Hills Quarry Products is the premier supplier of decorative aggregates, construction aggregates and ready-mixed concrete in southern England.
Southern England’s trusted supplier of aggregates and ready-mixed concrete
Hills Quarry Products is a leading supplier of decorative aggregates, construction aggregates, and ready-mixed concrete across southern England. With a strong reputation for quality and reliability, we provide essential materials for construction, landscaping, agriculture, gardening, and specialist sports and leisure applications.
As a trusted sand and gravel supplier, we operate five strategically located quarries and eight ready-mixed concrete plants throughout Berkshire, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire. This extensive network allows us to deliver fast, efficient, and dependable service to customers across the South of England.
Our History
The Early Years
Edward Hill was still only 28 when, in 1900, he set up in business at the Morris Street Brickworks in Rodbourne, Swindon – and the story of The Hills Group began. The family characteristic that Edward so ably demonstrated was to work hard and play hard.Combine that with energy, enterprise, affability and confidence and you have the recipe that is still evident today in the Hills family business. It is a special blend that has enabled the family to weather the ups and downs of business life and emerge united and successful. Throughout, the family has produced capable sons who have carried the company into successive generations. Edward fathered four sons, three of whom played a major part in the business – Grahame, Harold and Mervyn. All lived and breathed the business. Their sons – Victor, Tony, Beverley, Richard, Edward and Robert – all went on to play key roles.
Post WW1
Quarrying activities by Hills began significantly contributing to the local economy and community post-WW1, particularly with the Cotswold Water Park. This area not only provided gravel but also transformed into a recreational space, signalling the company's dual focus on industry and community development. The Park, larger than the Norfolk Broads, is a testament to Hills' investment in recreational infrastructure.
Post-WW2
After the Second World War, Hills transport fleet became known for its varied and efficient vehicles. By the 1950s, they had stirred attention with their ERF Klee-Vlew KV cabs and by 1957, the now limited company managed about 100 goods vehicles, including a London transport base. The company invested in plant, vehicles, and quarrying, and by the 1960s, had incorporated two-way radios in their vehicles, a notably advanced feature for the time.
Restructuring in the Face of Financial Uncertainty
The 1960s saw financial instability, but Hills persisted, with significant participation from the founder's sons and non-family executives like Don Howard. The 1970s brought corporate restructuring with the acquisition of Handygas and Sungas by BP, and Hills Building Supplies emerging to cater to the DIY home improvement wave, exemplified by the opening of a dedicated center by comedian Eric Morecambe.
Transition from Haulage to Waste Disposal & Quarrying
The 1980s marked a period of transition, with Hills shifting away from long-distance haulage and focusing on waste disposal and management. They expanded their scope by acquiring new aggregate reserves, indicating a strategic pivot towards environmental services and construction.
Becoming The Hills Group
In the 1990s, Hills streamlined their operations, highlighted by a move to Marlborough and a name change to The Hills Group. The focus shifted towards more profitable activities, such as high-quality home construction, reflecting a dynamic adaptation to market forces.
Affirming Presence as a Sustainable Waste Solution
By the millennium, Hills' workforce had doubled, and the company had solidified its role in recycling and waste management. They processed significant amounts of waste annually, turning it into resources like solid recovered fuel and peat-free compost, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices.
Tackling Economic Challenge with Innovation
Despite economic challenges, Hills Group remained robust and poised for future growth. They continued to innovate in waste management, with their Pure Materials Recycling Facility and Redbox Recycler™ bins becoming symbols of their adaptability and forward-thinking.
Driving Sustainability with Technology
Hills Waste Solutions championed environmental sustainability with the Northacre Resource Recovery Centre, a £24 million investment showcasing their initiative in converting waste into power generation fuel. This facility represents Hills' dedication to innovative technology and sustainability.
The Future: Harnessing Innovation
The company's expansion into the circular economy emphasised its ongoing innovation, with Hills Waste Solutions spearheading efforts in waste management and recycling. This strategy not only addressed environmental and ethical concerns but also positioned the company as a leader in the sector. Moreover, Hills has cemented their century-long expertise in sand and gravel extraction across the South of England, recognised in the industry for its sustainable practices, as reflected in winning the application for the 178-hectare Airfield Quarry near Down Ampney. Finally, Homes has come into its own as the third Hills Group division. Since 1998, the business has earned a glowing reputation for building quality homes in carefully selected locations. It continues to win recognition for the quality and design of its properties, creating stylish, sustainable and efficient modern living.
Where We Are
From its network of seven quarries, six concrete plants and a rail depot, Hills Quarry Products has long standing relationships with customers across the UK in a wide variety of industries.
Hills’ knowledgeable sales team also has a proven track record of obtaining and delivering ‘hard to find’ aggregates at very competitive prices. Muck-away and haulage services complete the offering, with several licensed waste disposal sites available.
What We Do
Whether you’re working on a large-scale construction project or enhancing your garden, we supply a wide range of high-quality products, including:
- Decorative aggregates such as golden gravel and slate chippings
- Building and paving sand
- Screened topsoil
- Crushed stone and bulk aggregates for structural use
Our ready-mixed concrete is ideal for residential, commercial, and agricultural builds, with quick turnaround times that keep your project on schedule.
