Politicians from the federal and state parliaments, as well as from the local region, visit the Rigips site in Bodenwerder

In late August 2022, a group of CDU representatives visited the Rigips plant in Bodenwerder. Plant manager Henning Waßmann provided information on the location's history, current developments and challenges during the visit. The discussions mainly focused on the increasingly complex supply of raw materials, a topic that has gained particular momentum due to the discontinuation of FGD gypsum from power plants. Meanwhile, the drywall solutions produced in Bodenwerder are playing an increasingly important role in helping the federal government to achieve its ambitious housing targets.

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Politicians from the CDU, including members of the federal and state parliaments, as well as regional representatives, visited the Rigips site in Bodenwerder. In attendance were Member of Parliament Mareike Wulf (far left), State Parliament Member Uwe Schünemann (far right), CDU district chair Tanya Warnecke (centre, front row), and Yvonne Niemeyer (front row, left), who was representing the CDU Samtgemeindeverband Bodenwerder-Polle board. Photos: SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GMBH

High-quality drywall products have been manufactured in Bodenwerder since 1945. Today, products shipped from here to construction sites across Germany include high-performance acoustic boards, various gypsum fillers and gypsum fibre boards, among other things. The latter play a particularly significant role in the implementation of forward-thinking construction concepts, such as modern timber construction and urban densification. These concepts are crucial to meeting the federal government's ambitious new construction goals of building up to 400,000 new homes annually.

This underlines the importance of a reliable and predictable supply of the essential raw material, gypsum, as emphasised by plant manager Henning Waßmann during the joint plant tour. "Up until now, our production has relied on three pillars: FGD gypsum, a by-product of coal-based power generation; natural gypsum; and recycled gypsum from waste and demolitions. However, with the imminent discontinuation of FGD gypsum, a supply gap will arise, and we must work together with local residents and politicians to find solutions."

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During the joint plant tour, plant manager Henning Waßmann explained the current challenges, particularly those relating to the reliable and predictable supply of raw materials. Photos: SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GMBH

Joint effort required

Henning Waßmann concluded that the effective use of the region’s existing natural gypsum deposits must continue to be discussed. The visiting political representatives also expressed their conviction regarding this issue. Accepting RIGIPS’s invitation for talks were Mareike Wulf, CDU Member of Parliament; Uwe Schünemann, State Parliament Member; Tanya Warnecke, CDU district chair; and Yvonne Niemeyer, board member of the CDU Samtgemeindeverband Bodenwerder-Polle. "We are pleased by the interest shown by politicians. The visit to Bodenwerder made one thing clear above all: To overcome the national-level challenges ahead, we need the support of the general public, as well as state and local politicians", explained Andreas Bosch, head of resource security at RIGIPS.

SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GMBH

RIGIPS. You have the solution for everything. #RigipsForEverything
Recognised as a system provider by construction professionals for its high-quality drywall solutions, RIGIPS offers a wide range of gypsum and speciality boards, Rigidur gypsum fibre boards, profiles, accessories and high-performance fillers and joint compounds. These tried-and-tested solutions have proven their effectiveness in interior and exterior drywall construction. In particular, our range of systems for weather-protected façade constructions makes us the ideal partner for timber frame construction projects. With its ever-expanding range of products for healthy living and its highly effective fire and sound protection systems, the manufacturer delivers maximum safety and comfort. This extensive product and system portfolio is complemented by a broad range of services and personal expert consultation, providing valuable support in planning and executing even the most demanding construction projects. At the same time, RIGIPS is committed to environmental responsibility, focusing on sustainable climate protection and the conservation of natural resources. For instance, gypsum board recycling solutions are closing material cycles, and packaging made from recycled materials is reducing the need for primary raw materials. RIGIPS has been recognised multiple times as a Brand of the Century and is one of the most important brands for modern drywall solutions in the German market. The company is part of the international Saint-Gobain Group.

In a nutshell: Rigips® – building better for people and the environment.

ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN

As a global leader in sustainable lightweight construction, Saint-Gobain develops, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial sectors. Its integrated solutions for renovating public and private buildings, lightweight construction and decarbonising the construction and industrial sectors are developed through continuous innovation. These solutions offer both sustainability and performance. The Saint-Gobain Group is guided by its purpose: "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME".

• €51.2 billion in sales in 2022
• More than 168,000 employees, present in 75 countries
• Committed to achieving CO2 neutrality by 2050

Find out more about Saint-Gobain at www.saint-gobain.de
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Further information:
SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GMBH
Schanzenstraße 84
40549 Düsseldorf
P.O. Box 11 09 48
40509 Düsseldorf
Telephone 02 11 / 55 03-0
Fax 02 11 / 55 03-208
[email protected]

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