Gypsum industry news

Colombia: Grupo Etex is projected to invest US$77m in its production activities. 50% of the funds will be used to increase productivity, with 25% allocated to innovation and further 25% invested in safety and maintenance. According to the manager of Grupo Etex, Mauricio Lopez, the company will focus on rural housing in Colombia, the demand for which continues to grow thanks to the recent peace agreement and development of the agricultural industry.

Furthermore, Lopez anticipates a growth in exports to Venezuela and Ecuador, as well as the Caribbean and Central American regions in 2018, motivated by the recent devastation caused by a series of hurricanes. Currently, Grupo Etex is experiencing a strong demand from Puerto Rico, especially for Superboard cement panels and gypsum wallboard.

US: The gypsum wallboard and suspended ceilings distributor GMS Inc. has acquired substantially all of the operating assets of Pennsylvania, US-based Washington Builder’s Supply Company (WBS) to expand footprint in Western Pennsylvania, according to a company release. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

WBS will join Ohio Valley Drywall Supply, a GMS company acquired in 2015, which serves residential and commercial customers in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas.

WBS and Ohio Valley will stock a wide variety of products including wallboard, steel, insulation and construction accessories, along with a full range of commercial and residential services, such as after-hours and weekend delivery as needed.

GMS operates a network of more than 210 distribution centres across the United States. The company’s product offerings include wallboard, suspended ceilings systems and complementary interior construction materials.