Masonry products manufacturer Lignacite has appointed Allan Eastwood as its new managing director.

Mr Eastwood joined Lignacite after leaving the army in 1996 and was originally appointed as a forklift truck driver, but was quickly promoted to yard foreman and then works manager at one of Lignacite’s manufacturing plants after just six months. He then progressed to become operations director in 2004 before his latest promotion as managing director.

Mr Eastwood, who will report to Lignacite’s owner and executive chairman Giles de Lotbiniere, will be overseeing the company’s team of 65 people across its two factories in Brandon, Suffolk and Nazeing, Essex.

Mr de Lotbiniere said: “I am confident Allan will help to strengthen our position in the market and maximise the opportunities associated with the solid growth we are currently experiencing, and we very much look forward to benefiting further from his collaborative and innovative approach.”