Gypsum industry news

US: The Gypsum Association, the gypsum industry association for North America, has announced that Stephen H Meima has assumed the position of Deputy Executive Director / Chief Operating Officer. The association said that, in this role, Maima would help strengthen the organisation as the gypsum wallboard industry's pre-eminent resource for leadership, education and objective expertise.

"I'm looking forward to working closely with Gypsum Association Executive Director Michael Gardner, the Board of Directors and committees and the staff to promote the value and sustainability of gypsum board and gypsum panel products," said Meima. "I am, indeed, eager to help advance the development, growth and general welfare of the gypsum industry in the US and Canada."

Michael Gardner praised Meima's extensive background in marketing and building materials management. "This position will contribute significantly to the Gypsum Association's ability to meet the challenges of representing a building materials industry as the economy continues to recover," said Gardner. "Steve's strong industry background and his experience in sustainability issues impart a substantial talent to our organisation."

US: USG Corporation (USG) has reported that its net sales rose by 15% year-on-year to US$916m in the second quarter of 2013 from US$798m in the same period in 2012. Net income rose to US$25m in the quarter compared to a loss of US$57m in 2012.

"We are pleased to generate net income for the second consecutive quarter," said James S Metcalf, Chairman, President and CEO. "Results in all major business units have improved from one year ago, including L&W Supply, which achieved an operating profit for the first time since 2008." Metcalf attributed the results to the success of the company's 'Plan to Win' business strategy.

Business unit highlights from the second quarter of 2013 included a 12% rise in wallboard shipments to 120MM2 from 107MM2.

Russia: A US$150m upgrade to a wallboard plant producing GIPSELL brand products in the Kabardino-Balkaria republic has been announced, according to a statement from the local government. Wallboard output is anticipated to grow to 3MM³/yr. After the upgrade the plant will employ at least 400 workers. The launch is planned for August 2013.

US: International Paper has finalised the sale of its Temple-Inland Building Products division to Georgia-Pacific Building Products for US$710m in cash, subject to a customary closing adjustment. The division's assets comprise 15 manufacturing facilities including four gypsum wallboard plants. The facilities are located across eight states, primarily in the south-eastern and eastern portions of the US. The deal was originally announced in late 2012.

UK: Fairport Engineering has appointed Jeff Buxton as the Sales Manager for Heavy Industries. Buxton holds over 35 years of experience working in the bulk materials processing and handling industries and is a fully-qualified mechanical and electrical engineer. His industry knowledge includes the technologies and systems used in the cement, gypsum, aggregates and alternative fuels sectors, amongst others. Previously Buxton has worked for a number of the leading suppliers of proprietary equipment to these markets.