Precast concrete firms blast cement manufacturers for shortage as production facilities are forced to close

The British precast concrete industry has expressed 鈥済rave concern鈥� over cement supply shortages

The shortage has already resulted in job losses and temporary closure of precast production facilities according to precast manufacturers.

The Concrete Pipeline Systems Association said that its members were "extremely disappointed to have been let down by [cement] suppliers.鈥�

CPSA chairman Andy Goring said: 鈥淭he cement industry needs to take a long hard look at its responsibilities and investment programmes to ensure that the situation is not repeated.鈥�

British Precast chief executive Martin Clarke said that its members phones were 鈥渞ed hot鈥� from complaints from members. He said: 鈥淧roduction jobs are being lost this week and reputations are at stake.鈥�

鈥淚n the medium-term I am very concerned about the effect on the industry鈥檚 significant investment plans.鈥�

Alan Clucas, managing director of Bison Concrete Products said: 鈥淭here reduced supplies will prove extremely challenging for the sector.鈥�

Clucas, who is the incoming vice-president of British Precast said that his company had been advised of deep cuts in cement supplies in the North and Scotland with reductions in the Midlands to follow."

Cucas said that it expected the cement industry to make up the shortfall by importing more cement from overseas.

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