Gypsum industry news

US: Eagle Materials revenue has risen by 5% year-on-year to US$933m in the first nine months of its financial year to 31 March 2017 from US$891m in the same period in the previous year. Its net earnings rose by 43% to US$162m from US$113m. Sales from its cement division rose by 7% to US$359m from US$335m. However, sales volumes fell slightly to 3.89Mt. Sales from its gypsum wallboard and paperboard division grew by 7% to US$440m from US$411m. Sales volumes of gypsum wallboard rose by 7% to 175Mm² from 164Mm².

Kazakhstan: Kazupak Trade has released information about the construction of its 500t/day gypsum plant in Taraz. Construction work at the site started in 2015 and it was commissioned in October 2016. Equipment for the plant was bought from Turkey's Erişim Makina. The plant started full operation in November 2016. The gypsum producer intends to build a second production line within the next 10 years. It sells gypsum under the brand 'Kazgyps.'

Oman: The Gulf Mining Group is considering building a gypsum wallboard plant in Salalah. The project is part of a portfolio of planned investments scheduled for 2017 and 2018 announced by the company, according to Al-Bawaba News. Other schemes include a potash mine, a calcium carbonate project, a ferro-manganese smelter and a manganese beneficiation facility.

Cuba: Rose Gypsum has thanked Grenzebach and GPM Engineering for the company's help in negotiations with Empressa Materiales de Construccion. The companies have been in talks with the state-owned company to build a gypsum wallboard plant for Cuban and the Caribbean market. The plans also include production facilities for ceiling panels. Rose Gypsum described the tendering process as 'extremely challenging.' It is currently waiting for a response to its latest proposal.

UK: British Gypsum has launched its Gyproc Habito plasterboard product to the retail sector. The plasterboard features a high-strength core that provides strength, durability and fixability. The product is intended to help create durable and robust commercial spaces, while improving design flexibility. Due to its strength it is being targeted at high traffic retail spaces where interiors are frequently redesigned.

"Retail is a sector that's constantly evolving to meet customer needs and requirements, so flexibility is crucial on any project. There is a lot of time pressure during construction to get a store open as quickly as possible. Due to a reduced need for patressing, Gyproc Habito speeds up the installation process in addition to providing the freedom to fix heavy items anywhere," said Paul Campbell, Head of Product Marketing at British Gypsum.