Gypsum industry news
Knauf supports addiction care in Solsonès
17 October 2024Spain: Germany-based Knauf has expanded its 15-year-long partnership with mental health charity Sol del Solsonès in Solsonès, Catalonia. Knauf will donate finances and essential building materials, including gypsum wallboard. The resources will support the Un Raig de Sol therapy initiative, enabling it to treat 22 people in need of care.
Knauf’s director of people and compliance Daniel Orta said "We use the best therapy in the world: love and affection."
India: Knauf India says that all of its products are compliant with Indian Standards Institution (ISI) norms, as dictated by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
The Hindustan Times newspaper has reported that Knauf India CEO Sumit Bidani said "Knauf India is proud to be the first company in the market to achieve full compliance with the new ISI standards for plasterboards. This milestone is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to quality, safety and sustainability. We believe these standards will further enhance the trust our customers and partners place in us."
Knauf and Knauf Insulation launch knauf.com
13 September 2024World: Germany-based Knauf and its insulation subsidiary Knauf Insulation have consolidated their online presence with a new website, knauf.com. The site offers access to the group’s entire product range. Knauf said that the shift is intended to help customers to increase their productivity.
Knauf Ibérica marketing and technical director Pablo Maroto said "This new platform reinforces our commitment to innovation and facilitates access to our solutions at a global level."
Knauf’s Baltic business raises turnover in 2023
29 July 2024Latvia, Lithuania & Estonia: Germany-based Knauf’s Baltic business generated a turnover of €108m in the Baltic region in 2023, up by 4% year-on-year. The company’s regional profit grew by 34% to €19.5m. Baltic Business Daily has reported that Knauf’s Baltic sales volumes declined, amid a contraction in the local building market, with new building permits down by 30% year-on-year in the first half of the year. Knauf raised its regional investments to €5.8m, while its personnel costs rose by 3% year-on-year. Nonetheless, the company’s energy costs fell by 19%, and its raw materials costs fell by 7%.
Knauf to expand Kyiv operations
09 July 2024Ukraine: Germany-based Knauf has purchased 0.33 hectares of land in Kyiv’s Solomianskyi District for the 'operation and maintenance' of its transport shop. Business World News has reported that the company agreed to pay US$327,000 for the land.
Knauf delegation meets Azerbaijani Prime Minister
07 June 2024Azerbaijan: A delegation from Knauf met Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov on 6 June 2024. Trend news has reported that the meeting covered the expansion of the parties’ collaboration, among other issues.
Knauf to transfer Russian business to local management
26 April 2024Russia: Knauf is seeking to transfer its ‘entire business in Russia’ to its local management, pending the approval of Russian authorities. The Kyiv Independent newspaper has reported that Knauf elected for the transfer in order to protect the jobs of 4000 employees in the country.
German prosecutor opens initial investigation into Knauf’s activity in Russian-occupied Ukraine
26 April 2024Germany/Ukraine: The Würzburg Prosecutor's Office has opened a preliminary investigation into Knauf over its alleged involvement in the on-going reconstruction of Russian-occupied Mariupol. The investigation will seek to establish whether an ‘initial suspicion’ of criminal activity exists. Germany-based media outlet ARD published its allegation of Knauf’s involvement in the reconstruction via the use of its materials earlier in April 2024. The Würzburg Prosecutor's Office added that "There is currently no initial suspicion against Knauf employees."
The producer denied the allegations, adding that it complies with relevant laws and sanctions.
Christoph Dorn elected president of Eurogypsum
18 April 2024Belgium: Christoph Dorn has been elected as the new president of Eurogypsum, the Brussels-based European association representing the gypsum supply and processing industry. Dorn, a member of the Group Management Committee for Knauf Central Europe, takes over from Dr. Jörg Ertle of the Etex Group.
Dorn said "Taking over the presidency of Eurogypsum in 2024 is a great honour, as the gypsum industry has much to offer, sourcing domestic and multi-recyclable materials to decarbonise Europe’s buildings."
Knauf España launches new oversize systems products
16 February 2024Spain: Knauf España has expanded its range of oversize gypsum wallboard systems with the launch of its new Maxiboard boards. The producer said that the boards’ 900mm thickness allows for a 30% reduction in studs, screws and joint treatment in installation. Maxiboard boards are optimal for use in large spaces, including in shopping centres, cinemas and data centres. They offer EI 240-certified fire resistance in systems up to 6m high and EI 120-certified fire resistance in systems up to 11m high.