New Zealand: Fletcher Building announced the retirement of its chief executive officer Ross Taylor on 14 February 2024. As part of a board renewal review, chair Bruce Hassall will also leave. Fletcher Building’s People and Remuneration Committee chair, non-executive director Barbara Chapman, will lead the search process for replacements. Handovers are scheduled to take place in October 2024.

The producer said “The board thanks Bruce and Ross for their leadership and contribution since 2017. During this period, they have led the turnaround of Fletcher Building, which has seen the core businesses becoming more focussed and profitable, with improved earnings, margins and returns.”

North America: Market research firm IMARC Group has forecast a composite annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6% in the North American gypsum wallboard market between 2024 and 2032. It attributed the anticipated growth to rising regional levels of construction activity, amid increasing urbanisation. Additionally, it expects gypsum wallboard to remain its market share within the building materials segment, as a cost-effective, easy-to-use product for both residential and commercial construction applications.

Belarus: The Ministry of Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade has set new lower natural gas prices for industrial plants. Operators will pay US$0.15/m³, down by 2% year-on-year. Prime Press News has reported that the rate will be applied retroactively from 1 January 2024.

Spain: Knauf España has expanded its range of oversize gypsum wallboard systems with the launch of its new Maxiboard boards. The producer said that the boards’ 900mm thickness allows for a 30% reduction in studs, screws and joint treatment in installation. Maxiboard boards are optimal for use in large spaces, including in shopping centres, cinemas and data centres. They offer EI 240-certified fire resistance in systems up to 6m high and EI 120-certified fire resistance in systems up to 11m high.