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Knauf Plasterboard starts construction of wallboard plant in Bundaberg, Queensland
Written by Global Gypsum staff
16 February 2016
Australia: Knauf Plasterboard has started building a new wallboard plant at the Port of Bundaberg, Burnett Heads, Queensland, according to local media. The project was announced in January 2016 and was subject to approvals before construction could start.
The project comprises the construction and operation of a wallboard plant at the Port of Bundaberg, including gypsum handling and processing facilities to support wallboard production and for on-sale of gypsum into the agriculture sector.
The project has been made possible by funding from the Queensland Government for the construction of a 26km gas pipeline from the Australian Gas Network's Wide Bay gas transmission line at Bundaberg to Burnett Heads. This gas supply supplies capacity for the Knauf plant and other industrial users in the region.
"Knauf is very pleased to be playing its part in working collaboratively with the State Government to help build new industries and boost regional and state economies," said Knauf CEO of Asia Pacific, Murray Read. He added that the Bundaberg plant was a great investment for Knauf, as it expanded Knauf's wallboard manufacturing network into Queensland to better serve its customers, create additional trade through an under-utilised port facility, support regional development and, in partnership with the State Government, helped to develop critical infrastructure for Knauf and other industrial users in regional Queensland.
The plant is expected to create up to 200 jobs during the construction of the plant and around 55 new positions when operational.
Jochen Fabritius appointed new CEO of the Xella Group
Written by Global Gypsum staff
15 February 2016
Germany: Jochen Fabritius has been appointed with shareholder approval as the new CEO of the Xella Group with effect from 1 March 2016. Fabritius has been on the management board of the Xella Group since 1 November 2014 in his role as Chief Operation Officer (COO). He will remain COO and also retain responsibility for the technology division in his new role.
Fabritius succeeds Jan Buck-Emden, who left the company in October 2015. Since then, the company has been jointly managed by Dr Jochen Fabritius and CFO Jürgen Wiecha.
The Xella Group produces and markets building materials, gypsum fibreboards and cement-bonded and fire protection boards and lime. In 2014 Xella generated sales of approximately Euor1.27bn with a workforce of 6686. The company is indirectly owned by private equity companies PAI Partners and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners.
Boral profit grows by 23% to US$97.2m for half year
Written by Global Gypsum staff
11 February 2016
Australia: Boral's profit after tax has grown by 23% year-on-year to US$97.2m in the first half of its 2016 financial year. It reported a profit of US$80m for the same period in its 2015 period. It attributed the growth to a strong residential market and growth in New South Wales (NSW) with cost cutting, price rises and slightly higher property earnings for its construction materials and cement business. Overall revenue fell by 4% year-on-year to US$1.6bn.
"The success of the first half is underpinned by a very strong residential construction market in NSW, a solid performance in South-East Queensland, further recovery in the US and a successful growth strategy in the gypsum business in Australia and Asia," said Boral CEO and Managing Director Mike Kane.
Boral's gypsum business reported a 13% rise in revenue to US$505m. This was attributed to increased penetration of Sheetrock brand wallboard, resulting in higher overall pricing, and stronger non-board sales. Strong volume growth in Australia was offset by contraction in key Asian markets and a reversal of a short-term market share gain in South Korea.
USG gypsum profit grows 65% in 2015
Written by Global Gypsum staff
08 February 2016
US: USG Corporation has grown its gypsum business operating profit by 65% year-on-year to US$316m in 2015 from US$192m in 2014. The company attributed the results to price rises.
"We finished 2015 on a strong note by achieving impressive margin expansion in our Gypsum and Ceilings businesses. Improved pricing in both businesses, coupled with our cost discipline, drove this increased performance," said James S Metcalf, Chairman, President and CEO.
Net sales for its gypsum business rose by 5% year-on-year to US$2bn from US$1.9bn. Notably, sales dropped by 4% to US$187m in its Mexico and Latin America region although profits rose in the saUSHme period.
As a whole, the company reported sales of US$3.78bn in 2015, a slight rise from 2014. Operating profit more than doubled to US$381m from US$162m. Its USG Boral business reported that its net sales rose by 7.6% to US$1bn. Its operating profit rose by 30.5% to US$125m.
Gypsum Management and Supply acquires Robert N Karpp Company
Written by Global Gypsum staff
05 February 2016
US: Gypsum Management and Supply (GMS) has acquired Robert N Karpp Company, a drywall supplier based in Boston, Massachusetts. The purchase gives GMS, a North American distributor of gypsum wallboard and suspending ceiling systems, entry into the New England market.
"This addition to our business is a natural fit for GMS as we continue to expand our geographic footprint, while providing our resources as a national brand to help support new and existing local yards," said Mike Anderson, the GMS VP of Operations for the Northeast region.