IRVING, Texas, March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanson Pipe & Precast, a division of Hanson Building Products North America , today announced the purchase of Johnson Bateman Company, an Ontario, Calif.-based manufacturer of concrete pipe. Acquisition of the Johnson Bateman Company represents a significant push into the southern California market and expansion in the western United States for Hanson.

" Johnson Bateman is a premier company with a great reputation and the acquisition gives Hanson entry into the southern California market," said Sue Tanenbaum , Hanson's Western region president. "Southern California's growth for the past five years has been approximately 35 percent higher than the U.S. as a whole and this acquisition is a fantastic opportunity to service that growth."

"The acquisition of Johnson Bateman also produces synergies with our current operations in California, which includes our facilities in Sacramento and Bakersfield," said Tanenbaum. "This is a geographically complementary operation that will benefit our customers throughout the state of California."

More than 60 Johnson Bateman employees will become Hanson employees and will also have opportunities for further training and advancement.

"Hanson shares the same values and vision as Johnson Bateman and we are pleased to be chosen to be a part of such an industry leader. We know that Hanson will position Johnson Bateman to take advantage of California's record growth," said Lawrence Johnson , Johnson Bateman president.