Its Derbyshire Hope Valley cement works also sold 1.3 million tonnes of cement.

Hope was launched in January 2013 after Lafarge and Tarmac-owner Anglo American agreed a deal to sell a chunk of their ready-mix and aggregates businesses to Indian steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal

The heavyside materials newcomer now operates from 180 nationwide depots from the South Coast to the Scottish Highlands and from West Wales to East Anglia.

Chairman Amit Bhatia said Hope had become a major player in the industry turning over £300m in 2013 and employing 800-staff.

He said: “It was always going to take time to stablise the business and start to optimise the way we run things, particularly with the scope and size of the business, but we’re pleased with our progress so far.”

Bhatia said Hope would shortly launch a ‘new way of working’ to improve customer service.

“When we entered the market a year ago we had our sights set on challenging the accepted norms in this industry.

“Now we’re making changes to improve service and we will continue to make this a valuable point of difference for our customers.

“British manufacturing is something I’ve been passionate about for a long time and was keen to get involved in.

“We plan to push on from our solid foundations and continue to build on our standing as the country’s leading independent in the sector.”