Gypsum industry news

US: Gypsum wallboard distributor Foundation Building Materials reports that sales of wallboard fell slightly to US$202m in the first quarter of 2020. This was attributed to disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Overall its sales across all business lines rose, in part due to an additional business day in the reporting quarter compared to the same period in 2019. It noted lower sales growth in states with stronger lockdown measures, including Washington, California, Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Overall sales in April 2020 were reported as being 20% down year-on-year.

US: USG has submitted a purchase application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to expand its operations for its gypsum quarry at Alabaster, Michigan. The wallboard producer wants to buy 580 acres of state property adjacent to the sitem according to the Associated Press. The DNR says it will study the company's plan, considering issues involving forestry, wildlife, fisheries, recreation and minerals. It also will consult with tribal governments and host a public meeting.

USG founded the Alabaster quarry in 1902 and it employs 20 workers at the site. Customers for gypsum from the mine include LafargeHolcim cement plant in Alpena, Michigan and St Marys Cement’s cement grinding plant in Detroit. It says it wants to expand the quarry in order to extend its life span.