A Leicester-based quarry has been saved from administration in a welcome boost for the sector.
Recent figures revealed that output in the UK mining and quarrying market dropped by 9.7 per cent in June 2010 compared to the same period last year.
However, the holding company for Ennstone Johnston, who operate a quarry in the Leicestershire village of Breedon on the Hill, is now debt-free following a £160 million takeover deal.
The site will now be able to continue to extract minerals from the area for the next 50 years, potentially significantly increasing the demand for conveyor belts and bulk material handling equipment.
Peter Tom, chairman of English rugby union side Leicester Tigers, provided the capital for the deal which will save 150 on-site jobs and 150 roles across the country.
Following the takeover, Breedon Holdings, the group who own Ennstone Johnston, will be known as Breedon Aggregates.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the quarrying industry includes; elevators – bucket elevators – valves
