Belgium: Etex has renewed its five-year collaboration with Cognizant for the latter’s generative AI services. Etex says that the partnership will continue to optimise applications, security and data management, with a view to reducing its costs.
Pladur launches two new joint compounds
Spain: Pladur has launched Pasta Pladur ST2 Superfina and Pasta Pladur ST30, two joint compounds. Pasta Pladur ST2 Superfina offers optimised sandability and aesthetic finish, and sets consistently within 120 minutes, even in cold and humid conditions. Meanwhile, Pasta Pladur ST30 offers a superior fine finish and ultra-rapid setting in 30 minutes.
Galician government urges EU to action in response to US tariffs
Spain: The President of Galicia has called on the EU to protect the interests of its member states in anticipation of new US tariffs. Economía Digital News has reported that Galicia exported €32m-worth of gypsum plaster and stone in 2024. The US ranks 11th among the autonomous community’s export partners.
Georgia-Pacific appoints David Neal as Executive Vice President of Building Products
US: Georgia-Pacific has appointed its current President of Gypsum, David Neal, as Executive Vice President of Building Products, effective from March 2025. In his present role, Neal led a US$300m expansion to the group’s Sweetwater gypsum wallboard plant in Texas. He previously served as Vice President of Operations, as Regional Operations Leader and in other sales and operations management roles since joining the company as a plant manager in 2004. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Neal succeeds Andy Konieczka who will retire. Konieczka has worked for Georgia-Pacific and its parent company, Koch, since 1992.
