US: China National Building Material Company (CNBM) has proposed paying US$248m in one of its on-going legal cases related to alleged defective gypsum wallboard sold by Taishan Gypsum. This latest settlement agreement covers plaintiffs not previously covered by the Amorin Case, those in the Brooke Case and all other property owners with Chinese gypsum board alleged to be attributed to Taishan and connected partners. The settlement is dependent on all parties signing the agreement.

France: Saint-Gobain’s sales rose by 4.3% year-on-year to Euro21.7bn in the first half of 2019 from Euro20.8bn in the same period in 2018. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 8.4% to Euro2.42bn from Euro2.23bn. Growth was reported for its gypsum business in all territories apart from North America. Particular growth was noted in its Asia-Pacific region.

Spain: Saint-Gobain Placo’s gypsum wallboard board plant at San Martin de la Vega near Madrid has been awarded bronze status in the World Class Manufacturing program. The plant is the first Saint-Gobain unit in the world to achieve the certification. The scheme is intended to train individuals to assess operational excellence, as well as improve employee morale, individual and company performance, and company profits.

Switzerland: Sika’s net sales grew by 7.6% year-on-year to Euro3.38bn in the first half of 2019 from Euro3.14bn in the same period in 2018. Its operating earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 14.5% to Euro565m from Euro493m. The building chemicals producer noted that its takeover in the reporting period of Parex, a globally leading producer of facade mortar, technical mortar, tile adhesives, and waterproofing systems, was the largest acquisition in its history.