Germany: Steico, a manufacturer of thermal insulation made from wood, has reported that its sales rose by 10.6% year-on-year to Euro209m in 2016 from Euro189m in 2015. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 34.4% to Euro33.2m from Euro24.7m. The company said that ‘very pleasing growth’ was noted for its wood-fibre insulation materials in 2016 but it didn’t specific any volumes. It did mention ‘continued price pressure’ in the period as well as increased exports.

US: Sika has completed the acquisition of Rmax Operating, a US-based producer of polyiso insulation products, on 31 January 2017. The deal was originally announced in mid-December 2016. Sika has said that the purchase is intended to bolster its presence in North America, particularly in roofing, sealants and waterproofing markets.

Germany: Jean-Claude Carlin has been appointed as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Knauf Insulation with effect from 1 February 2017. Carlin is a member of the Knauf Group leadership team having led the Knauf Industries business as Group CEO since 2009. He succeeds Thies Knauf.

Carlin joined Knauf Industries in 2008 after almost 20 years working for Timken, a manufacturer of bearings and mechanical power transmission products. At Timken he held various operations and management positions in Europe, India and the US. Carlin is a French national and has degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Economics. He will be based in Knauf Insulation’s new global headquarters in Visé, Belgium.

Knauf Insulation has also established an Executive Committee that will define and implement the group’s strategy and manage of its operations worldwide. Carlin will be joined on the Executive Committee by David Ducarme, appointed as Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Deputy CEO, and Jens Nilsson, Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Belgium: BASF has increased the methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) production capacity to 0.65Mt/yr from 0.56Mt/yr at its Verbund plant in Antwerp. MDI is used to manufacture polyurethanes, which are used in insulation production and other materials.