Etex is leading the charge in sustainable building practices with its innovative modular construction solutions, addressing the challenges facing the global construction market. Our reporter, Erin Tallman, sat down with CEO Bernard Delvaux in Bristol, UK, during the opening of the company’s new plasterboard factory.
Etex is leading the charge in sustainable building practices with its innovative modular construction solutions, addressing the challenges facing the global construction market. Our reporter, Erin Tallman, sat down with CEO Bernard Delvaux in Bristol, UK, during the opening of the company’s new plasterboard factory.
Following the grand opening of its largest plasterboard factory in Bristol, CEO Bernard Delvaux discussed the ongoing challenges in the global construction market and how Etex’s cutting-edge modular construction solutions provide a sustainable path forward. With demand in key markets like the UK, France and Germany showing signs of recovery, modular construction is set to play a central role in meeting the evolving demands of the industry.
The Construction Market: Challenges and Opportunities
The global construction market continues to face volatility, particularly in Europe. Etex’s CEO, Bernard Delvaux, noted that the UK’s residential market, a key indicator of construction demand, experienced a 35% drop in brick deliveries between 2020 and 2024. However, recent data suggests that the UK may have reached the lowest point in 2024, with slow growth expected in the future. In contrast, France continues to see declines, while Germany faces significant challenges, with further reductions anticipated in 2025.
Delvaux pointed to high interest rates, energy costs and inflation as the primary factors driving the downturn. Nevertheless, he emphasised that Etex is well-positioned to capitalise on a market rebound once conditions stabilise.
“We see a gradual recovery in some countries, and by 2026, the construction industry is expected to start picking up again. With rising demand for quality housing and living spaces, Etex is ready to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions,” Delvaux stated during the press conference at the Bristol factory.
Modular Construction: A Smart Solution to Market Demands
As traditional construction faces challenges with productivity and fragmentation, modular construction presents a smart alternative. This approach offers numerous benefits, such as speed, efficiency and sustainability. The UK and Ireland are already leading the way in adopting modular construction, with growing interest across Europe.
Etex is at the forefront of this transformation. The company provides a comprehensive range of modular construction solutions through its diverse product platforms. Their Building Performance division offers plasterboards, fiber cement boards, and fire protection materials, while the Insulation division specialises in glass mineral wool and extruded polystyrene (XPS). Together, these products form the foundation of advanced offsite construction. Etex’s brands, including Siniat, Promat, and URSA, play a crucial role in these modular systems, ensuring durability, fire safety and energy efficiency.
As Delvaux highlighted, modular construction enables Etex to integrate these products into fully cohesive solutions:
“We’re combining our expertise across multiple platforms to deliver complete systems that reduce costs, improve sustainability, and speed up the construction process. This is the future of the construction industry.”
Comprehensive Modular Construction Solutions
Etex is advancing modular construction by providing clients with a complete, end-to-end solution, guiding them through the process of creating fully operational structures. The company’s innovative approach combines material expertise with the ability to manufacture high-quality modular units. Etex’s systems are already being used in a variety of applications, ranging from residential housing to high-performance industrial and commercial buildings.
For instance, Etex recently developed lightweight plasterboards designed for exterior use and soundproofing. These innovations reduce both material weight and carbon emissions while enhancing performance. These advancements highlight Etex’s dedication to minimising environmental impact and supporting the circular economy by incorporating recycled materials into its modular solutions.
A standout example of Etex’s full-scale modular construction capabilities is the Lower Steenbergs Yard development in Newcastle. In 2021, Etex played a pivotal role in delivering a five-story residential project. Commissioned by Esh Construction, Etex’s Remagin team installed 1,310 linear meters of light gauge steel frame panels, 13 steel staircases and a 930m² hot-rolled transfer structure to build 28 modern riverside apartments. This modular project revitalised the vibrant Ouseburn Valley, offering luxury two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as four commercial units on the ground floor, all within a challenging, space-restricted site.
Etex’s contribution to this project highlights the strength of integrating its diverse product range. The development used Remagin’s LGSF panels for the structural frame, Siniat plasterboards for partitions and in-wall insulation from URSA or Superglass. The façade was completed with Cedral fiber cement boards and Siniat exterior plasterboards, showcasing the seamless integration of Etex’s materials to deliver a high-quality, sustainable building.
As the construction market faces ongoing challenges, Etex is confident that its modular construction solutions will help propel the industry forward. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, efficiency and innovation, Etex is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of construction.
