Gypsum industry news

Germany: Australia’s James Hardie is to buy Fermacell for Euro473m. The Australian company has entered into a definitive agreement to buy XI (DL) Holdings and its subsidiaries, including the gypsum fibreboard producer. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter 2018.

“Fermacell’s market position, go-to-market strategy and strong management team will enable us to scale and accelerate our European business, which has long been a strategic goal. Fermacell will diversify our geographic, product and end-market portfolio, complementing our strong positions in North America and Australasia, and will create significant growth opportunities and drive long-term value for customers, employees and shareholders,” said Louis Gries, chief executive officer (EO) of James Hardie.

Jack Truong, President, International Operations of James Hardie, added that Fermacell’s ‘broad’ European footprint and capabilities were expected to ‘accelerate’ his company’s fibre cement business growth in Europe. James Hardie is also ‘excited’ about the future growth opportunities of Fermacell’s core business in regions such as the UK, France, and Scandinavia.

UK/Spain: Fermacell has officially opened a new 12MM2/yr gypsum fibreboard plant near Santander in Spain. The Euro30m plant is intended to target growing market demand and increase the company's supply to its European distribution network.

"Increasing market demand and additional sales potential are the main reasons for expanding the production of gypsum fibreboards and the opening of the new factory. Our international sales offices are faced with extensive utilisation of existing factories and the new Spanish plant will improve supply to the UK and other large construction markets across Europe," said Fermacell UK general manager, Gary Carter.