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Plaster and drywall specialist Knauf has reached an agreement with Gypfor for the purchase of a new plasterboard manufacturing plant in Newport, South Wales.
This multi-million pound investment will increase the UK production volume of Knauf’s range of gypsum-based building materials by 20% when fully onstream in Q1 2023.
The factory, developed by Gypfor, is at Associated British Ports port of Newport,which means gypsum can be offloaded directly, avoiding road haulage. Power for the plant will be generated by renewable sources, including wind and solar technologies. The plant will also have on-site recycling as part of its commitment to the circular economy.
Knauf UK managing director of Ian Stokes says: “This new plant will significantly increase our ability to service customers throughout the UK, and particularly those in South Wales, the Midlands and the South-West of England. It is a very exciting move for Knauf and, following recent investment in increasing the capacity of Knauf Insulation, reflects the confidence of the Knauf Group in the UK construction sector.”
Commissioning of the facility is due to begin later this year, with the plant planned to be fully operational in early 2023. Knauf will manufacture a broad range of gypsum boards in Newport, adding to the capacity of its existing plants in Immingham and Sittingbourne.
