Gypsum industry news

Canada: US-based GMS has agreed to acquire Yvon Building Supply and associated companies for US$144m. The deal includes Yvon Insulation, Yvon Insulation Windsor, Laminated Glass Technologies and Right Fit Foam Insulation. The transaction is expected to close in July 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

GMS expects to fund the purchase with cash and its established revolving credit facility. Once completed, the Yvon companies are expected to continue to operate under their existing brand names and under the leadership of current president, Tom Scott. In addition, Yvon will partner with GMS Canada’s Watson and Blair brands in the local market.

John C Turner, Jr, the president and CEO of GMS said, “We look forward to this transaction expanding our product and service offerings, including further expanding our Complementary Products category, in the fast-growing Greater Toronto Area and throughout southern Ontario.”

Canada: Gypsum industry veteran Bob Bruce has died at the age of 72.

Bob Bruce worked in the gypsum sector for over 40 years. He obtained a PhD in chemistry from McMaster University in the 1970s and then worked for various gypsum companies, including BPB, in North America and Europe. He later became a consultant in the late 1990s when he founded Innogyps, before setting up NuGyp Corp in 2008. Bob Bruce was well-known as an author, speaker and mentor. He attended and spoke at many Global Gypsum Conferences over the years, and had many contacts and friends around the world. He was the Global Gypsum Personality of the Year in 2007.

Bruce's family will hold a celebration of his life in Toronto, Ontario on 28 July 2023, and have invited donations to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, the CAMH Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. Online condolences can be made here.

Canada: The Canadian Gypsum Company (CGC) has temporarily closed part of its wallboard plant in Hagarsville in Ontario due to a coronavirus outbreak amongst its employees. Around half of the 250-strong workforce at the site has been sent home, according to the Norfolk & Tillsonburg News. The plant’s mine has also been closed. The company said it had acted "out of an abundance of caution" and it is working with local health services.

Canada: US-based GMS has acquired DL Building Materials. The company distributes gypsum wallboard and other building products to western Quebec and eastern Ontario via two locations in Gatineau, Quebec, and Kingston, Ontario. Founder Richard Davis, general manager Shana Davis and the existing DL management will continue to lead the business. The acquired locations will continue to operate under the DL brand. No value for the acquisition has been disclosed.