Lafarge Sells in Fla., Buys in Ala.

Lafarge North America signed a definitive agreement to sell its subsidiary Lafarge Florida to Florida Rock Industries. The operations of Lafarge Florida consist primarily of two cement grinding and import facilities: one located in Tampa and the other in Port Manatee, Florida. Net sales in 2002 associated with these operations were approximately $89 million. The sales price is approximately $122 million. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close by the end of the third quarter. “Lafarge Florida is a profitable business that has performed well for many years,” says Philippe Rollier, president and CEO of Lafarge North America. The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association reports that Lafarge Aggregates Southeast purchased Birmingham Aggregates for an undisclosed sum and plans to soon open a quarry that could employ 25. Lafarge says the 350-acre southwest Birmingham property, a former iron-ore processing site, is permitted as a limestone quarry and could become a major construction-aggregates supplier by next year.

Environmental and Health and Safety Professionals Awarded

Douglas D. R. Palmore of Luck Stone is this year's National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association Environmental Professional of the Year. Palmore serves as the director of risk management and oversees Luck Stone's environmental, health and safety division. He has been instrumental in developing NSSGA's Environmental Management System template. In his seven years at Luck Stone, Palmore has written the company's environmental policy and mission statement, initiated company-wide environmental compliance training, and developed an EMS and environmental recognition program for on-site customers. Terry Tyson has been named the 2003 James M. Christie Safety and Health Professional of the Year. Tyson serves as regional director of safety for Hanson Aggregates, Pacific Southwest Region, and oversees approximately 700 employees at 29 quarry and plant operations. Tyson has 19 years of mining experience. He is actively involved in the NSSGA's noise and dust monitoring workshops, hosting two events at Hanson operations in 2002 and 2003 and will do so again in 2004.

Cat and Terex to Swap Product Lines

A non-binding agreement calls for Caterpillar to acquire Terex's worldwide electric-drive mining truck business and for Terex to acquire Caterpillar's 5000-Series mining shovel intellectual property. Caterpillar will acquire Terex's eight-model line of DC and AC electric-drive mining trucks. Cat will continue to sell them as Payhauler and Unit Rig through its dealership network. Terex will purchase the intellectual property, including patents and designs, for Caterpillar's 5110B, 5130B and 5230B hydraulic excavator mining shovels. Terex will manufacture its seven O&K hydraulic mining shovels for distribution and service through Caterpillar dealers. Caterpillar dealers also will support the existing population of O&K shovels. In separate transactions, some Caterpillar dealers will purchase Terex's product support businesses relating to Payhauler, Unit Rig and O&K. Caterpillar will assemble its remaining shovel inventory and Cat dealers will provide ongoing technical and product support for 5000-Series shovels already in the field. The completion of these transactions are subject to such things as satisfactory due diligence, regulatory review and the execution of a definitive agreement. Financial terms will not be disclosed pending such execution.

Send news items to Rick Markley, Rock Products 29 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606 or e-mail: rmarkley@primediabusiness.com Fax: 312/726-4107