In parallel, we built our architectural and infrastructural concrete business footprint. Starting in 1997, we acquired Permacon, which laid the foundation for our highly successful Belgard brand today. Further acquisitions have extended our concrete products footprint nationwide, while Permacon remains a key CRH R&D centre for the development of new products and styles in architectural masonry. In 2015, we entered the Canada cement, aggregates, and readymixed concrete markets, as well as the provision of construction services for many of the country’s most impressive infrastructural projects. Operating in seven Canadian provinces, CRH employs 4,345 people at 103 operating locations