Gypsum industry news

Thailand: Thai Gypsum Products Public Company Limited, which produces gypsum products under the Gyproc name, has launched a new distribution warehouse on Chaiyaphruk Road, Nonthaburi. The warehouse opening is part of its plan to support growth of the business sector before the introduction of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by the close of 2015.
The new facility can support import-export operations between consumers and dealers more efficiently. It also benefits from an exceptional strategic location, Chaiyaphruk Road, which stretches from Pak-Kred Nonthaburi to an immediate road connection to central areas of Bangkok or regional destinations.

"Gyproc now has six distribution warehouses; in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Chonburi, Ayutthaya, Suratthani and the newly-launched Samutprakan facility," said Thongchai Kamolpattana, commercial director of Thai Gypsum Products Public Company Limited. "Our latest Chaiyaphruk Road depot is a spacious hub and is located in a great spot strategically. It's an area in which we see opportunities for local product sales growth. It connects with the city easily and offers ready access to a six-lane road to allow cargo to go to different regions as quickly as possible."

Thailand: Thai Gypsum Products, the manufacturer of Gyproc brand gypsum products in Thailand, has reaffirmed its positive outlook regarding market conditions in the second half of 2014 with its commitment to build a new warehouse / distribution centre in Surat Thani Province. Following its strategic plan to achieve 5% growth before the introduction of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, Thai Gypsum Products continues to expand its national footprint following the opening of the 5th Gyproc Centre, which was launched recently in Phuket.

"Gyproc aims to become the market leader in gypsum production following the AEC integration," said Thongchai Kamolpattana, commercial director. "As Thailand is located centrally within the region, we believe that many foreign investors will be attracted to invest in the country, whether by development of properties they own or the expansion of their regional offices, both sectors requiring materials for construction."

Thailand: Thai Gypsum Products Plc (TGP), a subsidiary of France's Saint-Gobain, expects sales of its Gyproc construction and finishing materials will expand by 5% in 2014, citing continuous growth in home renovations and building markets.

Thongchai Kamolpattana, the commercial director for the Gyproc brand, said that demand from housing projects and home renovations had increased since 2013 and would allow TGP to earn higher revenue in 2014. Kamolpattana added that provincial markets would keep Gyproc sales afloat even if political problems persist in Bangkok.

Earlier in 2014 TGP experienced a minor negative effect from the prolonged political impasse that caused consumers to delay decisions to buy condominium units in Bangkok. "Demand for condominiums declined because customers in Bangkok took a wait-and-see stance," said Kamolpattana. "However, our market still did well in other provinces." He added that if political problems continue until year-end, TGP's performance in Bangkok might be affected. "If so, consumer confidence would be badly affected and that might reduce demand for our products. However, business confidence has rebounded since the coup."

Gyproc has expanded into modern-trade malls, particularly in Chiang Mai and Chon Buri provinces, helping the brand to boost sales by 5%. The products are available in 400 malls, resulting in greater brand awareness and accessibility to its products among contractors and homeowners nationwide.

The company plans to open more Gyproc solution centres in 2014, including in Phuket, in order to prepare for rising opportunities under the Asean Economic Community, which is due to kick off late in 2015. According to Kamolpattana, gypsum boards have gained strong market recognition in 20 Asia-Pacific markets, particularly the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia.

UAE: Gyproc Middle East has launched a new wallboard that actively removes volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the air in indoor environments. Activ'Air board incorporates a mineral-based additive into its gypsum core that captures VOCs such as toxic formaldehyde and converts them into harmless inert aldehydes.

"Initial discussions with building owners and developers have shown there is already significant interest for these products in the education and healthcare sectors," said technical development manager Jason Hird. Gyproc Middle East is marketing the product as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional powered air filters. The new technology is available across a range of existing Gyproc products.

Canada: USG has announced that it permanently closing the Fundy Gypsum mine in Hantsport, Nova Scotia. 50 people were working at the mine until it was idled earlier in 2011. The Hantsport mine had been producing gypsum since 1934.

Robert Williams, spokesman for USG, said that the decision to close is a direct result of weak demand for USG's flagship wallboard Sheetrock® in the United States. because of the ongoing housing recession. He said being a stand-alone mine an expensive freighter ride away from USG's four US manufacturing plants also hurt the Hantsport mine's viability. Williams said finding another buyer will be difficult.

"The main use for gypsum is gypsum wallboard,"' he said. "It is unlikely that anyone else would have an appetite for it."

The company once employed hundreds of people and spent US$50m in the 1990s to upgrade the Hantsport operation.