the company was founded by kjeld ammentorp in 1930 in bedfont as "ready mixed concrete limited". in 1952, ready mixed concrete of australia reversed into its uk rival and began to expand. the company was first listed on the london stock exchange in 1962. in 1979, the company created thorpe park in staines, surrey by redeveloping one of its disused quarries as a leisure park when quarrying was complete. the company operated thorpe park until 1998, when they sold the park to the tussauds group, owner of alton towers and nearby chessington world of adventures. the company acquired rugby group, a leading british cement business, in 2000. in 2005, the company was acquired by cemex of mexico.