Douglas Alexander MP has visited Tarmac’s Dunbar Cement Plant, the only cement manufacturing facility in Scotland.
Mr Alexander was provided with an overview of Tarmac’s national operations and activity at the Dunbar plant, before being given a tour of the site and shown how it has been modernised over recent years.
Tarmac also highlighted some current concerns for the sector, including cement production in the UK being at its lowest level for 75 years, while imports increase, and the support it is looking for to make further progress on decarbonising cement manufacture.
Speaking after the visit, Douglas Alexander MP said:
“Concrete and the cement used to make it are essential materials for our economy and infrastructure, and Dunbar’s Cement Plant has been a key part of our construction industry for more than 60 years.
“It’s the only plant manufacturing cement in Scotland and has a vital role in helping to deliver the cement required to build new homes and other development, as well as providing good quality jobs and apprenticeships and supporting our national resilience.
“I welcomed the opportunity to visit the site and discuss the ongoing importance of cement production and some of the challenges the industry is facing, including its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.”
Matthew Pencharz, Government Affairs Director at Tarmac, said:
“It was a pleasure to host Douglas Alexander MP at our Dunbar cement plant last week and share an overview of Tarmac’s national operations, including the vital role our Scottish sites play in supporting the construction industry.
“Built in 1963, Dunbar is Scotland’s only cement plant and a significant part of our operations. During the visit, we highlighted the growing pressures facing the sector, with UK cement production at its lowest level for 75 years while imports continue to increase. This presents a real challenge for domestic manufacturers, who are supporting jobs, skills and supply chains here in Scotland and across the UK.
“Public procurement could have a vital role to play in addressing this, and so we are pleased to hear the government’s statements around public tenders ensuring that work is awarded to UK operating companies.
“We look forward to hearing what concrete measures will be brought forward in order to sustain the UK’s sovereign capacity in this foundational industry and retain the capability to supply the materials needed to build Scotland’s future.”