Turkey: The US-based chemical company Huntsman has acquired Turkey's EMA Kimya Sistemleri Sanayi ve Ticaret for an undisclosed sum. The Istanbul-based company has the capacity to manufacture polyester polyols and blend methyl di-p-phenylene isocyanate (MDI) PU systems used in the insulation, automotive, adhesives, coatings, elastomers and furniture industries. EMI's 2010 revenues were about Euro13m.

US: Three US-based companies, Birdair of Amherst (New York), Cabot Corp of Billerica (Massachusetts) and Geiger Engineers of Suffern (New York), have jointly developed an architectural fabric that they claim boasts the most effective insulation available anywhere in the world.

Their development, Tensotherm, is Birdair's architectural fabric and can now be supplied with additional layers of aerogel-filled nonwoven blankets, the aerogel used being Cabot's Lumira.

The companies say that the insulation reduces energy consumption and the costs associated with heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Moreover, the insulation does not lose its effectiveness or deteriorate over time or under compression, as is the case with traditional materials.

The use of the Lumira aerogel also improves acoustic properties and greatly reduces a building's lifecycle costs, according to Cabot. Its performance means that architects and designers can now exploit large areas of daylight within walls and roofs, which can be as energy-efficient as an insulated solid wall. In addition, the natural light-diffusing performance and elimination of glare creates a soft interior light.

Cabot's Aerogel Global Business Manager, James Satterwhite said, "Energy efficiency and sustainability are paramount in every architect's design and thought process. Coupled with that is the realisation that high-level lifecycle performance and cost savings, particularly with the unpredictability of energy prices, are vital. Over the next decade, we expect that high-performance insulation systems will become increasingly common as specifiers seek to meet or exceed increasingly strict building regulations."

Photo courtesy: Birdair,Inc

North America: Jeff Templeton has been elected to the position of chairman by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). He is currently vice president and general manager for CertainTeed Corporation's residential, commercial, lumber and retail insulation business. A graduate of Ball State University Templeton has 35 years' of experience in the building materials industry, holding a wide variety of key roles at CertainTeed, including in residential, commercial, industrial, sales and marketing. He is currently active within CertainTeed's government affairs efforts.

"We are pleased that Mr Templeton has accepted the position," said the CEO and president of NAIMA, Kate Offringa. "He has been an active member of the NAIMA board of governors for several years and brings a wealth of leadership, experience and insight to the table."

Denmark/Poland: Rockwool International announced on 28 November 2011 that it had received the necessary approvals to acquire Polish insulation systems manufacturer Fast s.p. zoo and had closed the transaction.

The agreement was first announced in June 2011. Closing was originally expected to take place by the end of October 2011. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Fast, also known as Etics, is one of the leading players in the Polish market for external facade insulation systems. Through this acquisition the Danish company will gain expertise in coating and plaster production, as well as colouring techniques.