Uzbekistan: The government has announced plans for a new US$50m building materials complex in Qashqadaryo region, to include a gypsum wallboard plant. Report İnformasiya Agentliyi News has reported that the project is a ‘bilateral’ undertaking, involving investment from Azerbaijan. The complex will also produce dry building mixes.

Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Khurram Teshabaev described Qashqadaryo as ‘industrially developed,’ due to its gas and chemicals sector infrastructure.

US: Saint-Gobain has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a glass fibre plant in Lexington, North Carolina. The plant supplies glass fibre for use in the production of glass mat, a component of Saint-Gobain's GlasRoc X moisture-resistant reinforced gypsum wallboard, among other construction products. The parties expect the deal to close on 31 July 2026.

The Lexington glass fibre plant has served as a long-term supplier for Saint-Gobain’s local operations. Saint-Gobain previously inaugurated a glass mat plant at its nearby Oxford roofing complex in 2022.

Oman: Minerals Development Oman subsidiary Oman Minerals Trading Company (OMTC) has signed a US$36.4m working capital facility with Sohar International Bank. Zawya News has reported that the facility will finance the development of its commercial operations, including the centralisation of OMTC’s trade and export of natural gypsum. This in turn will support expansion into new international markets, according to the company.

India: Knauf India has launched Drystar, a fibre-reinforced gypsum wallboard, designed for use in construction in humid settings, Projects Today News has reported. The board has a moisture-resistant glass-fleece surface, reducing water absorption to 3%.