In a remarkable journey that began just weeks after his 18th birthday, Mike Higgins has reached a significant milestone celebrating 25 years with Cemex. Mike’s career is a great example of how someone can start in a junior role, and through hard work and dedication, successfully progress within a company, into a senior regional Management role.
Mike began his career in May 2000 with RMC’s Aggregates division, as a Laboratory Assistant in the Bromsgrove laboratory, a role he took on as a summer job while contemplating a military career. From the early days sweeping the laboratory floors and cutting asphalt cores samples, Mike quickly found his passion for construction materials and the camaraderie of the laboratory environment. His dedication and enthusiasm did not go unnoticed by Supervisors Andy Nevitt and Martin Ashfield, and in 2004 he was offered the full time position of Laboratory Supervisor, and at the same time, began a four year day release Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering with Gloucester University.
For Mike, one of his proudest achievements was following the Cemex acquisition of RMC and the creation of a National Technical Centre for the new Materials business. This move merged separate labs into one cohesive unit in Southam, headed up by Mike in 2008. Mike acknowledges the ongoing support of Steve Crompton, who was at that time the Director of Quality & Product Technology, who became a mentor and gave Mike opportunities to take on more responsibility.
Throughout his career, Mike has been instrumental in developing and launching new products, from laboratory and plant trials, through to pilots and full launch, engaging with various teams within Cemex along the way. He has many fond memories, working together with his colleagues in the lab, such as David Webb, collaborating on ideas and concepts. In 2014 Mike added Quality & Development to his responsibilities and since then his commitment to quality and innovation has been a driving force behind many successful products projects. After completing a Business Management & Strategy Development degree, Mike enjoyed working with James Fairclough developing marketing concepts and launching products to market.
Mike’s experience and ability to understand the challenges at every level of the department has led him to his current role as the Quality and Product Technology Director for Western Materials. Mike continues to face new challenges and opportunities to ensure consistent quality and innovation across the regions, now his focus has expanded beyond the UK to include France and Spain. Acknowledging the fantastic teams he works with Mike shared: “At Cemex we have really good people, and together we do great things”.
Reflecting on his journey, Mike shared: “Cemex is a place of growth. You can have a long-term career in Cemex and in the quality and product technology department. Grow your network, get engaged in the products, ask questions, and the spirit of Cemex people will support you and help you in your career.”
Mike’s journey with Cemex is a testament to the power of dedication, continuous learning, and the importance of having great people around you. As he reflects on his 25 years with the company, Mike emphasises the significance of growth, both personal and professional, and the support of his colleagues and mentors.
Congratulations to Mike Higgins on this incredible milestone. His story is an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with passion, hard work, and the right support, a long and fulfilling career is possible at Cemex.