Germany: The European Commission has approved Euro33m investment aid to Hamburger Rieger. It designated the aid as being in line with European Union (EU) state aid rules, in particular the Guidelines on Regional State Aid for 2014 -2020, because it furthers regional development without unduly distorting competition in the single market. The German producer of paper and plasterboard liner has plans to invest Euro363m to upgrade its paper production capacity by setting up a new stock preparation process and building an additional paper machine in its plant in Spremberg.

"It's important that public investments foster economic growth in disadvantaged regions in Europe. We have carefully assessed the project. The investment aid to Hamburger Rieger will further develop the region without distorting competition and will help bringing truly innovative production processes to market," said EU Commissioner in charge of competition policy Margrethe Vestager.

Vietnam: Knauf Vietnam has inaugurated a 20Mm²/yr gypsum wallboard plant in Haiphong. The plant had an investment of Euro30m.

"After only two years of operation in Vietnam we have gained product presence in key market segments and regions, which we believe will increase with the supply of our new locally produced products," said General Director David Victor Thomas to state media.

UK: Claude-Alain Tardy, the president of Saint-Gobain's gypsum and insulation activities, has warned that a UK exit from the European Union (Brexit) could 'destabilise' the wider European economy as well as impacting the UK market. Tardy made the comments while speaking to Building in Prague and Building News then reported his comments. France and western Europe represented 70% or Euro27.7bn of the group's sales revenue in 2015. The UK will hold a referendum on membership of the European Union on 23 June 2016.

Malaysia: BRB has opened a 10,000t/yr silicone synthesis plant to manufacture additives for the construction industry. The multipurpose silicone plant was officially opened on 2 June 2016 by Dutch ambassador and representatives from the Malaysia Investment Development Authority and the Royal Malaysia Custom Department.

The plant is designed to manufacture vinyl silicone fluid, silicone polyether, low viscosity polydimethyl siloxane fluids, cross-linkers and chain extenders, gum blends, silicone emulsions and silicone antifoams. Its silicone additives can be used in gypsum wallboard production and it has applications in the construction industry including mineral wool insulation materials.

BRB International has invested US$11m in the project. Construction began in May 2014 and was completed in the second quarter of 2016.