Gypsum industry news
Eagle Materials announces the appointment of Michael Haack as COO 02 December 2014
US: Eagle Materials has announced the appointment of Michael Haack as chief operating officer (COO), reporting to Steve Rowley, president and CEO. The COO position is a newly-created one in response to the company's significant growth and continued strategic expansion in construction and energy-related markets.
Michael joins Eagle from Halliburton Energy Services, where he enjoyed a 17 year career with successively important operating positions, most recently with the management of Global Operations for Sperry Drilling, a company in the drilling and evaluation division of Halliburton with operations in every major global oil and gas market. He was awarded a Master of Business Administration degree from Rice University and holds a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University, both in Industrial Engineering.
"We are proud to have such a high-calibre and experienced individual as Michael joining the Eagle team," said Rowley. "His placement in this newly created position is timely given our growth progress and strategic aspirations. Haack's experience will be especially valuable given our growth into energy-related markets, most notably in frac-sand and specialty oil well casing cement. This represents a significant step in the expansion of our strong operating leadership team and is aimed at ensuring the long-term continuity of Eagle's enviable performance track record."
Gypcen seeks to double production and enter new markets in 2015 02 December 2014
Honduras: Gypsum wallboard manufacturer Gypcen is seeking to secure its position in Honduras as a pioneer in the export of this product by doubling its production from 2m sheets to 4m. The company competes with large suppliers from the US and Mexico and has invested over US$5m in order to streamline its current processes.
In 2015 Gypcen hopes to increase its product portfolio with the introduction of gypsum fertiliser and is currently in talks with a number of clients. It also plans to expend to Brazil and other Caribbean countries. Gypcen currently exports 70% of its volumes to Cuba, El Salvador, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Surinam, as well as the US in small quantities.