Anthony “Tony” McMullen is Quarry Manager at Hillhouse Quarry in Troon, responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient and consistent operation of one of Hillhouse Group’s most important hard rock quarry sites.
Tony joined Hillhouse in November 2014 as Assistant Quarry Manager, before progressing into his current role as Quarry Manager in March 2019. Prior to joining the business, he built extensive experience across the quarrying and asphalt sectors, working for Aggregate Industries as a shovel driver before moving to Tarmac, where he spent 12 years in roles including asphalt plant operator, quarry supervisor and assistant quarry manager.
Since joining Hillhouse, Tony has played a key role in the continued development and expansion of the quarry operation. He was involved in the construction of the Number Three crushing plant in 2018 and has overseen significant growth in quarry activity, helping to ensure the site is equipped to meet the demands of customers across Scotland.
In his role, Tony is responsible for all aspects of the quarry operation, including oversight of the varied plant and production activities on site. His responsibilities include managing aggregate production from hard rock deposits, ensuring production quotas are met, maintaining stockholdings to support short lead-time orders and ensuring quarry works and blasting activity are carried out in line with the site development plan.
Health and safety is central to Tony’s role. He oversees the safety of all quarry operations, including blasting, and has responsibility for the training and development of the quarry operative team. He directly manages a team of 15 employees, while also maintaining health and safety oversight for all personnel operating across the wider site.
Tony works closely with the Operations Director, as well as the sales and distribution teams, to coordinate upcoming works and ensure customer requirements are met. His approach is both proactive and responsive, balancing production planning with the flexibility needed to support urgent or complex customer needs.
The quarry has supplied materials to a wide range of projects, including major works such as the Ardrossan shore defences and the supply of armour rock. For Tony, a key part of the role is ensuring the quarry continues to deliver, even when projects come with challenging circumstances or short lead times.
Reflecting on his role, Tony comments:
There’s real satisfaction in getting the job done, especially when the circumstances are challenging. Whether it’s meeting a tight deadline, managing production demands or supporting a major project, the focus is always on keeping the quarry running safely, efficiently and delivering what the customer needs.
Troon
Ayrshire
KA10 7HX
