Latest news with #MarkRayfield
Business Wire
29-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Saint-Gobain Announces Acquisition of Interstar Materials Inc.
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Saint-Gobain Group has acquired the business assets of Interstar Materials Inc. (Interstar), further strengthening its expansion in North America's Construction Chemicals sector. Today's acquisition of Interstar's business assets and team into the organization will further strengthen Saint-Gobain's position in the construction chemicals market and will mark the company's entrance into granular pigments for concrete. This acquisition follows recent action by the company in the construction chemicals sector in the United States and Canada, including the acquisitions of Chryso in 2021 and GCP Applied Technologies in 2022. With over 30 years of manufacturing experience, Interstar has been a leading North American manufacturer of products for the growing decorative concrete industry, allowing for the creation of concrete that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Interstar offers a full portfolio of solutions for all segments of the concrete market including ready mix, stamped concrete, block, pavers, and precast. With this latest acquisition, Saint-Gobain will add over C$20 million to its revenue and establish a strong presence in the granular pigments industry in North America. The business will continue to operate from its headquarters in Sherbrooke, Quebec, as well as at additional facilities in Calgary, Alberta, and Junction City, Illinois. Saint-Gobain will also welcome 55 new employees, whose expertise will enhance the capabilities of its Construction Chemicals business. 'With this acquisition, we are continuing to strengthen our leadership in the Construction Chemicals segment,' said Mark Rayfield, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain North America. 'Interstar Materials, Inc. is an ideal partner for Saint-Gobain, sharing our commitment to innovation and sustainable construction. I am excited to collaborate with the Interstar team and welcome their employees into our business. Together, we will continue to drive progress toward our mission of 'Making the World a Better Home.'' 'This acquisition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to continually enhance our best-in-class product and service offerings, ensuring we meet and exceed our customers' expectations,' said Steven Williams, President, Construction Chemicals, Infrastructure, and Commercial North America. 'The Interstar team and I are thrilled to join Saint-Gobain's Construction Chemical's business and work with the Chryso team,' said Zachary Gillman, President of Interstar Materials, Inc. 'From the outset of the acquisition process, it was clear that our companies share common values — a commitment to quality, integrity, innovation, and growth. I am especially excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for Interstar employees as part of the Saint-Gobain Group.' Saint-Gobain will continue to operate the granular pigment and dispenser business under the Interstar brand within US and Canada. Today's announcement follows several other recent growth investments announced by Saint-Gobain: In February, Saint-Gobain announced the expansion of its NorPro Ceramics business with a new facility in Niagara County, New York. First announced in 2023, Saint-Gobain will complete several expansions at plant facilities later this year to increase production capacity and further meet demand in the United States, including in roofing at its facility in Peachtree City, Georgia, gypsum wallboard in Palatka, Florida and glass mat in Oxford, North Carolina. Later this year, Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed Canada will complete an announced investment to upgrade equipment at its gypsum facility outside Montreal, which will increase the plant's production capacity by up to 40%. The plant will also be powered solely by renewable electricity from Hydro-Quebec, making it the first zero-carbon wallboard plant in North America for scope 1 and 2 emissions. With over 160 manufacturing locations in Canada and the United States, every current and future member of the company's team plays a vital role in achieving its sustainability goals. A current list of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations can be found on the company's careers website. About Saint-Gobain Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose 'MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME'. €46.6 billion in sales in 2024 166,000 employees, locations in 80 countries Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 About Interstar Materials, Inc. For over thirty years, Interstar has been a leader in the pigment industry — renowned for their innovation, quality, and responsive, flexible customer service in all sectors of the concrete industry. Interstar's propriety Granastar ® granular pigment has revolutionized the ready mix industry, making it easier and more efficient to color ready mix concrete with their pigment and automated dispensing systems.
National Post
29-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
Saint-Gobain Announces Acquisition of Interstar Materials Inc.
