Gypsum industry news

US: National Gypsum is upgrading its paper plant in Oxford, Alabama. The work includes replacing a boiler at the site first installed in 1950s, according to the Anniston Star newspaper. The investment is intended to reduce operational costs and increase energy efficiency. Paper produced at the plant is used in the manufacture of gypsum wallboard at the company's other plants. No value for the upgrade has been disclosed.

US: The Industrial Packaging division of International Paper has seen its sales fall by 2% year-on-year to US$14.2bn from US$14.5bn in the same period in 2015. Its operating profit fell by 11% to US$1.65bn from US$1.85bn. Overall sales volumes rose slightly to 9.4Mt from 9.3Mt. Paper used for gypsum production rose by 17% to 181,000t from 155,000t. In North America the company blamed the falling profits on fewer shipping days, higher input costs and higher operating costs.