Brand: British Gypsum
Historical Milestones of British Gypsum
British Gypsum has a history that spans over a century, marked by key events and developments that have shaped the company.
It all began in 1876 when the Sub Wealden Gypsum Company commenced mining and manufacturing in Robertsbridge, East Sussex.
By 1883, the first part of the Fauld works was constructed, and by 1890, mining operations expanded to Kirkby Thore, Cumbria.
The company continued to flourish with the establishment of the Marblaegis mine in 1914 and the formation of the British Plaster Board Company in 1917.
Throughout the 1930s, new plants were inaugurated, and acquisitions increased, including the acquisition of Gyproc Products Limited in 1944.
This period of expansion laid the groundwork for British Gypsum’s future innovations and leadership within the industry.
1960s: Test drilling revealed 98% purity Gypsum rock, which was critical for the development of the company's operations.
Further advances allowed the company to decide on specific sites for mining, such as sinking mines off Fenton Lane, adjacent to Hudsons Farm.
The discovery of high-purity Gypsum deposits facilitated the establishment of modern manufacturing facilities, helping British Gypsum become a leader in the industry.
Core Values and Commitment to Innovation
British Gypsum's core values centre on integrity, loyalty, respect, solidarity, and professional commitment, which guide the company's operations and interactions with others.
The company is dedicated to fostering sustainable innovation by developing eco-friendly products and continuously improving its processes.
Driving Sustainable Innovation
A strong commitment to innovation drives sustainable practices within British Gypsum. The company has launched the Gyproc SoundBloc Infinaé 100, made entirely from recycled gypsum, setting a new industry standard for eco-friendly building materials.
They've developed advanced recycling processes that transform waste plasterboard into new, high-quality products, significantly reducing material waste. British Gypsum also offers a recycling service for contractors, making it easier to return waste for reuse and recycling, thereby promoting a circular economy. This initiative actively supports the circular economy in the construction industry.
Their strategic partnership with The Pallet LOOP helps to reduce pallet waste, further supporting sustainability. The company is dedicated to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a comprehensive roadmap focused on waste reduction, renewable energy, and enhanced energy efficiency.
These efforts reflect a deep commitment to sustainable innovation and leadership within the industry.
Upholding Quality Standards
Ensuring high standards of quality is central to British Gypsum's operations and reflects its commitment to innovation and excellence. The company upholds rigorous certification standards, including ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 for environmental and safety practices. Their testing process is extensive, employing features such as a five-metre fire test furnace and UKAS-accredited laboratories to validate performance. They offer clear technical support through tools like the White Book Specification Selector, providing tailored building solutions. British Gypsum also adheres to strict safety policies and responsible sourcing, as demonstrated by an ‘Excellent’ rating for sustainable materials. Their commitment ensures that products are safe, reliable, and meet the highest industry standards.
| Certification | Testing & Validation | Technical Support |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001 | Fire & acoustic tests | White Book Selector |
| ISO 14001 | On-site trials | BIM & CAD files |
| ISO 45001 | Performance validation | Detailed specifications |
| BES 6001 | UKAS-accredited laboratories | Technical assistance |
| Responsible sourcing | Fire resistance testing | Full documentation |
Promoting Continuous Improvement
Promoting a culture of continuous improvement is fundamental to British Gypsum’s approach to innovation and growth. The company emphasises core values that encourage everyone to engage in ongoing progress, empowering employees through clear communication and shared goals. They focus on refining processes to reduce variability and extend equipment lifespan, which boosts efficiency and sustainability. British Gypsum’s strategies include setting annual targets, such as achieving a 6% cost reduction, and adopting green practices like recycling initiatives to lessen waste. The company also commits to innovative products made from 100% recycled materials and exploring renewable energy sources. The company has achieved significant energy cost savings, through training and teamwork, they foster an environment where employees feel motivated and connected, all working towards a sustainable future with continuous improvements driving their success.
Range of Products and System Solutions
British Gypsum offers an extensive range of products and system solutions tailored to meet diverse building requirements.
Their innovations encompass high-performance plasterboards, finishing products, and comprehensive system setups such as partitions, ceilings, and flooring.
These integrated solutions ensure efficient, durable, and high-quality construction projects throughout the UK.
Product Variety and Innovation
A wide range of products and innovative solutions are available to meet diverse building needs in the UK.
British Gypsum offers various types of plasterboard, such as Gyproc SoundBloc for improved sound insulation, Gyproc Moisture Resistant for damp environments, and Gyproc FireLine for enhanced fire safety.
Their Thistle plaster range provides options like PureFinish and DuraFinish for different finishes, ensuring smooth, durable surfaces.
Lightweight plasterboards for tiling and decorative effects add flexibility in design.
Innovation drives product development, featuring enhancements such as improved moisture resistance, fire ratings, acoustic performance, and impact resistance.
These products are designed for easy application and compatibility with other building systems.
Together, these options help create safe, beautiful, and sustainable spaces that foster a sense of belonging and community within buildings across the UK.
Integrated Building Systems
British Gypsum offers a comprehensive range of integrated building systems designed to enhance construction efficiency and ensure high performance.
They provide lightweight, non-loadbearing partition and walling systems primarily constructed using drylining techniques, suitable for a variety of building types including homes, offices, schools, and industrial facilities.
These systems can be tailored for fire safety, sound insulation, and impact resistance, with heights reaching up to 3400mm.