Acquisition of business assets of leader in granular pigment manufacturing for all segments of the concrete market including ready mix, stamped concrete, block, pavers, and precast will further strengthen Saint-Gobain's Construction Chemicals activities in Canada and the United States Article content PARIS — Saint-Gobain Group has acquired the business assets of Interstar Materials Inc. (Interstar), further strengthening its expansion in North America's Construction Chemicals sector. Today's acquisition of Interstar's business assets and team into the organization will further strengthen Saint-Gobain's position in the construction chemicals market and will mark the company's entrance into granular pigments for concrete. This acquisition follows recent action by the company in the construction chemicals sector in the United States and Canada, including the acquisitions of Chryso in 2021 and GCP Applied Technologies in 2022. Article content With over 30 years of manufacturing experience, Interstar has been a leading North American manufacturer of products for the growing decorative concrete industry, allowing for the creation of concrete that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Interstar offers a full portfolio of solutions for all segments of the concrete market including ready mix, stamped concrete, block, pavers, and precast. Article content With this latest acquisition, Saint-Gobain will add over C$20 million to its revenue and establish a strong presence in the granular pigments industry in North America. The business will continue to operate from its headquarters in Sherbrooke, Quebec, as well as at additional facilities in Calgary, Alberta, and Junction City, Illinois. Saint-Gobain will also welcome 55 new employees, whose expertise will enhance the capabilities of its Construction Chemicals business. Article content 'With this acquisition, we are continuing to strengthen our leadership in the Construction Chemicals segment,' said Mark Rayfield, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain North America. 'Interstar Materials, Inc. is an ideal partner for Saint-Gobain, sharing our commitment to innovation and sustainable construction. I am excited to collaborate with the Interstar team and welcome their employees into our business. Together, we will continue to drive progress toward our mission of 'Making the World a Better Home.'' Article content 'This acquisition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to continually enhance our best-in-class product and service offerings, ensuring we meet and exceed our customers' expectations,' said Steven Williams, President, Construction Chemicals, Infrastructure, and Commercial North America. Article content 'The Interstar team and I are thrilled to join Saint-Gobain's Construction Chemical's business and work with the Chryso team,' said Zachary Gillman, President of Interstar Materials, Inc. 'From the outset of the acquisition process, it was clear that our companies share common values — a commitment to quality, integrity, innovation, and growth. I am especially excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for Interstar employees as part of the Saint-Gobain Group.' Article content Saint-Gobain will continue to operate the granular pigment and dispenser business under the Interstar brand within US and Canada. Article content Today's announcement follows several other recent growth investments announced by Saint-Gobain: Article content Article content In February, Saint-Gobain announced the expansion of its NorPro Ceramics business with a new facility in Niagara County, New York. First announced in 2023, Saint-Gobain will complete several expansions at plant facilities later this year to increase production capacity and further meet demand in the United States, including in roofing at its facility in Peachtree City, Georgia, gypsum wallboard in Palatka, Florida and glass mat in Oxford, North Carolina. Later this year, Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed Canada will complete an announced investment to upgrade equipment at its gypsum facility outside Montreal, which will increase the plant's production capacity by up to 40%. The plant will also be powered solely by renewable electricity from Hydro-Quebec, making it the first zero-carbon wallboard plant in North America for scope 1 and 2 emissions. Article content With over 160 manufacturing locations in Canada and the United States, every current and future member of the company's team plays a vital role in achieving its sustainability goals. A current list of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations can be found on the company's careers website. Article content About Saint-Gobain Article content Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose 'MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME'. Article content About Interstar Materials, Inc. Article content For over thirty years, Interstar has been a leader in the pigment industry — renowned for their innovation, quality, and responsive, flexible customer service in all sectors of the concrete industry. Interstar's propriety Granastar ® granular pigment has revolutionized the ready mix industry, making it easier and more efficient to color ready mix concrete with their pigment and automated dispensing systems. Article content Article content Article content Article content
Associated Press
28-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Sustainable Construction: The United States and Global Trends Decrypted by the 3rd Edition of the Saint-Gobain Barometer
