UK cement production has slumped to its lowest level in 75 years, raising concerns over the future of house-building and infrastructure projects.
The Mineral Products Association (MPA) said 7.3 million tonnes were produced in 2024 – roughly half the level of 1990.
At the same time, imports have climbed sharply, now making up almost a third of all sales.
The MPA warned the decline could threaten government construction targets, as cement is essential for foundations and structures.
Major projects highlight the scale of demand. Up to 750,000 tonnes of cement could be needed for Sizewell C, while a hospital typically requires nearly 8,000 tonnes. A traditional four-bedroom family home needs three to five tonnes.
Recent figures also showed ready-mix concrete sales hitting historic lows in the second quarter of 2025, with other materials down compared with the previous year.
Growing reliance on imports
Imports of cement have nearly tripled in 20 years, rising from 12% of UK sales in 2008 to 32% in 2024.
The MPA said this growing reliance increases exposure to volatile global markets and puts domestic jobs at risk.
Around 40% of UK cement is produced in the Peak District, with the rest spread across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The industry supports thousands of skilled jobs.
High costs for UK producers
Manufacturers argue they face some of the highest industrial electricity prices among developed countries, as well as tougher carbon costs than overseas competitors.
Unlike UK plants, many suppliers outside the EU do not pay the same charges for emissions.
The government plans to introduce a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in 2027, aimed at levelling the playing field, but industry leaders say more immediate action is needed – including public procurement policies that favour UK production.
Call for government support
Diana Casey, executive director for cement and lime at the MPA, said:
“Cement is an essential industry, but the sector is increasingly under threat. We’re calling on the government to help put domestic production on a level playing field so that it can compete fairly with imports.
“Cement quite literally underpins the nation’s growth and we can’t deliver new homes, schools, hospitals, transport links or clean energy infrastructure without it. The UK has a choice: to build these vital projects with UK-made cement, or to build them with imports – sending jobs, investment and growth overseas.”
Most UK cement plants are already foreign-owned by firms including Cemex, Heidelberg, Holcim and CRH, raising further questions about the future of domestic output.
In this case, this technique allowed for a span of connected Flex Beam sections measuring 22-metres, to be moved smoothly and safely into position in seconds. The beams are pinned, not bolted, simplifying the build process and reducing reliance on tools at extreme heights.
George Brown, Hardrock’s Senior Contract Manager, said: “Hardrock Scaffolding, working strategically with Layher UK, are always striving for safer methods of installation. When the new Flex Beam rolling launch method was shown to our dedicated bridge team, they couldn’t wait to put it into practice.
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We’ve been genuinely impressed with how this launching system performs we were able to push out a beam line span of 22m (made up of 3 x 6m flex beams & 1 x 4m flex beam joined together) with a combined weight of 250kgs with such ease and simplicity, and then additionally deck out the area with 90 x Layher steel decks in just over 3 minutes.”
“We are proud to see one of our joint innovations between the Layher team in Scotland and Germany brought to life and perform even better than we expected in a real-life situation” said Kenneth Redman, Layher’s UK technical manager.
The innovative cantilever system from Layher not only reduces the risk to scaffolders working at height but also minimises disruption to the bridge’s ongoing operations, a key consideration for structures that remain in daily use by the public. Faster installation times mean less exposure for workers and greater cost-effectiveness for long-term maintenance programmes.
As infrastructure across the UK continues to age, demand for advanced access solutions is rising. Projects like this demonstrate how the combination of cutting-edge equipment, engineering expertise, and collaborative working can meet the unique challenges of maintaining critical transport links.
With this ambitious scaffold operation, Hardrock Scaffolding is not only supporting the latest phase of essential repairs but also setting a new benchmark for safety, efficiency, and technical excellence in the industry. 
Well-known scaffolding figure Des Moore has thrown his weight behind the system, saying it tackles some of the sector’s most persistent challenges.
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Moore added that during his career, he has seen firsthand how fragmented information can restrict growth. “Having a central source of truth across a business is vital, and Baton finally delivers that for our industry,” he said.
