Gypsum industry news

France: Belgium-based Etex has acquired a majority stake in offsite housing construction company e-Loft. The company employs 180 people and makes products in modular residential and other custom-designed buildings using its ‘3D wood’ building technology. It will join the group’s New Ways division. The division develops sustainable, industrialised and modular construction solutions.

Etex chief executive officer Paul Van Oyen said, “We are very pleased to welcome e-Loft into our New Ways division and enthusiastic about the growth opportunities that this strategic acquisition offers to both of our companies. The addition of e-Loft to our global team of experienced lightweight and modular construction businesses further reinforces our ambition to become a leader in future-focussed, sustainable building solutions.”

US: Eagle Materials’ nine-month gypsum wallboard sales rose by 5% year-on-year to US$120m in the period ending on 31 December 2020 from US$114m. Volumes increased by 7% to 200Mm² from 187Mm². Group sales rose by 16% to US$1.28bn from US$1.10bn. Net earnings were US$273m, compared to a loss of US$1.54m in the first nine months of its 2020 financial year.

President and chief executive officer Michael Haack praised the performance in the quarter which ended on 31 December 2020, saying, “Despite continued pandemic-related economic uncertainty, our wallboard shipments were up by 9%, a third quarter record for American Gypsum. We continued to generate strong operating cash flow, which significantly improved our balance sheet and liquidity position providing us with increased financial flexibility.” He added, “As we continue to navigate the Covid-19 environment, I want to thank our team for their exceptional work under extraordinary circumstances, delivering strong results and keeping our strategic projects on schedule. We continue to closely monitor the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and their possible impact on our business in current and future periods. We also continue to enforce strict health and safety protocols to protect our employees, customers and business partners, and we will continue to manage our cash flow prudently and protect our balance sheet.”

Spain: Saint-Gobain Placo has announced the launch of 4PRO Active’Air, a laminated gypsum wallboard for use in ceilings. The company says that the product improves the air quality of rooms by absorbing pollutants with its Active’Air technology. The boards also have tapered edges for a join-free fit.

The producer said, “4PRO Activ'Air is presented as the most complete and efficient construction solution for the creation of continuous ceilings with a smooth and perfect finish, thanks to its fine edges, which increase the resistance between the joints and reduce the risk of cracks. In addition, it increases productivity thanks to its easy and fast installation, and offers great flexibility in construction, since it adapts to any type of project in the realisation of both regular and rounded shapes.”

US: CPS Performance Materials has acquired Handy Chemical USA from Rain Industries. The two napthalene sulphonates producers are the only domestic suppliers of the dispersant to the gypsum wallboard industry in the entire North American region, according to Barney Heller, Hardt Chemical. The transaction concentrates napthalene sulphonates supply under single ownership in the region. The sale, which also included Rutgers Polymers, is valued at around US$87m.

Naphthalene sulphonates are produced using napthalene from the steel industry. Their use in gypsum wallboard production reduces the necessary water content, improving slurry stability, increasing line speed and strengthening the final product. Steel-producing countries such as China have previously exported napthalene sulphonates to the US. The market for gypsum wallboard in North America is estimated to be 45,000t/yr.

Switzerland: Sika’s 2020 full-year sales were Euro7.29m, up by 3% year-on-year when adjusted for currency variations. Sales grew in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region by 4.4%, in the Americas regions by 1% and in the Asia/Pacific region by 13%. The group recorded market share gains in all regions. During the year it acquired Romania-based Adeplast, US-based CIDRA Concrete Systems and Egypt-based Modern Waterproofing Group. The acquisitions span concrete, mortars and insulation production. The company established new plants in China and Colombia. It upgraded plants in France, Switzerland and the UAE.

Chief executive officer (CEO) Paul Schuler said "The 2020 fiscal year was overshadowed by the global coronavirus pandemic, which had a number of serious repercussions for the construction and automotive sectors. Thanks to the strong motivation of our employees and their pronounced customer focus, Sika managed to perform successfully in this highly challenging market environment and achieve above-average results. We remain very well positioned in what is still a difficult environment – thanks to our innovative products and solutions, as well as to our employees, who continue to deliver their utmost even in times such as these. On behalf of group management, I would like to thank our global workforce of 25,000 people for the tremendous dedication they have shown and for the unique way they identify with our company."

The group confirmed its 2023 targets, saying “The company remains aligned for long-term success and profitable growth. With its focus on the six strategic pillars – market penetration, innovation, operational efficiency, acquisitions, strong corporate values, and sustainability – Sika is seeking to grow by 6 – 8% a year in local currencies up to 2023. From 2021, the company is aiming for a higher earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin of 15 – 18%. Projects in the areas of operations, logistics, procurement, and product formulation should result in an annual improvement in operating costs equivalent to 0.5% of sales.”