British Gypsum closes order book and goes on allocation

British Gypsum is not accepting any new orders until 18 May fuelling fears of continuing shortages of plasterboard and plaster. The news follows the results of a Build UK material survey that warns that key products are in short supply.

In a statement British Gypsum confirmed that it is closing its current open order book from 30 April 2020. It will introduce an allocation system from week commencing Monday 18 May 2020. The manufacturer only lifted allocations of Gyproc plasterboard and resumed normal distribution in January, after production capacity increased to match demand in 2019, then suspending all non-essential operations on 31 March.

Matt Pullen, managing director at British Gypsum, said: “From 1st to 15th May, we will aim to fulfil all existing accepted and confirmed orders, subject to product availability. New orders may be placed from Monday 11th May for delivery from 18th May onwards in line with advised allocation quantities.”

A Build UK survey found that plaster and plasterboard were in short supply; however, with key suppliers now re-opening their factories, this should start to ease.

One industry source told Spector that: “Shortages are holding our customers back and where materials are available prices are escalating.”

Other materials are proving difficult to get hold of include aggregates and bricks. Although, data from the Construction Products Association (CPA) and the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) indicates availability in the supply chain. Not surprisingly, there is also significant demand for facemasks, gloves and hand sanitiser.