Heidelberg Materials acquired its Canadian operations in 1993 and currently maintains a very strong position in the country with 3 modern cement plants, extensive aggregate deposits, and many ready-mixed concrete plants. Our Canadian cement production facilities, located in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario are supported by strategically located cement distribution terminals which supply customers throughout the market area.
We also have a strong aggregates presence in western Canada, with quarries and deposits in areas immediately adjacent to major population centers, thus making us the major supplier of aggregates in our operating markets. Our ready-mixed concrete companies are the technological leaders in the market. In addition, we operate pipe companies in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.
The acquisition of the Italcementi Group in the second half of 2016 further strengthened Heidelberg Materials' presence in Canada with its subsidiary Essroc. Set up in 1866 as Coplay Cement, the company started producing cement in 1872. The name changed into Essroc in 1989. Today, all the Essroc business lines now operate as Heidelberg Materials.