Hanson's growth in Houston mirrors the manufacturing industry overall growth in Texas. According to a survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas , the production index for manufacturing activity in January rose to13.8; a marked increase from -5.2 in December. Positive index readings denote expansion while negative numbers signify contraction.

The new facility, located at 11201 F.M. 529, and managed by Mike Cline ,adds production capability to Hanson's site in Jersey Village. The three facilities on that site currently employ approximately 250 people. Hanson also has a facility at 6800 Helmers Street in Houston that produces reinforced concrete pipe, pressure pipe and corrugated steel pipe.

The innovations in technology in this facility make it possible to produce500 tons of product per production shift. Pipe is produced on the three-station rotary turntable automated Hawkeye PipePro96 Machine; this machine also includes modules for creating varying diameters of pipe. This means that multiples of varying diameter pipe can be produced at the same time, as long as the total diameter of the pipes being made are 96 -- for instance, the machine can manufacture six 24" pipe at one time, two 48" pipe or one 96"pipe. Hanson's new Houston facility is one the first concrete pipe facilities in the U.S to use a fully automated curing system that controls heat and humidity independently and is designed for any length or continuous productions shifts.

Houston is part of Hanson's South Central operating region based in Grand Prairie, Texas. The South Central region services Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The region's 27 facilities produce products used for community and roadway development such as reinforced concrete pipe, drainage structures, modular bridges and pressure pipe.

About Hanson Building Products North America

Hanson Building Products North America , a division of Hanson PLC, is comprised of Hanson Brick, Hanson Roof Tile, Hanson Pipe & Precast, Hanson Structural Precast and Hanson Paver Products. Hanson Brick is the largest brick producer in North America . Hanson Roof Tile is a leading manufacturer of concrete roof tile in the United States . Hanson Pipe & Precast is a manufacturer of concrete pipe; precast concrete products including manholes, drainage structures, box culverts, bridge components, retaining walls and concrete block; and steel and concrete pressure pipe. Hanson Structural Precast produces products used in commercial, residential and educational buildings, sports facilities, bridges and parking structures. Hanson Paver produces decorative concrete pavers for residential and commercial building. For more information, please visit http://www.hansonbrick.com ,http://www.hansonrooftile.com , http://www.hansonpipeandprecast.com ,http://www.hansonpipeandprecast.com/structural andhttp://www.hansonpaverproducts.com .