DALLAS (January 29, 2008) – Hanson Pipe & Precast, a leader in the concrete products industry, was recognized with an award of appreciation for donating concrete pipe to Camp Blanding in Clay County, Fla.  The pipe was used to construct the First Army Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D.) Petting Zoo to train soldiers on the possible scenarios of improvised explosive devices used against U.S. soldiers in the war on terrorism.  The term petting zoo refers to the facility’s 17 individual stations each containing a description of a device soldiers should be on the lookout for in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Similar to a petting zoo, soldiers are allowed to touch and observe devices at each station.  Camp Blanding, the Florida Army National Guard’s primary training area, is located near Jacksonville, Fla. and covers approximately 73,000 square acres.

“Hanson is honored to be able to assist in this project, which will prepare U.S. soldiers for what they may face in Afghanistan and Iraq,” said Joan Blecha, Hanson’s Southeast Region president.  “This contribution by Hanson affects the safety and security of our troops and we’re proud to be able to contribute to their mission.”

The I.E.D. Petting Zoo, constructed by the 3/348th Training Support Battalion, consists of 17 individual I.E.D. lanes; each depicting different scenarios that soldiers face to help recognize the possibility an I.E.D. may be present.  This training is invaluable in the effort to protect U.S. soldiers from the number one cause of fatalities and injuries in Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Richard Manning, president of Hanson Building Products North America added, “Being able to contribute to the men and women serving our country is a great feeling and something I hope we can continue to do.”
 
Hanson Pipe & Precast is part of Hanson Building Products North America.  Hanson Pipe & Precast’s Southeast regional office is located in Green Cove Springs, Fla.  The Southeast region covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee.  More than 30 facilities throughout the region produce several products, including those used for community and roadway development such as reinforced concrete pipe, drainage structures and bridge products.

About Hanson Building Products North America
Hanson Building Products North America is comprised of Hanson Brick, Hanson Roof Tile, Hanson Pipe & Precast, Hanson Pressure Pipe, Hanson Structural Precast, and Hanson Hardscape Products.  Hanson Brick is the largest brick producer in North America.  Hanson Roof Tile is a leading manufacturer of concrete roof tile in the United States.  Hanson Pipe & Precast is a manufacturer of concrete pipe; precast concrete products including manholes, drainage structures, box culverts, bridge components, retaining walls and concrete block; and steel and concrete pressure pipe.  Hanson Structural Precast produces products used in commercial, residential and educational buildings, sports facilities, bridges and parking structures.  Hanson Hardscape Products produces decorative concrete pavers for residential and commercial building.  For more information, please visit www.hansonbrick.com, www.hansonrooftile.com, www.hansonpipeandprecast.com, www.hansonpipeandprecast.com/structural and www.hansonhardscapes.com.

Hanson Building Products North America has grown and prospered into an
organization of more than 8,000 employees and 150 facilities with products available
throughout the U.S. and Canada. 

About Hanson Worldwide
Hanson Worldwide is one of the world's largest suppliers of heavy building materials to the construction industry.  We produce aggregates (crushed rock, sand and gravel), ready-mixed and precast concrete, asphalt and cement-related materials and a range of building products including concrete pipes, concrete pavers, tiles and clay bricks.

We are part of the HeidelbergCement Group, which employs 70,000 people across five continents.  HeidelbergCement is the global leader in aggregates and has leading positions in cement, concrete and heavy building products.