Gypsum industry news

Brazil: Trevo Drywall has named Wilson Soares as its new CEO. In the role, Soares will be responsible for leading the US$25m expansion of the group’s 16Mm²/yr Juazeiro do Norte gypsum wallboard plant. The unit’s capacity will increase to 30Mm²/yr by 2026. The company subsequently plans to build a second plant.

Prior to joining Trevo Drywall, Soares served as general director of packaging producer Smurfit Westrock and industrial director of its Brazil-based subsidiary WestRock Brazil. His 29-year career also includes positions at food producer Danone and beverages producer Ambev. Soares holds a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from Fundação Dom Cabral and a degree in mechanical engineering from Rio de Janeiro State University.

US: Paul Johnson Drywall (PJD) has acquired the assets of gypsum wallboard supply and installation contractor Advanced Drywall Systems. Advanced Drywall Systems serves New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its entire team will stay on as part of PJD.

Advanced Drywall Systems director David Bedo noted the growth opportunities presented by the acquisition, adding "We are most excited about the opportunity to deliver the market-leading service that Advanced Drywall Systems is known for to more of the region's homebuilders."

Serbia: Japan-based Mitsubishi Power has installed all major equipment and completed 96% of construction of a €220m flue gas desulphurisation installation at state-owned utilities provider EPS’ Nikola Tesla B coal-fired power plant in Belgrade. EPS will supply gypsum generated by the system for use in local construction. The Japan International Cooperation Agency supplied financial support for the project.

Mitsubishi Power previously commenced trials of a similar system at the neighbouring Nikola Tesla A power plant in April 2024.

North America: Saint-Gobain North America has won a Silver Stevie Award in the Large Manufacturing Company of the Year category for its circularity initiatives, rapid growth and commitment to US industrial development. 3BL News has reported that the company will claim the prize at the 23rd annual American Business Awards ceremony in New York City later in 2025.

The recognition comes as Saint-Gobain celebrates its 360-year anniversary. It has invested a combined US$400m in plant expansions and upgrades scheduled to come online in 2025, including building North America’s first carbon-neutral gypsum wallboard plant at its Montreal facility in Quebec, Canada.

Senegal: UK-based modular construction firm Eco Buildings Group has formed a joint venture with facilities management and logistics company G2 Invest Group. G2 Invest Group has committed US$1.98m for a 35% stake in Eco Buildings Senegal, which will fund a new plant to produce Eco Buildings Group’s glass fibre-reinforced gypsum (GRFG) wallboards in Senegal. Eco Buildings Group says that it has appointed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor to implement the production facility.

Eco Buildings Group CEO Sanjay Bowry said "We are now entering the execution phase,” and noted the company’s “readiness to deliver modular housing at scale in West Africa."

A delegation from G2 Invest visited Eco Buildings' existing plant in Albania earlier in 2025. The companies will collaborate on plant setup, technology transfer and a workforce training programme.

India: Knauf India has launched its new DewBloc moisture-resistant gypsum wallboard. The product features a novel additive formulation against moisture absorption and infiltration.

CEO Sumit Bidani said "Designed to combine strength, durability and aesthetic appeal, DewBloc addresses a critical industry challenge - moisture damage in interiors. It is especially well-suited for wet area applications and offers reliable performance during the monsoon season."