Gypsum industry news

France: Saint-Gobain has entered an agreement with US-based Continental for the acquisition of the latter’s Building Products section at an estimated value of Euro1.4bn. Saint-Gobain stated that the North American plasterboard producer has ‘strong geographic complementary’ with its existing operations in the continent, with a possible gain of Euro45.3m in cost synergies and performance improvements. It also noted Continental Building Products’ good positioning in its Eastern and South-Eastern United States growth regions and strong profitability.

US: Eagle Materials has reported financial results for the second quarter of its 2020 fiscal year, a period that ended on 30 September 2019. Its overall revenue was US$414.5m for the period, a 9% year-on-year improvement.

Gypsum wallboard and paperboard revenue declined slightly from the prior year, as improved sales volume was offset by lower pricing. Gypsum Wallboard sales volume reached 63.3Mm3 (681Mft2), a rise of around 8% year-on-year, while the average Gypsum Wallboard net sales price declined by 10% to US$13.78Mm2 (US$148.16/Mft2).
Paperboard sales volume for the quarter also increased, up by 9% to a record 86,000t. The average paperboard net sales price was US$475.98/t, down by 6% from the prior year, consistent with the pricing provisions in our long-term sales agreements.
Operating earnings were US$48.6m in the sector, a decline of 11%, reflecting improved wallboard and paperboard sales volume offset by lower net sales prices. Operating costs during the quarter declined primarily due to lower recycled fibre costs.

UAE: French-based Saint-Gobain Gyproc’s Habito gypsum wallboard has received the Green Product of the Year Award at the Middle East and North Africa Green Building Awards for setting standards in environmentally friendly production. Saint-Gobain says that sustainability is at the core of its long-term strategy.

UK: Belgian-based Etex has announced plans for a new gypsum wallboard plant in Portbury, near the Port of Bristol, to be commissioned in 2022. Its construction will cost Euro162m. Etex CEO Paul Van Oyen said the development ‘will strengthen our position in the UK – Europe’s largest plasterboard market – where there is a chronic housing shortage.’ Etex already serves the UK construction industry from its two gypsum plasterboard plants in Bristol and Ferrybridge.

India: US-based moisture measurement specialist MoistTech has deployed a manager and technical staff to India to liaise directly with its customers there. The new branch will take up all customer support functions previously enacted by Earthtekniks.