Gypsum industry news

Kenya/Mauritius: Saint-Gobain says that has acquired a gypsum wallboard plant in Nairobi, Kenya. The company says that it plans to build a construction chemicals line on the site of the plant. According to the Global Gypsum Directory 2021, Erdemann Gypsum and Tanzania Gypsum respectively operate 10Mm2/yr and 12Mm2/yr gypsum wallboard plants in the Kenyan capital city. Saint-Gobain has also taken over a majority stake in Chryso additives, mortars and waterproofers producer ABE Mauritius in Mauritius.

The company is seeking to expand its range of light and sustainable construction solution through the acquisitions. Its footprint in Africa extends over 12 countries across 29 facilities, nine of which it opened in the past two years.

Kenya: Erdemann Gypsum has warned of health dangers regarding indoor toxins from imported gypsum products made from synthetic gypsum. There is some concern that low levels of the heavy metals present in coal might be present in synthetic gypsum. The company mines gypsum in Kitui and makes gypsum wallboard, plasters, cornices, corners and medallions at its US$4.89m plant in the county.

"We should use natural gypsum building materials from natural gypsum, which is safe for our health," said Erdemann Gypsum Managing Director John Yang. "The government should inspect imported gypsum products to ensure they do not have chemical contaminants."

Yang has also asked the government to seal gaps used by 'unscrupulous importers' in dumping gypsum-based construction materials into the country, to protect local companies. He requested that the government protect local manufacturers of building materials, who, he said, faced unfair competition from imported building materials, which are sometimes under-taxed. "Recognition of players in the building materials industry by the government will go a long way in helping the investors feel secure in doing their business in the country," he said. "Our company is the first of its kind in Kenya and we have created a new avenue for government revenue collection, so we expect at least some protection from the government."