Gypsum industry news

UK: The Pallet LOOP says that the first batch of its RFID-tagged reusable pallets has entered the UK construction supply chain. This follows its delivery of 30,000 of the pallets to British Gypsum’s Barrow, East Leake and Kirkby Thore gypsum wallboard and plaster plants earlier in May 2024, in partnership with Scott Pallets.

The Pallet LOOP CEO Paul Lewis said "If your business hasn’t already signed up for LOOP collections, now is the time to do so. Our distinctive green reusable pallets are now winging their way across the country, and we want recipients to be ready to send them back to us."

The Pallet LOOP will collect, inspect, repair and redistribute the pallets, paying registered return partners up to €4.69 for each pallet returned.

Oman: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has launched its Taqa digital investment platform. The Taqa platform will help to leverage digital technologies in the energy and minerals sectors. It includes investor packages for bidding, inspections and licence management. Gypsum quarries will be among sites included in an initial set of studies available on the platform.

Acting Director of the Petroleum Concessions Department Raya Al Abri said “This will allow investors and companies to bid transparently and within a fair competitive environment, based on technical expertise, financial solvency and value-added priorities.”

Canada: USG subsidiary CGC has begun construction of its upcoming Wheatland gypsum wallboard plant in Alberta. The plant will be equipped with a captive solar power plant, and designed for maximum energy and water efficiency.

USG CEO Chris Griffin said "Today's groundbreaking marks a significant win for CGC operations in Western Canada and for our ambitious growth plans in Canada more broadly. This project underscores our commitment to being the best wallboard manufacturer to do business with, particularly as builders, governments and communities across Alberta and the West work to expand housing starts, accessibility and affordability."

Canada: US-based GMS has agreed to acquire Yvon Building Supply and associated companies for US$144m. The deal includes Yvon Insulation, Yvon Insulation Windsor, Laminated Glass Technologies and Right Fit Foam Insulation. The transaction is expected to close in July 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

GMS expects to fund the purchase with cash and its established revolving credit facility. Once completed, the Yvon companies are expected to continue to operate under their existing brand names and under the leadership of current president, Tom Scott. In addition, Yvon will partner with GMS Canada’s Watson and Blair brands in the local market.

John C Turner, Jr, the president and CEO of GMS said, “We look forward to this transaction expanding our product and service offerings, including further expanding our Complementary Products category, in the fast-growing Greater Toronto Area and throughout southern Ontario.”

Japan: Chiyoda Ute plans to decrease the price of its recycled gypsum wallboard product in June 2024. It follows increased production and equipment improvements. The company launched the recycled product in 2023 and it said that it was the first product of its kind in the world to use 100% waste gypsum board collected from construction sites.