Brazil: Trevo Drywall has named Wilson Soares as its new CEO. In the role, Soares will be responsible for leading the US$25m expansion of the group’s 16Mm²/yr Juazeiro do Norte gypsum wallboard plant. The unit’s capacity will increase to 30Mm²/yr by 2026. The company subsequently plans to build a second plant.

Prior to joining Trevo Drywall, Soares served as general director of packaging producer Smurfit Westrock and industrial director of its Brazil-based subsidiary WestRock Brazil. His 29-year career also includes positions at food producer Danone and beverages producer Ambev. Soares holds a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from Fundação Dom Cabral and a degree in mechanical engineering from Rio de Janeiro State University.

Serbia: Japan-based Mitsubishi Power has installed all major equipment and completed 96% of construction of a €220m flue gas desulphurisation installation at state-owned utilities provider EPS’ Nikola Tesla B coal-fired power plant in Belgrade. EPS will supply gypsum generated by the system for use in local construction. The Japan International Cooperation Agency supplied financial support for the project.

Mitsubishi Power previously commenced trials of a similar system at the neighbouring Nikola Tesla A power plant in April 2024.

US: Paul Johnson Drywall (PJD) has acquired the assets of gypsum wallboard supply and installation contractor Advanced Drywall Systems. Advanced Drywall Systems serves New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its entire team will stay on as part of PJD.

Advanced Drywall Systems director David Bedo noted the growth opportunities presented by the acquisition, adding "We are most excited about the opportunity to deliver the market-leading service that Advanced Drywall Systems is known for to more of the region's homebuilders."

North America: Saint-Gobain North America has won a Silver Stevie Award in the Large Manufacturing Company of the Year category for its circularity initiatives, rapid growth and commitment to US industrial development. 3BL News has reported that the company will claim the prize at the 23rd annual American Business Awards ceremony in New York City later in 2025.

The recognition comes as Saint-Gobain celebrates its 360-year anniversary. It has invested a combined US$400m in plant expansions and upgrades scheduled to come online in 2025, including building North America’s first carbon-neutral gypsum wallboard plant at its Montreal facility in Quebec, Canada.