Aggregate Industries PLC is an international aggregates and building materials group with 75 aggregate operations across the UK comprising 44 crushed rock quarries, 27 sand and gravel quarries, and four secondary aggregate operations.

Once the go-ahead was given in 1991 to extract gravel and sand from the 55 hectare site, a new access road was constructed in June 1992 and quarrying operations began soon after. The site has produced about 160,000 tonnes of sand and gravels a year, working on a Monday to Friday basis. Approximately 1,000 tonnes of 'as-dug' aggregates have been extracted per day. Extraction will be completed by November 2005. Due to the level of the water table, the material has been extracted wet by excavator and left to drain before being transported to nearby Tatchell's Quarry for processing.

Aggregate Industries has adopted the highest standards of environmental management through certification to ISO 14001. As the gravel extraction has progressed, phased restoration has left the quarry area with an enhanced amenity value - standard practice in today's quarrying industry. Involvement of the Wetlands Advisory Service, together with English Nature and the RSPB, has ensured that the lake areas will provide a varied and secure habitat for birds and other wildlife. Bestwall received a prestigious Quarry Products Association Restoration Award in 2000.

Aggregate Industries is now a member of the Holcim Group of companies. Visit the Aggregate Industries Web site for more information about their operations.