The cement powder produced is supplied in bulk and in bags, and is used across the UK to make ready-mixed concrete, precast concrete products, grout, mortar and other cement-based products that are used to build homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure like flood defences, roads, bridges and tunnels.
Ribblesdale cement works supplies cement to distribution depots as far apart as Glasgow, Middlesborough and Bristol and has supplied projects as diverse as Liverpool's Roman Catholic cathedral, the Skye Bridge, major on-shore and off-shore wind farms, Renaker Towers in Manchester, and Hinkley Point C nuclear power station (currently the largest building project in Europe).
In 2021 we successfully operated our cement kiln at Ribblesdale using a net zero fuel mix as part of a world first demonstration using hydrogen technology. The trial showed how we can potentially move away from using fossil fuels in cement and concrete production and could help us meet our decarbonisation goals.
The site employs over 200 people in both production and distribution roles, from blasting and extraction of materials from our two quarries to packing and distribution of the finished product. This is supported by a highly technical maintenance team and process/quality control function, and many more companies and individuals are involved in the supply chain. The site contributes more than £11 million into the local economy every year.
We are committed to be a responsible operator and recognise our responsibilities as a major industry in the Ribble Valley and Lancashire as a whole. We actively support local initiatives and programmes which benefit the community and environment.
Interesting facts:
- The raw materials used in the cement works are 340 million years old.
- At one time the works was the largest clinker producer in the UK and has produced well over 50 million tonnes of cement.
- The cement works was first built on its current site in 1936.
- Quarrying first took place in Ribblesdale 400 years ago.
