Plasterboard prices to rise in 2013

Contractors buying plasterboard and dry lining systems from British Gypsum, Knauf and Siniat (formerly Lafarge)  will be paying more come 1 January 2013.

Manufacturers are looking to push prices up by around four per cent but British Gypsum say they will guarantee to hold their prices for at least twelve months.

Industry sources told Specfinish that they questioned the move and believe that contractor margins are so tight that the market can not sustain any upward movement in prices.

In a statement, David Travill, sales director at British Gypsum, said: “Like all manufacturers, British Gypsum’s product pricing is subject to market conditions and has to take into consideration input costs, such as energy and fuel.

“We work with our suppliers to achieve price reductions or maintain stability on costs. In fact, with our Gypframe metal profiles, we were able to lower prices in November 2011, and have been able to maintain these reduced rates into 2013.”

Last month British Gypsum customers received a notice of price changes which will come into force from 1 January 2013, and this included details of a price increase across its plasterboard, plaster and ceiling product ranges.

David Travill added: “We have notified customers three months prior to these changes coming into effect and guarantee that we will hold these prices for at least twelve months.”

Neil Ash, sales and commercial director at Siniat, said: “We have been working hard to support our customers in tough market conditions and will continue to do so in 2013.  As is the case across the entire construction industry, costs for raw materials, energy and transport have risen and, as a result, we have had to pass these increases to the market.  This ensures we can continue to provide excellent customer service and high-quality products.”