Global Gypsum Newsletter

Issue: GGM74 / 28 April 2026

Headlines


India: Balrampur Chini Mills plans to build a gypsum wallboard plant at Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh. When operational in late 2027, the plant will source gypsum in the form of lactogypsum from an upcoming polylactic acid plant at the site. Balrampur Chini Mills will invest US$326m in its polylactic acid plant and US$16.9m in a lactogypsum processing plant. The Hindu newspaper has reported the capacity of the planned gypsum wallboard plant as 7.6m boards/yr.

Balrampur Chini Mills’ board has approved a non-convertible debenture issuance of US$21.2m to fund its ‘next phase of expansion’ and construction of the Kumbhi lactogypsum processing plant.


Iraq: Germany-based Grenzebach and IRQGYP, an Iraqi gypsum producer, have signed a contract for the delivery of a gypsum calcining system with a capacity of 25t/hr, along with a gypsum wallboard production line rated at 3000m²/hr. The agreement was signed during the Global Gypsum Conference 2025 in Amsterdam.
The plant will be located in Mosul, Iraq with commissioning planned for the summer of 2027. The project marks the first collaboration between IRQGYP and Grenzebach, a milestone that both sides view as the beginning of a productive and enduring partnership.

With this investment, IRQGYP is expanding its production capacity and strengthening its position in the regional gypsum market. The new plant is expected to support the growing demand for construction materials in Iraq.

Grenzebach will supply key process technology for calcining and wallboard production, supporting efficient and reliable plant operation. “We are proud to bring this project to life together and to support our partner in strengthening the gypsum industry in the region,” said Volker Seitz, Senior Sales Manager of Grenzebach.


US: Gypsum wallboard distributor GMS has acquired the assets of Colorado-based building products distributor Frontier Drywall Supply. Hardware + Building Supply Dealer News has reported that Frontier Drywall Supply operates despatch facilities in Colorado Springs, Denver and Fort Collins. It will continue to operate under its existing branding as part of GMS’ Pioneer Materials West distribution unit.

GMS has now completed more than 50 acquisitions since 2014. The building materials producer was itself acquired by retail group Home Depot for US$5.5bn in 2025.


Canada: CGC says that it is progressing a US$75.7m revitalisation of its 2Mt/yr Little Narrows gypsum quarry in Victoria County, Nova Scotia. New infrastructure includes a 183m-long dock for vessels of up to 35,000t capacity, a ship loader, a crusher and conveyor systems. CGC is increasing the site’s staff by 43%, up to 100 people. Local press has reported that mining is due to resume and gypsum shipping to begin later in 2026. The mine will supply natural gypsum for CGC's gypsum products plants across North America.

General manager Erik Hinze said "We are entering a transformative year for the Little Narrows quarry. Beyond the construction of world-class sustainable mining operation and modern site infrastructure, we are focused on building a team that reflects the talent and values of Cape Breton. This revitalisation project is about creating a safe, sustainable operation that will support the local economy and the Canadian building industry for the next generation."


France/Finland: Saint-Gobain has collaborated with Finland-based measurement equipment supplier Vaisala to develop dew point monitoring solutions that reduce the energy used in drying gypsum wallboard. Saint-Gobain already uses electric drying systems at two of its plants.

Saint-Gobain drying process team leader Jérôme Cantonnet said "These conditions present a significant challenge for sensors. We tried a number of different humidity and temperature sensor suppliers in the early days and found their products to be insufficiently accurate."


US: USG has appointed Christopher Macey as its new President and CEO. Macey takes on responsibility for delivering USG’s strategic growth roadmap, maintaining its momentum with a focus on operational performance and customer delivery in line with its business plan. He served as USG’s Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President from September 2025, and was previously President, Gypsum, President, Canada and, before that, President, Ceilings. Macey’s background encompasses sales and business leadership roles in USG and Owens Corning. He completed an Advanced Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in Philadelphia, US, and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree (EMBA) degree from Ivey Business School at Western University in London, Canada. Macey also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western University. USG said that Macey’s appointment will help to ensure continuity in strategy and execution as the company approaches its 125th anniversary.

USG said "Chris brings decades of experience in the building materials industry and a deep understanding of our business, having led teams across Canada, Latin America and the US for the past 20 years. His leadership has consistently been defined by a strong connection to our people, a focus on operational excellence and a commitment to delivering for our customers."


India: Knauf India has appointed Pallavi Poddar as Chief Human Resources Officer. In the role, Poddar will focus on organisational capability, people practices and high-performance culture, in line with Knauf’s global standards.

Poddar previously served as Chief Human Resources Officer at Fenesta Windows and held managerial positions at Ingersoll Rand, Schneider Electric and Nestlé.

Sumit Bidani, CEO of Knauf India, said "As we continue to expand our presence in India, building strong teams and a clear people strategy remains a priority. Pallavi brings a balanced and thoughtful approach to people and organisation building. Her experience will be important as we continue to strengthen our teams and support the company’s growth journey."