Ireland: France-based Saint-Gobain subsidiary Gyproc has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have its sulphate discharge licence for its Drummond, County Monaghan, mine increased by 530% to 1250mg/l from 200mg/l. The Irish Independent newspaper has reported that the higher level ‘would not occur year-round,’ according to the company, but ‘only at certain times.’ The EPA is ‘awaiting additional information from the applicant in order to make a decision.’

Australia: Gypsum wallboard product manufacturer Gyprock has decided to put on hold a planned price increase due to start in June 2020 in response to the coronavirus outbreak. It said that it was doing everything it could to make it sites safe for customers and staff and that its plants, warehouses and trade stores remained open.

Belgium: Etex’s net profit was Euro176m in 2019, a rise of 26% year-on-year from Euro140m in 2019. Sales crept up by 1.5% to Euro2.94bn from Euro2.90bn. Etex chief executive officer (CEO) Paul Van Oyen called 2019 an ‘outstanding year’ in which Etex ‘significantly increased its plasterboard volumes, driven by a strong market in several countries’ and reduced its debt by 43% to Euro331m, its lowest level since 2011. This was thanks to the sale of its UK and Portuguese tile roofing businesses.

Van Oyen’s announcement was overshadowed by the current circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. “Today, my thoughts mainly go to all of our colleagues and their families worldwide, especially the ones who have been infected with the coronavirus,” he said. “Etex will not change its identity as a result of this crisis: our priority is and will always be the health and safety of our colleagues and stakeholders worldwide. We are determined keeping our business running, and to continue to Inspire ways of living.” Van Oyen also paid his respects to those within the company who have died of coronavirus.

UK: France-based Saint-Gobain subsidiary British Gypsum has announced the suspension of non-essential operations until 22 April 2020, subject to regular review in light of government advice. British Gypsum managing director Matt Pullen said, “Further information on when new orders can be placed and deliveries made will be available nearer the time, after the safe re-start of our operations.”

The company says that it will retain a ‘small-scale customer services, operations and logistics team to be able to provide drylining products to support those NHS and other Covid-19 response essential infrastructure and building projects.’