Gypsum industry news

US: USG Corporation (USG) has reported that its net sales rose by 15% year-on-year to US$916m in the second quarter of 2013 from US$798m in the same period in 2012. Net income rose to US$25m in the quarter compared to a loss of US$57m in 2012.

"We are pleased to generate net income for the second consecutive quarter," said James S Metcalf, Chairman, President and CEO. "Results in all major business units have improved from one year ago, including L&W Supply, which achieved an operating profit for the first time since 2008." Metcalf attributed the results to the success of the company's 'Plan to Win' business strategy.

Business unit highlights from the second quarter of 2013 included a 12% rise in wallboard shipments to 120MM2 from 107MM2.

Russia: A US$150m upgrade to a wallboard plant producing GIPSELL brand products in the Kabardino-Balkaria republic has been announced, according to a statement from the local government. Wallboard output is anticipated to grow to 3MM³/yr. After the upgrade the plant will employ at least 400 workers. The launch is planned for August 2013.

US: International Paper has finalised the sale of its Temple-Inland Building Products division to Georgia-Pacific Building Products for US$710m in cash, subject to a customary closing adjustment. The division's assets comprise 15 manufacturing facilities including four gypsum wallboard plants. The facilities are located across eight states, primarily in the south-eastern and eastern portions of the US. The deal was originally announced in late 2012.

UK: Fairport Engineering has appointed Jeff Buxton as the Sales Manager for Heavy Industries. Buxton holds over 35 years of experience working in the bulk materials processing and handling industries and is a fully-qualified mechanical and electrical engineer. His industry knowledge includes the technologies and systems used in the cement, gypsum, aggregates and alternative fuels sectors, amongst others. Previously Buxton has worked for a number of the leading suppliers of proprietary equipment to these markets.

Canada: The NuGyp Corporation is entering into discussions with major equipment suppliers, plasterboard manufacturers and other plaster product manufacturers in the gypsum industry in order to commercialise its patented technology for gypsum, 'The NuGyp Process,' which enables major savings in water consumption and operating costs in plaster production.

The technology, which was voted Best New Product at the Global Gypsum Conference & Exhibition in 2010, has now been proven at full commercial scale and the company's directors believe that it will best be exploited by and benefit a major organisation with established resources, expertise and international distribution networks.

The company has been approached during the development process by a number of interested parties and has now decided formally to offer the technology for sale or possible joint venture.