Etex, a lightweight construction solutions provider, is reinforcing its commitment to Australia through an investment programme across its manufacturing network.
The programme totals $44 million, with targeted upgrades planned at its Siniat plasterboard production sites in Altona, Victoria; Hazelmere, Western Australia; Bundaberg, Queensland; and Matraville, New South Wales.
The investment comes as the Australian plasterboard market is projected to grow more than 20 per cent in volume by 2032, driven by a housing shortage and rising non-residential demand.
The upgrades are designed to expand plasterboard production capacity, support market growth across the country, and generate new employment opportunities, with a total of 14 new roles expected across the Bundaberg and Hazelmere sites.
Gavin Burton, Asia Pacific Regional Head of Etex’s Building Performance Division, said the investment builds on a foundation of strong local operations.
“Our success in Australia has been built on strong local operations and trusted relationships with customers,” said Burton.
“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.”
At the Altona site in Victoria, the project includes upgrading the calcination workshop to improve production, along with expanded plasterboard warehouse capacity.
In Hazelmere, Western Australia, additional calcination capacity will be installed to strengthen the site’s capabilities.
At Bundaberg in Queensland, additional warehousing and upgrades to logistics operations will support higher production volumes.
In Matraville, New South Wales, targeted improvements to existing equipment will help enhance operational efficiency and optimise overall site performance.
The impact of these investments is expected to be delivered between the second quarter of 2027 and early 2028.
Rob Verguizas, Country Manager Australia, said the investments reflect the company’s long-term commitment to the region.
“These investments reflect our commitment to strengthening our operations in Australia and supporting the growth of our customers in a dynamic market,” said Verguizas.
“By improving operational performance, we are preparing our network to better meet future demand across the country.”
The $44 million programme builds on a series of recent developments for the company in the Australian market.
These include Etex’s acquisition of Knauf’s former plasterboard business in Australia in 2021, and its acquisition of BGC’s plasterboard and fibre cement businesses in Australia and New Zealand in 2024.
Together, these moves reinforce Etex’s broader strategy of expanding its footprint in high-potential regions beyond Europe.
Etex currently operates 23 sites across Australia and employs more than 600 people nationwide.
The company’s Australian portfolio includes a range of leading commercial brands, among them EQUITONE, Innova, Promat, Siniat and Skamol.
With plasterboard demand expected to climb steadily through the next decade, the latest round of upgrades positions Etex to meet growing customer needs while reinforcing supply reliability across its national network.
The company says the investment underscores its confidence in the long-term outlook for the Australian construction sector, and its intention to remain a key supplier as the market continues to expand.
