BPB is pleased to announce that it has approved the first stage of a significant programme to invest in capacity expansion and infrastructure improvement at the group’s major combined plasterboard and building plasters facility at Vaujours, near Paris.


Upgrading and rationalisation of the group’s key French facility will increase its national plasterboard capacity by about 25% and strengthen BPB’s logistical position in its core European region.


Construction prospects for France over the medium term are very encouraging, with increasing sales volumes in the renovation sector and continuing strong new housing demand being driven by product penetration, positive demographic trends and more demanding building regulations for fire protection, acoustic performance and thermal insulation.


Commenting on the group’s expansion programme at Vaujours, Richard Cousins, BPB chief executive said:


“The new facility at Vaujours will enable BPB to operate at world class standards on a much lower cost base and be ready in the second half of 2008 to meet expected sales volume growth in France.”

Notes to editors

• BPB is the world leader in the supply of plasterboard and gypsum plasters, and a major supplier of insulation, ceiling tiles and related products for interiors, serving growing markets for building systems in over 50 countries.

ENDS

Contacts:
James Murgatroyd/Faeth Birch, Finsbury (020 7251 3801)
Available on BPB’s website: www.bpb.com