Gypsum industry news

Mexico: Saint-Gobain has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire construction chemicals producer Ovniver Group for US$815m. The parties expect to conclude the deal in early 2025. Ovniver Group produces its CeMix brand adhesives, renders, surface preparations and waterproofing products across 16 sites in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and the US.

Ovniver Group recorded revenues of US$285m in 2023, with an average annual growth rate of 20% over the past five years.

Honduras: Knauf International has acquired Caspian International in Honduras. Caspian International operates a gypsum wallboard plant in Choloma. The transaction also includes Cateras de Sula, a gypsum quarry in Honduras, and Caspian Panama, a commercial office.

"After our two recent acquisitions in Colombia, we are extremely pleased to strengthen our geographical footprint in the central American market... We are convinced that this acquisition is the beginning of a strong evolution in Central America and in the Caribbean Islands. As we have done in other countries, we will bring our expertise in plasterboard manufacturing to Central America, but also in other construction fields such as Aquapanel cement board, ceilings, jointing and Cleneo, our decorative boards," said Serge Azaïs, member of the Knauf Management Committee and CEO for South America. "Knauf Honduras will benefit from the strong knowledge of our Argentinian team, leading the integration process of the former Gypcen brand."

Honduras: Gypsum wallboard manufacturer Gypcen is seeking to secure its position in Honduras as a pioneer in the export of this product by doubling its production from 2m sheets to 4m. The company competes with large suppliers from the US and Mexico and has invested over US$5m in order to streamline its current processes.

In 2015 Gypcen hopes to increase its product portfolio with the introduction of gypsum fertiliser and is currently in talks with a number of clients. It also plans to expend to Brazil and other Caribbean countries. Gypcen currently exports 70% of its volumes to Cuba, El Salvador, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Surinam, as well as the US in small quantities.