Etex has announced a AUD 44 million investment across its Australian plasterboard manufacturing network, with upgrades planned at four Siniat production sites to increase capacity, improve operational efficiency and strengthen supply reliability.
According to the company, the investment will fund upgrades at facilities in Altona, Victoria; Hazelmere, Western Australia; Bundaberg, Queensland; and Matraville, New South Wales. Etex said the improvements are intended to support customer growth as demand for plasterboard increases, with the Australian market projected to grow by more than 20 per cent in volume by 2032, driven by housing shortages and demand from the non-residential construction sector.
In a news release, the company said the programme is expected to create 14 new jobs across its Bundaberg and Hazelmere operations, while project delivery is scheduled between the second quarter of 2027 and early 2028.
“Our success in Australia has been built on strong local operations and trusted relationships with customers,” said Gavin Burton, Asia-Pacific Regional Head of Etex’s Building Performance Division.
“By continuing to invest in our operations, we are positioning Etex Australia for long-term growth while ensuring we can better meet our customers’ evolving needs, and expand our presence across the region.”
Under the investment programme, the Altona site will receive upgrades to its calcination workshop and expanded plasterboard warehouse capacity. Hazelmere will add calcination capacity, while Bundaberg will expand warehousing and upgrade logistics operations to support higher production volumes. At Matraville, Etex will improve existing equipment to enhance operational efficiency and optimise site performance.
Rob Verguizas, Country Manager Australia, said the investment was aimed at strengthening the company’s manufacturing network to meet future demand.
“These investments reflect our commitment to strengthening our operations in Australia and supporting the growth of our customers in a dynamic market,” Verguizas said.
“By improving operational performance, we are preparing our network to better meet future demand across the country.”
According to Etex, the investment follows its acquisition of Knauf’s former Australian plasterboard business in 2021 and BGC’s plasterboard and fibre cement businesses in Australia and New Zealand in 2024.
The company said the latest investment supports its broader strategy of expanding its presence in high-growth markets outside Europe.
Etex currently operates 23 sites across Australia and employs more than 600 people, with brands including EQUITONE, Innova, Promat, Siniat and Skamol.
