NEWSROUND


Strong first-half boosts Forterra expectations but two divisions to close


Building materials manufacturer Forterra saw a stronger than expected first half of 2025, with revenue of £195.1m up 20.4% compared with the same period a year ago. The increase was driven by strong volume growth and a slight increase in selling prices. The UK brick industry despatches to the end of May 2025 increased by 14% compared with the year before and demand was driven mainly by the housebuilding sector, RM&I demand remaining subdued.


The group reported good


progress with the commissioning of the new Wilnecote brick factory with the kiln now lit, and that the increase in market demand is likely to see an uplift in production at its flagship Desford factory in the second half. The commissioning of the brick slip production line at Accrington is also said to be progressing well. Neil Ash, chief executive officer, said: “This result, coupled with our expectations for the second half, gives us confidence to


increase our adjusted EBITDA expectations for the full year. “We are also consulting on our strategic proposals to exit our non-core businesses of Formpave and Bison Bespoke, both of which will be margin and cash flow accretive. “Looking beyond the current financial year, the Board remains confident that its recent investments in new production capacity leave the Group well placed to benefit from the continuing recovery of our key markets.”


Siniat calls for better product specification


Plasterboard manufacturer Siniat has called for a renewed focus on technical standards to meet the complex challenges of the evolving safety landscape. Siniat country manager John Sinfield said that while the industry has seen sweeping changes in legislation, testing and standards, drywall systems are still being chosen out of habit rather than being thoroughly assessed for suitability for the project.


West Fraser‘s Inverness plant celebrates 40 years


West Fraser’s Inverness plant is celebrating 40 years of producing SterlingOSB board products. The plant employs 140 workers and was the first facility in Europe to manufacture OSB, now the SterlingOSB Zero portfolio, a panel product used in a range of applications including construction materials, furniture, packaging, and art installations. To mark the anniversary of the


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site, West Fraser hosted a family day event; also celebrating the recent Safety Star achievement which recognises commitment to employee safety. Steve McTaggart, HSEQ manager from West Fraser at Inverness, said: “West Fraser Inverness is proud to have been part of the community for 40 years and we look forward to many more.”


“As a responsible manufacturer we have invested heavily in testing and third-party verification to create drywall systems that push performance capability forward and can clearly meet the


demand for tested and trusted performance. It is frustrating to see cost, convenience and habit still too often take precedence over quality and expertise.” Launching the Siniat Purple Reign campaign to highlight quality and technical standards, the company will spotlight tested performance and face- to-face service to support better fire safety standards in the built environment.


Cemex invests in sustainable packing systems


Global building materials solutions supplier Cemex has invested in new Void packing machinery for its concrete block range, at the company’s Dove Holes facility in Derbyshire.


Both systems use 100%


recycled plastic bands to enable Cemex’s concrete blocks to be packed together securely. The new Voided packs are designed and packaged with a hollow interior space to enable


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2025


BMDS IDP gains first industry shareholders


Building Materials Digital Services Ltd (BMDS), the joint venture between the BMF and NMBS, has announced the company’s first five external shareholders; Bradfords Building Supplies Ltd, Epicor Software (UK) Limited, Fortis Merchants Limited, h&b Buying Group LLP, and National Buying Group LLP.


BMBS was established to


provide an industry-owned Industry Data Pool (IDP) to streamline the sharing of product information between suppliers and merchants. With a combined annual


turnover of £5.6bn, the four merchant shareholders account for 21% of the total merchant market in the UK. Individuals from these organisations have been appointed to BMDS’s two Management Boards. Richard Hill, BMF chair, said: “Their investment marks a significant milestone in the development of the Industry Data Pool and demonstrates growing industry confidence in our shared vision. We are now seeking to onboard additional merchant groups interested in collaborating with us on a resilient, future-proof solution that benefits the entire building materials supply chain.”


easy access onto a forklift truck. The new system negates the use of timber pallets to transport Cemex’s concrete blocks. Sam Culshaw, national sales manager concrete products, at Cemex, says: “Cemex is continuously looking to improve and implement more sustainable systems and practices across the business.”


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