At the crossroads of demographic, social, energy, and climate challenges faced by societies, the construction sector must accelerate its transformation towards a more sustainable model. This involves designing a built environment that positively contributes to the health and well-being of individuals, is resilient to climate hazards, has low carbon emissions, and provides accessible housing for all—without compromising on quality or performance. This transition cannot happen without the collective commitment of all industry stakeholders. It is with this goal in mind that Saint-Gobain launched the Sustainable Construction Observatory in 2023. As part of this initiative, the 3rd edition of the Sustainable Construction Barometer, a global study conducted with Occurrence–IFOP, is presented today. It measures the progress made on this essential topic. This study is structured around 24 questions, asked to 4,000 stakeholders representative of the sector, along with an additional 27,000 citizens who responded to four specific questions. The responses helped identify key levers to accelerate sustainable construction in The United States and globally. Benoit Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain: 'The conclusion is simple: we must act now. For sustainable construction to become the norm, it must be better understood and fully integrated into the expectations of both citizens and professionals. Beyond its environmental impact, its tangible benefits in terms of comfort, health, and well-being are still too often unknown or underestimated. To scale up, a global approach adapted to local realities is essential, taking into account uses, territories, and on-the-ground realities.' Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain in North America: 'This year's Barometer results clearly show improvement in US awareness of sustainable construction and its benefits for the environment, our health, comfort, and wallets. By building in a sustainable manner, we can strengthen the energy efficiency and resilience of buildings, saving building owners money in the long run. As key players in the industry, we must all do our part to continue to educate on these important benefits.' A global analysis to accelerate sustainable construction all around the world Launched in 2023 with 10 countries, the Sustainable Construction Barometer now covers 27 countries1, with a broad spectrum of stakeholders: professionals, students, elected local officials / local government representatives and members of associations. New this year, the survey also collected data from 27,000 regular citizens, giving them a voice in the debate on sustainable construction. Four key learnings A greater awareness of sustainable construction 67% of stakeholders claim to have a good grasp of the concept of sustainable construction. This figure has risen by 6 points over the past year. The perceived urgency to act on the subject remains high: 69% of stakeholders consider the implementation of more sustainable construction a priority. This stable result is backed up by a perception shared by citizens, who are on board with the issue: 60% consider it a priority, and 95% consider it important. The challenge now lies in converting this high level of stakeholder and public awareness into concrete actions, while taking local specificities into account. This desire to move forward is not expressed with the same intensity everywhere. In the United States, 34% of citizens surveyed acknowledged they had not heard of the concept of sustainable construction. What's more, the implementation of sustainable construction is perceived as a secondary consideration by 11% of stakeholders and 9% of citizens, the second-highest level worldwide. This points to the need for additional outreach and education on the benefits of sustainable construction to the public. Beyond the consensus to accelerate the sector's transition, the role of private players is praised 87% of stakeholders believe that we need to 'go further' in sustainable construction. Those involved in the design phase, positioned upstream in the value chain, appear as essential drivers: 56% of stakeholders consider architects and engineering firms to be the most legitimate players to advance this transition, followed by private companies in the sector at 44%. However, priorities vary widely from region to region: This diversity of regional challenges underlines the importance of tailoring sustainable construction strategies to local specificities, while preserving a strong global dynamic. A definition still largely associated with the environment, but resilience is gaining ground, while well-being remains in the background While stakeholders claim to better understand the concept, they still associate sustainable construction primarily with environmental issues. The energy efficiency of buildings (35%) and the use of ecofriendly materials (31%) remain the main criteria for defining the concept. Resilience in the face of climatic hazards is becoming an increasingly important issue. This topic has seen the strongest growth since the previous edition, reaching 21% (+8 points compared to 2024). Its importance varies by region, topping concerns in Africa (35%) and Asia-Pacific (32%), regions particularly exposed. The 'human' dimension of sustainable construction is still struggling to gain acceptance and remains relegated to the background. Only 15% of stakeholders and 15% of citizens associate sustainable construction with improved occupant well-being, even though this aspect could play a key role in its acceptance and deployment. Stakeholder awareness still insufficiently translated into concrete commitments Although stakeholders claim to be familiar with sustainable construction, only 28% say they are fully informed on the subject, and 35% of professionals have taken dedicated training. This still partial mastery of the subject may explain a certain limit to concrete commitments. The challenge for all value chain actors is therefore to transform this collective awareness into concrete actions. This challenge is a tremendous opportunity for mobilization. Focus on sustainable construction in the United States Beyond the Barometer, the Sustainable Construction Observatory The Sustainable Construction Observatory, launched in 2023, is also structured around Sustainable Construction Talks - meetings held internationally, alongside major multilateral events, but also at national level - and an online media Constructing a Sustainable Future, which today publishes its third special edition in paper and flipbook formats on the theme: 'Sustainable Construction: How to keep innovating?'. Through the eyes of experts and inspiring projects, this edition explores the levers needed to accelerate the sector's transformation towards more sustainable construction. About Saint-Gobain Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose 'MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME'. €46.6 billion in sales in 2024161,000 employees, locations in 80 countriesCommitted to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050 1Countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Saint-Gobain
