Gypsum industry news

Germany: Prof. Dr. Hans-Ulrich Hummel died on 18 August 2017 at the age of 63. Prof. Dr. Hummel had worked at Knauf since 1992 and led its research and development activities for more than 20 years. Most recently he was responsible for the Product Management, Patent Management and Quality Management departments of the Knauf Group.

A Knauf press release stated that his strong interest in new topics and his visionary ideas inspired his colleagues and carried the company forward in the technical and scientific fields. It added that he contributed decisively to the success of the Knauf Group with his future-oriented developmental work and great personal commitment and that he was a respected and appreciated leader, who was always receptive to the matters of his colleagues. Knauf said that it was 'highly grateful' to Prof. Dr. Hummel and that it would continue to honour his memory.

Prof. Dr. Hummel was Global Gypsum 'Personality of the Year' 2010.

Image source: Knauf website (adapted).

Australia: After a construction period of just 11 months, the US$55m Knauf gypsum wallboard factory at Bundaberg, Queensland has produced its first wallboard. The plant received its first delivery of gypsum at the plant in late July 2017.

Turkey: Switzerland's Sika has acquired ABC Sealants, a manufacturer of construction sealants and adhesives. The purchase is intended to strengthen Sika's market position in Turkey and to function as a distribution and production hub for the Middle East and Africa. ABC Sealants is based in Istanbul and it operates one manufacturing plant.

Germany: Weig-Karton has started its 'Driven by care' marketing campaign to reposition itself ahead of the 17th Global Gypsum Conference taking place in Poland in October 2017. The initiative originated as part of a process to engage with responsibility concepts for business partners, employees as well as the environment and wider society. It connects to the company's Uniplac plasterboard liner product line and its security of supply. The campaign will be represented by a visual of a globe in the form of two clasped hands.

"As a family-managed company, our thinking and actions are based on dependability, independence and a long-term view. That's why we, as a company group, stand for diligence, reliability and 'taking care of things,' said Michael Balzer, Sales Director at Weig-Karton.

The subsidiary of Weig Group produces its Uniplac line at plants in Germany and Paraguay. Both sites use their own supply of raw material with recycled waste paper.

US: Gypsum Management & Supply, Inc. (GMS), a distributor of gypsum wallboard, suspended ceiling systems and interior construction products, has acquired ASI Building Products, LLC, a provider of ceilings and building products. Both the companies are based in the US. Following the transaction, ASI Building Products majority owner and industry veteran Dave Mayer, along with the entire ASI team, will continue on with GMS going forward.

The acquisition will allow GMS to expand its presence in Michigan, with a portfolio of quality products and reinforces its commitment to customer service.