Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

US: Huntsman has announced an agreement to acquire Icynene-Lapolla, a North American manufacturer and distributor of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation systems for residential and commercial applications, for US$350m from an affiliate of FFL Partners. Icynene-Lapolla operates two manufacturing facilities located in Houston, Texas and Mississauga, Ontario. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2020.

“I am delighted that Icynene-Lapolla is joining our downstream, high-growth MDI urethanes insulation business. Icynene-Lapolla is well recognised by architects, builders and contractors as a market leader in the manufacture and supply of high-performance, energy-efficient building envelope solutions,” said Tony Hankins, the president of Huntsman's Polyurethanes division. He added that the combination of Icynene-Lapolla, with its SPF product range and reflective roof coatings, with Demilec, the SPF business that Huntsman acquired in 2018, would ‘significantly’ strengthen its energy-saving insulation business.

Spain: The National Association of Mortar Manufacturers (AFAM) and the Association of Mortar Manufacturers and SATE (Anfapa) have announced their unification as a single organisation under the name of Anfapa. Alimarket has reported that the body will serve the interests of over 40 members and associates as ‘the qualified voice of an important subsector of the construction industry, giving it a broader and unanimous front.’

France: Saint-Gobain has announced the sale of its subsidiary Civil Engineering Materials Distribution (DMTP) to Frans Bonhomme Group on 29 November 2019 for Euro70m. This brings the total value of Saint-Gobain’s 2019 divestments to Euro3.3bn. It has stated that it will proceed with the sale of its assets, in spite of having exceeded its target of Euro3.0bn before 1 January 2020.

Romania: Switzerland’s Sika has announced its purchase of Adeplast, a mortars and thermal insulation producer, subject to clearance from Romanian anti-trust authorities. Adeplast generates Euro109m/yr across its four plants. Sika’s Europe, Middle East and Africa regional manager Ivo Schädler spoke positively of ‘exciting crossselling opportunities’ and the possibility of increased market penetration.

US: The building products manufacturer Johns Manville has announced its acquisition of ITW Insulation Systems, which specialises in low-temperature polyisocyanurate foam insulation and metal jacketing solutions, for an undisclosed price. Business Wire has reported that the deal is scheduled for closure in December 2019. Johns Manville CEO and president Mary Rhinehart said that the acquisition ‘will give greater versatility to Johns Mansville’s robust and well-rounded portfolio of insulation solutions.’