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This construction materials company isn't as vulnerable to tariffs
Saint-Gobain reported better-than-expected Q1 revenue, sending shares higher on Friday. The housing and construction industry has been facing pressure due to concerns about how tariffs will increase prices. But as Saint-Gobain North America CEO Mark Rayfield explains in the video above, his business may not feel the same impact of tariffs that others in the construction space may face. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Market Domination here. Saint-Gobain shares rising today after the French supplier of construction materials posted better than expected revenue for the first quarter. It also reaffirmed guidance amid tariff concerns. For more, we've got Mark Rayfield, Saint-Gobain North America CEO. Mark, it's good to see you again. Thanks a lot for being here. Nice to see you as well. Thanks for having me. So, as we've talked about before, but just to reiterate here for our viewers, you guys are not very exposed to tariffs because the construction materials you're selling in the US, roofing, drywall, etc., is pretty much made in the US, right? Talk me through, um, you know, kind of the the flow of your supply chain just briefly for for people who aren't familiar. Sure. I love to. So we have about 60 plants in the US and 30 plants in Canada to service those local markets. We manufacture the roofing and gypsum very local to where they're supplied. So we have plants in Florida for the Southeast and New England for the Northeast. They're very heavy products. The raw materials are local, the customers are local. So we're not very heavily impacted by tariffs at all. There's some very minor raw materials that may cross the border here or there, but really we're a local business for local customers. So have a question for you, Julian and I were here discussing right before you came on just what's next for the housing markets, right? We see this kind of conflicting data that's an uncertain path. Who better to ask than someone that serves that directly with supplies? I mean, how do you make sense of the fact that we have more finished homes right now in the US than we did right around, you know, pandemic levels, right? The last crisis. Um, and pri- is it a pricing issue? Is it interest rates? Is it a supply, you know, inflation? Where do you come down on that? And what what is the the the factor that breaks the levy so that housing really, uh, rekindles its growth? Yeah, I'll give you an opinion. I think the answers are very difficult to answer and I probably don't have the correct one. I mean, the reality is there's so many different indicators going forward. What we look at is the basic fundamentals of housing are strong, the family creation, the underbuilt concept of about 2 to 3 million in the US and almost 2 million in Canada of underbuilt homes. So there is a demand there, there's a need there for housing in the short, mid, and long term. You have lots of different numbers coming out. So you have the very low new or existing home sales number that just came out this week. When you look at that, it's okay, this is the end of the world. If you look at the other side of that, you could say, okay, inventories now are building up to a normal level of homes for sale. That's bringing prices down below inflation, which is making affordability, which has been one of the bigger issues off the table to some degree. So I think when interest rates get to 6% or so, you have a releasing of a lot of activity and then you have a consumer confidence issue that kind of touches on everything in that perspective. Having said that, a lot of our business and a lot of business in the building materials business is renovation and remodeling. And you can take the same both sides of the coin view there that when you sell a house, you remodel it before you sell it, when you buy it, you remodel it so it fits what you want. By the same token, if you stay in it longer, decide not to sell because you were couldn't find the right house, you again remodel there like we saw in COVID. So each indicator that we look at has kind of a counterbalance to it. And what gives us comfort is our great results in the first quarter and the fact that over two thirds of our business is renovation remodeling, and a good portion of that is non-discretionary. Your roof leaks, you replace your roof. Your siding's damaged, you replace your siding. And and so Mark, is that the case even if there were to be a recession? And I want to ask this question not just for the United States, but for Canada, which is a big market for you guys as well, and which is definitely at risk from tariffs. So when you start to see even if it's just a mild recession, say, if you do see any economic pullback, we already know that consumer sentiment is lousy. Um, how do you expect all of that to affect spending on your products in this market and in our, uh, northern neighbor? Well, I think, you know, what we're seeing in Canada today is actually kind of surprising. We're seeing an uptick in housing right now there. So they're actually having a good swing up off of a low base. But but if there's a recession, it would probably impact everybody. But again, it doesn't impact renovation and remodeling anywhere near the level it does new house building, and it doesn't impact non-discretionary spending, which most of your roofing, a good portion of your siding is in that non-discretionary side of the business. And a lot of your commercial projects where your gypsum and insulation go into are long-term projects that are started. So, I mean, you're always looking at the economy, looking at risk going forward, but but in essence, I I do the same thing you do. Look at all the reports coming out every day and, you know, part of your body goes, oh my god, this could be really bad here, then you go back and look at the counter side of it, and then you look what we're seeing in the market, which is still good demand. Some of our businesses are still sold out and we're still seeing good pull through under distribution and into the marketplace. Yeah, I I think I guess what are the negative potential risk for the business because I sit here not very accustomed with your company, and now I am intrigued because you're essentially a consumer staple in the real estate market, right? For non-discretionary