Many constructions utilise metal-stud frameworks, such as Gypframe 'C' Studs, along with moisture-resistant boards for humid environments.
British Gypsum also features InteWall, a prefabricated internal partition system that accelerates installation and minimises waste.
Their "White Book" offers detailed guidance on the systems, supporting architects and builders in delivering quality and consistent performance across their projects.
Manufacturing Capabilities and Research Facilities
The company operates a comprehensive network of manufacturing sites across the UK, supported by advanced research facilities that ensure high product quality and innovation.
British Gypsum runs six manufacturing plants, including the large and highly advanced Barrow upon Soar site, which is regarded as the most modern plaster plant in Europe. The Kirkby Thore plant has been producing plaster since 1910, while the East Leake site shares space with a third plaster plant.
Supporting these sites, British Gypsum manages three gypsum mines that supply the raw materials needed for production. Their facilities are capable of producing enough plaster to supply over one million homes each year and cater to over 3,500 stockists.
Additionally, the company boasts a UKAS-accredited Building Test Centre, one of the finest in Europe, which supports product testing and development for fire, sound, and structural performance.
Sustainability Initiatives and Environmental Responsibility
British Gypsum actively pursues sustainability initiatives and environmental responsibility across its operations. The company has set clear goals to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, focusing on minimising its environmental impact.
To reach this target, it increases recycled content in manufacturing and sources alternative energy, such as solar and wind, to enhance efficiency. A comprehensive sustainability roadmap guides these efforts, ensuring continuous progress.
British Gypsum measures product impacts through lifecycle assessments and provides environmental product declarations to support building certifications such as BREEAM and LEED.
The company also promotes waste reduction by recycling plasterboard and pallets, as well as reducing the use of virgin raw materials. These initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to creating more sustainable products and reducing its environmental footprint, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and community in the UK.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Industry recognition plays a crucial role in highlighting the achievements and contributions of companies in the construction sector. British Gypsum actively participates in various awards and competitions to showcase excellence within the industry.
The company sponsors the annual FIS Training Awards, which acknowledge talent development in plastering and dry lining, thus promoting the growth of apprentices and maintaining high training standards.
British Gypsum also runs the British Gypsum Trophy, a skills competition for colleges and training providers, aimed at addressing skills shortages in the sector. This competition includes an independent work-based assessment unit, which evaluates the skills and competence of participants. Furthermore, British Gypsum selects finalists for the International Gypsum Trophy, which celebrates craftsmanship, quality, and sustainability on a global scale.
National awards recognise traditional plastering skills and the innovative use of products, fostering pride and high standards within the profession.
With its innovations and leadership consistently acknowledged in industry-wide awards, British Gypsum reinforces its reputation as a trusted leader and supporter of workforce development in the UK.
Community Engagement and Corporate Responsibility
Community engagement and corporate responsibility are central to the company’s efforts to support local areas and promote sustainability.
British Gypsum contributes to community projects by donating materials such as plaster and drylining to charities and supporting local events. Staff participate as volunteers in initiatives like food banks, community cafés, and mental health programmes, helping to strengthen local connections.
The company partners with organisations like CRASH, aiding homeless and hospice projects, and works with colleges to develop future tradespeople. It also collaborates with wildlife groups to restore habitats and promote biodiversity.
British Gypsum is committed to reducing its environmental impact, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, and actively engages the community through education and support for vulnerable groups. The company regularly monitors its environmental footprint to ensure progress toward sustainability goals.
These actions reflect its dedication to fostering stronger, healthier communities.
Strategic Partnerships and Industry Contributions
Strategic partnerships play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable practices within the construction materials sector.
British Gypsum has formed a partnership with The Pallet LOOP, becoming the first building materials manufacturer in the UK to do so. This collaboration aims to significantly reduce pallet waste, addressing the approximately 1.6 million white timber pallets used annually.
The phased implementation will commence in May, introducing reusable green pallets for bagged plaster and accessories, with an expansion in July to include plasterboard products. The objective is for 70% of products to be delivered on reusable pallets once fully operational.
The Pallet LOOP service also provides customers with incentives of up to £4 per returned pallet, thereby encouraging reuse.
Furthermore, British Gypsum collaborates with NBS to enhance access to product specifications, fostering safer and better-informed building practices.
These partnerships exemplify British Gypsum’s commitment to promoting a more sustainable industry.
Future Outlook and Development Goals
British Gypsum is dedicated to shaping its future by establishing clear development goals that align with market trends and environmental needs. The company acknowledges that the UK gypsum board market is projected to grow at a rate of 10.1% annually until 2030, driven by demand in construction and refurbishment projects. To support this growth, British Gypsum is focused on developing sustainable products, such as Gypframe Carbon Low, which employ environmentally friendly methods. This innovation aims to reduce carbon emissions and lessen environmental impact. In addition, British Gypsum is committed to minimising its environmental footprint through innovative packaging and resource management that complies with the Future Homes Standard. While challenges in the market, including economic factors and the implications of Brexit, persist, the company’s goals include meeting rising industry standards while fostering strong community relationships.
Conclusion
British Gypsum has a long-standing history of innovation, providing an extensive range of products and solutions for the construction industry. The company’s emphasis on sustainability, high-quality manufacturing, and collaborative partnerships has garnered it recognition and numerous industry awards. With a strong commitment to the community and continuous development, British Gypsum remains dedicated to enhancing its products and environmental initiatives. Future plans are geared towards reinforcing its leadership position and fostering sustainable growth within the building sector.
