HILLHOUSE Group has appointed Zander Calderwood to oversee operations as the business prepares to bring asphalt production to its Soutra Mains Quarry site in Midlothian later this year.
Zander joined Hillhouse in 2013 as asphalt plant supervisor at the group’s Cambuslang operation, arriving before the plant had even been constructed. After helping to establish the facility, he later led the development of Hillhouse’s Alloa plant.
Zander now takes on an expanded role of overseeing asphalt production across the group’s five plants while leading the operational delivery of the new Edinburgh asphalt facility ahead of commissioning and opening.
He said, “Edinburgh Asphalt is an exciting next step for Hillhouse and for me personally. I’ve been fortunate to be involved in developing new plants before, and it’s rewarding to see another major investment taking shape. The new facility gives us the opportunity to strengthen relationships with existing customers while supporting new projects across Edinburgh, the Lothians and even further out towards the Scottish Borders. It also complements our existing operations, giving customers even greater flexibility and improving how we serve the east of Scotland.”
After leaving school, Zander began working at his family business specialising in civil engineering and groundworks, learning construction skills on site before moving into quarrying through another family connection.
Starting as a labourer, he progressed through concrete production before discovering a passion for asphalt manufacturing. Working across every aspect of quarry operations, from crushing and screening to laboratory testing and plant maintenance, provided the technical grounding that has underpinned his career.
He added, “I was lucky to learn from some of the best people in the industry. Understanding every stage of the process gave me a really solid foundation and it’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my career.”
Today, Zander oversees production across five asphalt plants at sites stretching from Troon and Cambuslang to Alloa and the new Edinburgh Asphalt operation.
Mark Munro, MD of Hillhouse Quarry, said, “Zander has been instrumental in the growth of our asphalt business over the past 13 years. He combines exceptional technical knowledge with a genuine understanding of our customers and operations. As we prepare to open Edinburgh Asphalt, it is important that we have experienced leadership in place from day one. Zander has already played a key role in delivering successful new facilities for Hillhouse, and his experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence across Scotland.”
Edinburgh Asphalt will produce more than 50 asphalt mixes and serve customers across Edinburgh, the Lothians, the Borders and the wider east of Scotland.