spending, you're not exposed to tariffs, which is a complete rarity today. Um, is there a valuation concern? What do you see as potential risks that could change the business for you? I think they they evolve. I mean there was a risk when interest rates were going up that people were waiting for lower interest rates. I think that's settled a little bit. I think now people might be thinking, you know, six on the interest rate versus a three is a good interest rate, so we're closer to that number going forward. You have an affordability index. So again, the the number of homes that are on the market now increasing, while it could be viewed as a negative as far as month on month sales, actually is bringing deflation into the marketplace, making it more affordable from that perspective. And then there's always, on a good market, the challenge we look at is labor, making sure there's enough labor to build and renovate homes going forward. And that's always kind of has been the the point of, of, you know, inflection, so to speak, on when the housing market picks up that can slow us down. Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
21-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Saint-Gobain North America Recognized As Finalist for Three 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Awards From the National Association of Manufacturers
Saint-Gobain North America announced today that its team members have been named finalists by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) in three 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Awards categories. Saint-Gobain North America's Circular Economy Solutions team was recognized in the Sustainability and Circular Economy category for enhancing the company's transition from a linear to a circular production model. CertainTeed One Precision Assemblies was also named a finalist in the category of Business Model Transformation for its efforts to dramatically accelerate the construction of more resilient homes while enabling profitable growth for homebuilders. Finally, CisLee Trost, Project Engineer for CertainTeed and part of Saint-Gobain's Essentials of Manufacturing engineering training program, was honored as a finalist for Next-Generation Leader. NAM is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Established in 2005, the Manufacturing Leadership Awards by NAM's workforce development and education affiliate, The Manufacturing Institute, recognize operational and leadership excellence and the companies and leaders that are shaping the future of global manufacturing. 'Our Saint-Gobain teams make our success possible, and I continue to be inspired, but not surprised, by the innovative thinking creating sustainable and efficient solutions for our customers and the industry,' said Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America. 'Congratulations to CisLee, our Circular Economy Solutions and CertainTeed One Precision Assemblies teams for leading great projects and making significant advancements in the manufacturing field.' Sustainability and Circular Economy Award – Saint-Gobain North AmericaSaint-Gobain North America is being recognized for its effort to enhance the company's circularity model through its venture business Circular Economy Solutions (CES), which launched two years ago. The team is organized along competencies – Strategy & Business Development, Policy & Advocacy, and Innovation – and works across all SGNA businesses to support existing circularity initiatives and unearth new growth opportunities centered on circularity. CES focuses on circularity problems that are high impact, reimagines existing business models to develop new waste-to-value pathways, collaborates with third parties to pool competencies, lower risk, and execute pilots for problem-solution fit, and scales successful pilots. Business Model Transformation – One Precision Assemblies by CertainTeedFirst launched in June of 2023 and further scaled in 2024, ONE Precision Assemblies (OPA) by CertainTeed is one of Saint-Gobain's newest solutions, addressing some of the largest challenges faced by homebuilders: labor shortages, schedule delays, energy performance, and the increased need for housing resilience. By offering built-to-spec floor, wall, and roof panels manufactured using industry-leading automation in a controlled, factory setting, Saint-Gobain is working to introduce a new model where fully assembled solutions are ready for use quickly rather than individual materials delivered to a job site. The business represents a milestone in the building and construction industries in the United States. Next-Generation Leadership Award – CisLee Trost, CertainTeed As a project engineer taking part in Saint-Gobain's innovative Essentials of Manufacturing program for recent engineering graduates, CisLee Trost is recognized for leading a multi-million-dollar project focused on implementing a groundbreaking waste recycling process that will divert thousands of tons of landfill-bound waste from our plant in Little Rock, Arkansas each year. This project not only embodies innovation but represents a significant shift in both industry practice and environmental stewardship within our manufacturing operations. Hired full-time following the conclusion of her Essentials of Manufacturing program, CisLee is now a Reliability Engineer for CertainTeed's Commercial Building and Infrastructure division. This recognition is the latest Saint-Gobain North America has received in recent months for its commitment to the development of a dynamic workplace. received a strong 90 out of 100 scoreTop Employer With over 160 manufacturing locations in the United States and Canada, every current and future member of the company's team plays a vital role in achieving its sustainability goals. A current list of job openings at all Saint-Gobain locations can be found on the company's career website. About Saint-Gobain Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose 'MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME'. €46.6 billion in sales in 2024161,000 employees, locations in 80 countriesCommitted to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050 For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit and follow us on Twitter @ saintgobain MEDIA CONTACTS Peter Clark(+1) 603 513 8513 Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Saint-Gobain
