Leading construction materials supplier and manufacturer, Aggregate Industries is delighted to celebrate a huge milestone this year as its pioneering Lytag® lightweight aggregate solution brand marks its sixtieth year.

Launched back in 1958, Lytag was originally conceived following a joint research project between John Laing Ltd and the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in a bid to develop a lightweight aggregate from power station fly ash. At a time when the concept of lightweight aggregate was unheard of, Lytag, being up to 50% lighter than standard options, while offering the same structural density - came as a complete game-changer for the industry.

Fast forward sixty years and the brand has grown at an unprecedented rate, becoming the go-to product of choice for architects, contractors and structural engineers seeking to benefit from the improved design freedom and reduced dead load afforded by Lytag, in addition to substantial cost-savings in materials and improved sustainability.

Steve Curley, general manager at Lytag, said: “Lytag is a truly one-of-kind, game-changing product and we feel incredibly proud of the role it has played in helping to push the boundaries in modern construction practice".

More recently, in a bid to keep up with escalating growth, 2013 saw Aggregate Industries invest £15million in a new manufacturing facility dedicated solely to the production of Lytag within the grounds of Drax power station, North Yorkshire.

Barry Mellor, Lytag commercial manager, adds: “Looking to future, as developers come under continued pressure to build bigger and better buildings than ever before, which use space wisely, boast impressive aesthetics and keep sustainability at the forefront, Lytag’s role is only going to become greater. It is certainly an incredibly exciting time, and with many new projects and development in the pipeline, we look forward to another fantastic sixty years ahead.”