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## Operations Review – Materials 

CRH operates strong vertically-integrated primary materials businesses which have strategically located long-term reserves, balanced end-use exposure and leading market positions in all its major markets. 

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## Europe Materials 

Europe Materials’ strategy is to build strong vertically-integrated regional positions. Operating in 17 countries, the business is founded in resource-backed cement and aggregates assets which support the manufacture and supply of cement, aggregates, concrete and asphalt products. With a network of well-invested facilities, Europe Materials focuses on operational excellence initiatives which include production efficiencies, greater use of alternative fuels and manufacture of low carbon cements, while the scale of our operations provides economies in purchasing and logistics management. 

Development focus is centred on bolt-on acquisitions for synergies, reserves and further vertical integration in addition to opportunities in contiguous regions to extend and strengthen regional positions. Europe Materials has championed CRH’s entry into developing markets that offer long-term growth potential, with entry via cement and aggregates assets and the potential to roll out its operational excellence programmes and vertical-integration approach over time. In total, Europe Materials employs approximately 10,700 people at close to 590 locations. 

## Americas Materials 

Americas Materials’ strategy is to build strong regional leadership positions underpinned by well-located, long-term reserves. Operating in 44 states with 13 billion tonnes of permitted aggregates reserves of which c.80% are owned, this business is vertically- integrated from primary resource quarries into aggregates, asphalt and readymixed concrete products. With 65% exposure to infrastructure, the business is further integrated into asphalt paving services through which it is a principal supplier of product to highway repair and maintenance demand. 

Our national network of operations and deep local market knowledge drive local performance and national synergies in procurement, cost management and operational excellence. In a largely unconsolidated sector where the top ten industry participants account for just 30% of aggregates production, 25% of asphalt production and 20% of readymixed concrete production, CRH is structured and positioned to participate as the industry consolidates further. Americas Materials employs approximately 18,300 people in over 1,200 operating locations. 

