Gypsum industry news

India: Knauf India has appointed Gaunik Jeet Singh as its Head of Marketing. The role includes responsibility for brand visibility and communication strategy, combining Knauf's global vision with the Indian construction milieu.

Singh has 19 years’ brand management and marketing experience, including at motorcycles producer Hero MotoCorp, paints and coatings producer AkzoNobel, telecommunications company Airtel and finance company DigiSpice Technologies. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Symbiosis International University and bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from Savitribai Phule Pune University, both in Pune, India.

Singh said "The Knauf India brand has a strong foundation and there's a real opportunity to build a deeper awareness and connect meaningfully with our stakeholders. I look forward to working with the team to further elevate Knauf's brand in India and beyond."

India: Knauf India has launched its Knauf Mobile Training Academy to contribute to skill-building and industry excellence. The ‘classroom-on-wheels’ will deliver a programme based on practical, on-site instruction on the installation of gypsum wallboard and ceiling across Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India. Knauf India aims to reach 25,000 builders over a period of six months. The company says that the programme aligns with the government’s Skill India workplace training initiative.

CEO Sumit Bidani said "We aim to bridge the existing skill gap, align with national initiatives like Skill India, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and modernisation of the construction sector."

India: The anticipated India-Oman comprehensive economic partnership agreement remains close to signing, BusinessLine Online News has reported. Nonetheless, ‘one issue’ reportedly still requires ‘ironing out.’ This is the Indian government’s rejection of Oman's Omanisation policy, which is continually increasing the proportion of Omani nationals required to be employed in the country’s industries. The Indian government has asked for a freeze to the requirements, which works to the exclusion of the Indian expat community in Oman, it says.

Bilateral trade between India and Oman was worth US$8.9bn in 2024. Gypsum is among the key Indian imports from Oman.

India: Saint-Gobain Gyproc India has launched the country's first Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for plaster. Press Trust of India News has reported that that the EPD covers Elite 100, Elite MR and Xpert+ plasters produced at the company's Chennai plant.

Plasters Vice President Tridiv Ojha said "This milestone creates a platform for us to engage with our partners in sustainable progress.”

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."

India: Knauf India has appointed Vijay Mishra as its new Commercial Director. Mishra brings over 23 years’ sales and marketing experience. Afaqs! News has reported that Mishra has held management roles at tiles producers H & R Johnson, RAK Ceramics and Kajaria Ceramics, at Saint-Gobain India and at plywood producer Century Plyboards.

India: Representatives of the Indian and Omani government are in a fifth round of talks over a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Under the proposed agreement, the parties would reduce or eliminate customs on goods traded between the Indian Ocean nations. Gypsum is among India’s ‘key imports’ from Oman.

India: Knauf India says that all of its products are compliant with Indian Standards Institution (ISI) norms, as dictated by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

The Hindustan Times newspaper has reported that Knauf India CEO Sumit Bidani said "Knauf India is proud to be the first company in the market to achieve full compliance with the new ISI standards for plasterboards. This milestone is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to quality, safety and sustainability. We believe these standards will further enhance the trust our customers and partners place in us."

India: The Bikaner District Mining Department plans to issue a new round of tenders for local gypsum mines. The Times of India newspaper has reported that the department previously tendered contracts for the sites in Rajasthan for US$7.27m earlier in 2024.

The Bikaner District Mining Department said “Like every year, gypsum production will be lower until September due to the rainy season. We are hopeful of finding takers this time."

India: Residents of Baramulla have commenced protests against renewed gypsum mining in the district in Jammu and Kashmir. Local press has reported that the protestors claim the operations cause ‘serious’ harm to health and agriculture. The village council of Salamabad responded by temporarily suspending operations at the site in question.