Pit & Quarry • April 2024 • UP TO SPEED

Breedon Group, a construction materials group located in the U.K., acquired BMC Enterprises in a deal valued at $300 million.

BMC is a supplier of aggregates, ready-mixed concrete and building products headquartered in St. Louis.

“The acquisition of BMC represents a compelling opportunity for Breedon to launch our third platform in the USA,” says Rob Wood, CEO of Breedon Group. “BMC has an excellent performance track record over a sustained period and is positioned in an attractive market for future growth.

Nathan McKean, president and CEO of BMC, is also the owner of the company. According to Breedon Group, McKean will transition to a non-executive advisory role for Breedon’s North American business upon completion of the sale.

The wider BMC management team will remain with the business, according to Breedon Group. This includes COO Andy Arnold, CFO John Crumrine and chief HR officer Mark Jacobs. Additionally, Arnold will be appointed CEO of BMC upon completion of the sale.

“As a high-quality aggregates and concrete business that has grown at pace, organically and through acquisitions, with a strong management team and deep local knowledge, BMC’s culture and values are fully aligned with the Breedon business model,” Wood says. “The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing for shareholders while allowing Breedon to maintain a conservative and flexible balance sheet to pay dividends and make further bolt-on acquisitions across each of our platforms as opportunities arise.”

IRock Crushers hired Michael Millies as director of operations. Millies is now responsible for the direction and strategic growth of IRock operations. These areas include manufacturing, supply chain, production planning, facilities management, and EHS (environment, health and safety).

Motion Industries acquired Perfetto Manufacturing and SER Hydraulics. Perfetto has been in business since 1986 and SER Hydraulics since 1978. Located in Sudbury,

Canada, Motion says each has grown to provide engineered solutions, service and equipment for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, complex power units and other assets used in fluid power systems throughout the area.

Bell Trucks added a pair of dealers in Powerscreen of California, Nevada & Hawaii and Powerscreen of Washington. Both dealers offer the full range of Bell Trucks haulers. Combined, the two serve California, Nevada, Hawaii, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Alaska.

Douglas Manufacturing broke ground on a new idler plant in Pell City, Alabama, that will be adjacent to an existing company facility.

Once finished, the company expects its multimillion-dollar facility to create more than 50 new jobs.

“We are excited to break ground on our new idler plant, which will enable us to meet the growing demand for our idler product line and keep our customers moving ahead,” says Paul Ross, president and CEO of Douglas. “This project is not only an investment in our company, but also in our community. We are proud to be part of the economic growth and development of Pell City, St. Clair County and Alabama. We are grateful to our local and state leaders for their support of this significant investment.”

According to Douglas, which is now a Rulmeca Group company, the new idler plant will be equipped with the latest equipment and automation. The company will also adopt the Rulmeca PSV idler design. Douglas says the design delivers improved sealing, stability and durability.

“This is a new great day for Rulmeca,” says Fabio Ghisalberti, executive vice president and managing director at Rulmeca.

Douglas expects the idler plant project to be completed in 2025. enabling the company to increase its production capacity for components such as pulleys, lagging, idlers, magnetics, impact beds and take-ups.

The new facility includes an 8,500-sq.-ft. office space, a wellness center and energy-saving enhancements aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

The revitalized facility in Dungannon was revealed during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to local stakeholders.

“As pioneers in mobile crushing and screening, we’ve always believed in building not just equipment, but legacies,” says Sean Loughran, business line director and general manager at Powerscreen. “As Powerscreen approaches 60 years of operating, we understand the value of durability and innovation. Our new headquarters isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s a testament to our commitment to lasting excellence.”

Michelle O’Neill, the first minister of Northern Ireland, was among the local stakeholders to participate in the event.

“Your new headquarters are really impressive,” O’Neill says. “It’s a physical demonstration of your success, and a welcome statement of your future ambition. Your growth on this site since the original Powerscreen days is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. You have been instrumental in growing an engineering cluster here. You have set the standard in terms of quality and product development, and you have been pioneers in research, development and innovation.”

As Powerscreen describes, the new headquarters represents the latest in a series of strategic investments by Terex to modernize its operations and bring its facilities into the digital age. This includes the integration of robotic welding and automation systems to enhance efficiency and precision in manufacturing processes.