Belgian construction material group Etex is planning to build a £140m plasterboard factory in Bristol.

New factory will be built next to the existing plant in Bristol Port

Etex Building Performance, the dry construction arm of the group, will develop an advanced plasterboard manufacturing facility for its Siniat brand at the Royal Portbury Dock in Bristol Port, adding significantly to its production capacity in the UK. 

A brownfield industrial site has been secured close to its existing plant, maximising its ability to import raw materials sustainably along the Bristol Channel.  

Subject to planning Etex hopes to start production in 2022 and once operating at capacity, the new plant will double its Bristol-based production of certain plasterboard products. 

The company’s two existing plants at Bristol and Ferrybridge will continue to operate.      

The investment is Etex’s largest single capital investment to date in the UK which boasts Europe’s largest plasterboard market. 

The new facility will serve Siniat’s customers across the UK, including projects in the residential, commercial and renovation sectors, and will manufacture the company’s full plasterboard product range.    

Neil Ash, head of Etex Building Performance (North West Europe), said: “This commitment to the UK construction market will not only provide our customers with better service and reliability of supply, it will also enable us to capitalise on a growing plasterboard market as clients recognise the productivity benefits that lightweight construction offers. 

“Investing in this added capacity also strengthens our ability to develop superior building material systems for our UK customers, helping to create high-performing buildings that meet the needs of the people who use them.