Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Germany: Sto has revised its 2024 results forecast downwards following ‘increased competition’ and ‘weak demand’ in the year-to-date. Local press has reported that the producer expects to record sales of €1.6bn, down by 7% year-on-year from €1.72bn in 2023. Sto had previously forecast a 3.5% decline, to €1.66bn. As a result, it now anticipates a 46 – 61% year-on-year drop in earnings, from €127m to €50 – 68m. Previously, Sto had forecast earnings of €62 – 82m, down by 35 – 51%.

Hungary: Masterplast has entered talks with a ‘major Hungarian lender’ to refinance its debt following concerns over its liquidity. It is reportedly requesting a one-time exemption from its bond obligations to allow for a new credit line of up to €7.6m for a three-year term, according to the producer. Its bondholders are currently voting on the proposal. Bne IntelliNews has reported that the developments follow ratings agency Scope Ratings’ downgrading of Masterplast’s rating to CCC.

Masterplast CEO Tibor David said that talks are ‘progressing well.’

UAE: Fujairah Building Industries’ sales rose by 14% year-on-year to US$40.4m in the first nine months of 2024, from US$35.4m in the corresponding period of 2023. As a result, the producer grew its net profit by 39%, from US$3.31m to US$4.61m.

Germany: The Central German Architects' Day took place in Apolda, Thuringia, in October 2024. The event included in-depth discussions on possible uses of regionally available alternative raw materials in insulation production. Stern Online News has reported that avenues for exploration include a novel load-bearing straw-based insulation developed at the Bauhaus University Weimar in Thuringia.

UK: Denmark-based Rockwool is reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ to acquire a 9.3 hectare site in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands from Birmingham City Council. The site comprises Zone B of the Peddimore industrial estate, which is approved for light industrial production. Estates Gazette Interactive News has reported that the purchase advances Rockwool's on-going strategic expansion of its presence in the UK.