanson Building Products North America. One of Hanson Building Products' corporate strategies is continued focus on sustainability. The company is known throughout North America for excellent occupational safety, environmental stewardship, high quality standards and contributions to its local communities.

 

About Hanson Brick
Hanson Brick is North America's largest brick manufacturer with a total capacity of more than 1.7 billion bricks. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, we employ approximately 1,200 people. Our plants in the United States are located in Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. In Canada, we operate plants in Ontario and Quebec. Hanson Brick provides superior selection and service, and more than 1,000 styles of brick in five regional brick collections. For more information, please visit www.hansonbrick.com.

 

About Hanson Building Products North America
Hanson Building Products North America is comprised of Hanson Pipe & Precast, Hanson Pressure Pipe, Hanson Structural Precast, Hanson Brick, Hanson Hardscapes and Hanson Roof Tile. Based in Irving, Texas, Hanson Building Products North America employs approximately 4,500 people and operates 150 facilities with products available throughout the U.S. and Canada. To learn more about Hanson's sustainability efforts and quality products, services and building technology, please visit www.hansonbuildingproducts.com.

Hanson Building Products North America and its divisions are part of the HeidelbergCement Group, the global leader in aggregates with leading positions in cement, concrete and heavy building. The company employs approximately 57,000 people across five continents.