US: Owens Corning has reported that in the second quarter of 2015, its revenue rose by 4.4% to US$1.42bn. It expects to benefit in 2015 from sustained improvement in the US housing market and moderate global growth.

In the composites sector, the company now expects a full-year earnings before income and taxes (EBIT) improvement of about US$60m based on current volume and pricing strength, including the impact of US$25m in currency headwinds. In roofing, Owens Corning continues to expect that the full-year US shingle market will be in line with 2014. Based on the decline in first-half shipments, the market is expected to grow by the mid-single digits in the second half of 2015. Insulation should continue to benefit from growth in US residential new construction, improved pricing and operating leverage. The company has estimated an effective tax rate of 30 – 32% and a cash tax rate of 10 - 12% on adjusted pre-tax earnings, due to the company's US$2.2bn tax net operating loss carry-forward. Owens Corning expects general corporate expenses to be at the bottom of the range of US$120 – 130m in 2015 and capital expenditures of approximately US$380m. Interest expenses are expected to be about US$110m.

UK: Energy efficiency products group entu UK has reported a fall in its interim pre-tax profit amid weakness in insulation and solar power products, but said that it is on target to meet full year expectations, according to Dow Jones. Pre-tax profit for the six months fell to Euro5.42m from Euro7.99m in the same period of 2014, as revenues fell to Euro75.5m from Euro80m.

Ireland: Kingspan Insulated Panels has launched IPN-QuadCore, a new insulated panel core offering strong thermal, fire and environmental performance for a closed-cell material, according to its press release. IPN-QuadCore improves building performance by lowering lifetime costs and enhancing environmental credentials by using a unique microcell structure.

"This is our most significant insulated panel technology breakthrough in a decade," said Gilbert McCarthy, managing director of Kingspan Insulated Panels. "The property market demands high performance, energy-efficient buildings that deliver low risk, high net yield and reduced environmental impact. The unprecedented performance of IPN-QuadCore helps to deliver these superior buildings, making the strongest business case yet for sustainability."

IPN-QuadCore delivers a 20% thermal improvement over standard polyurethane insulated panel core insulation. It has a lambda value of 0.018w/mK and achieves U-values as low as 0.08w/m2K. A study by energy consultants AECOM found that, when used in a standard 5000m2 distribution warehouse in the UK, a Kingspan IPN-QuadCore building envelope reduced energy demand by almost 14%/yr compared with the notional Part L2A 2013 specification. The same study found that a Kingspan IPN-QuadCore building envelope solution could even reduce the initial capital cost of constructing the warehouse because it reduced the required heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system size.

IPN-QuadCore is the first closed cell insulated panel core to be certified to FM 4882 for use in smoke sensitive occupancies. It achieves a reaction to fire of B-s1,d0 to EN 13501-1 and offers fire resistance of up to one hour insulation and three hours integrity to EN 13501-2. The insulation core is also currently undergoing testing to be certified to LPS 1181 Part 2 for internal applications. This improved performance means that IPN-QuadCore products can be offered in a wider range of panel widths, up to 7m in some LPS 1208 specifications and up to 12m in certain specifications according to EN 13501-2. In the AECOM study, an IPN-QuadCore building achieved six more BREEAM Ene01 credits than a typical retail or distribution warehouse. Furthermore, the new technology behind the microcell structure creates a more resource-efficient material, improving the environmental impact of its production. King span said that it will provide each IPN-QuadCore panel a 40-year guarantee, which covers both structural and thermal performance. This promises that a building will perform 'as-built' over the life of the property, reducing envelope maintenance and subsequent repair costs. The guarantee is being offered because IPN-QuadCore's closed-cell structure resists moisture ingress, which maintains the structural integrity of the core and cuts the risk of additional moisture weight, a leading cause of structural failure in similarproducts.

IPN-QuadCore is currently being introduced to cold-store insulated panels, with a wider rollout commencing later in 2015.

US: According to local media, Owens Corning plans to open a US$90m production plant in Joplin, Missouri, which is expected to create more than 100 jobs. The plant will manufacture Thermafiber, mineral wool insulation for commercial, residential and industrial applications. Owens Corning expects the plant to be fully-operational in 2016.

"As a company that only operates in markets with attractive long-term macro drivers such as global industrial production, material substitution, US housing and energy efficiency, our decision to locate in Joplin says a lot about the region and the state. Our new location puts us close to attractive markets and accessible raw materials, a decision we believe will result in higher productivity and an increase in efficiency," said Julian Francis, president of Owens Corning Insulation. "We will benefit from Missouri's reputable workforce. As demand for mineral wool increases, we will need many hands on deck to fulfil orders and we are eager to tap into the state's talent."

As an incentive to assist Owens Corning with its expansion, the Department of Economic Development has offered a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria. The City of Joplin, the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Carl Junction School District, Jasper County and the Missouri Partnership also are assisting with the company's expansion.

"This announcement is terrific news for families in the region that will benefit from these new jobs," said Governor Jay Nixon. "Owens Corning's decision is a testament to our strong manufacturing sector, which has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. While some states are losing manufacturers to other countries, we are attracting new companies and selling more Missouri-made products around the globe."