A reorganization that could reshape the German market for drywall boards and fire protection systems: Belgian building materials conglomerate Etex is merging its German subsidiaries Siniat and Promat into the new Etex Building Performance GmbH. While Siniat focuses on drywall systems such as gypsum boards, Promat is positioned in the field of fire protection systems and mineral insulation boards for fire resistance classes up to F120. The merger follows Etex's strategic line of pursuing portfolio streamlining and efficiency gains across Europe, as already evident in the development of the façade hub in Beckum.
The new company bundles expertise in two complementary segments: Siniat serves general construction with gypsum board and drywall systems, while Promat penetrates niche markets with high fire resistance requirements through mineral fire protection boards according to DIN 4102-1 (building material class A1, non-combustible) and coating systems for steel beams according to DIN EN 13501-2. The merger enables bundled product development, for example for hybrid drywall systems with integrated fire protection that meet both structural and safety requirements according to Eurocode.
For planners and executing companies, the merger could bring procurement advantages: a single point of contact for drywall and fire protection solutions simplifies tenders and reduces interface problems on projects with high fire protection requirements, such as multi-story residential and commercial buildings of building class 5 according to the Model Building Code. At the same time, a larger market player emerges that gains negotiating power against competitors such as Knauf or Saint-Gobain.
However, the reorganization raises questions about personnel structure: in comparable consolidations in the building materials industry, such as the takeover of URSA by Etex, there were job cuts in administration and sales. Whether the new Building Performance GmbH will fully retain existing locations and capacities or eliminate duplicate structures remains unclear. For trade, the merger could lead to changed terms, particularly if Etex uses its market position to renegotiate discount structures.
The merger underscores consolidation pressure in the German building materials market, which is characterized by raw material prices, increased energy costs, and declining construction volumes. Etex responds to the need to realize economies of scale and manage product portfolios more efficiently through bundling. Whether the merger will also lead to the development of new, more sustainable product lines with EPD certification remains to be seen – a step that is becoming increasingly decisive for competitiveness given tightened requirements for the CO₂ footprint of building materials.
