US: Kingspan Insulation has appointed Doug Crawford as its new Managing Director in charge of operations for North America. Crawford's appointment became effective on 2 January 2019.

Crawford has held numerous roles in corporate development and line management for Oldcastle (CRH) over the last decade. He most recently served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Meadow Burke Products, a manufacturer and supplier of accessories for concrete construction. Prior to joining Oldcastle, Crawford was a consultant with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Romania: Sika has agreed to acquire Arcon Membrane, a manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems including thermal insulation systems for facades and roofs. Its insulation systems combine expanded polystyrene (EPS) sheets and bituminous membranes. Sika says that by buying Arcon it will strengthen its position in the local market and extend its product portfolio to meet the increasing demand for complete solutions in the roofing and waterproofing markets. The transaction is subject to approval by the Romanian anti-trust authority. No value for the purchase has been disclosed.

“Arcon’s market leading position, comprehensive product portfolio, and established distribution network will support our growth strategy by opening up new cross-selling opportunities, as well as increasing our market access and the penetration of key project,” said Ivo Schädler, Regional Manager Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Sika.

UK: The UK government plans to adopt the recommendations made by Dame Judith Hackitt in her review of building regulations and fire safety published following the Grenfell Tower fire in mid-2017. Other commitments the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has made include creating a new regulatory and accountability framework to provide greater oversight of the industry and introducing clearer standards and guidance, including establishing a new Standards Committee to advise on construction product and system standards and regulations. It says it will place residents at the heart of the new system, with new routes for engagement and redress, and that it wants to help create a culture change and a more responsible building industry. In addition to setting out its plans to implement the changes called for by Hackitt, the government says that a full review of fire safety guidance within building regulations has also been launched.

New Zealand: Germany’s Knauf and US-based USG have applied to the Commerce Commission asked for clearance for the two companies to merge. USG is active in New Zealand through its 50% interest in USG Boral Building Products, which supplies gypsum wallboard, suspended ceiling components and other building materials. Knauf is active in the import and supply of products used for modular suspended ceilings and insulation in New Zealand. The proposed merger is also to be assessed by competition authorities in several jurisdictions including Australia, USA and Singapore.