Aggregate Industries is an international aggregates, construction and building materials group, based in the UK. It has leading regional market positions in the UK and across the US, as well as operations in the Channel Islands and Norway and is a member of the Holcim Group. In 2004 Aggregate Industries reported an eighth successive year of record profits with turnover up to £1,659.4m from £1,458.9m in 2003, and profit before tax up to £147.6m from £140.1m in the previous year. At 31 December 2004 it employed over 9,800 people working in more than 650 locations. Aggregate Industries' strategy is threefold: maximising the margins produced across its existing businesses; identifying and pursuing value adding bolt-on acquisitions; and continually increasing its mineral reserves.