Rigips opens new calcination plant at its Gelsenkirchen‑Scholven production site

With the ceremonial opening of a modern calcination plant at the Gelsenkirchen-Scholven production site by the Managing Director, Cordula Gudduschat-Gillet, and Plant Manager Lukas Mühlberg, drywall specialist RIGIPS is setting new standards in its gypsum processing. Using state-of-the-art technology and resource-efficient raw material usage, gypsum boards will be produced here in the future that are particularly suited to the challenges of building for tomorrow. Just in time for the company's 80th anniversary, the manufacturer is making a clear statement for the German production site and the efficient use of valuable raw material resources.

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On 19 September 2025, drywall specialist RIGIPS officially opened its new calcination plant at the Gelsenkirchen-Scholven production site, celebrating with employees and guests. Those marking the start of this forward-looking production were (from left to right): Frank Kruysen, Director of Operations at RIGIPS, Martina Rudowitz, First Mayor of Gelsenkirchen, Lukas Mühlberg, Plant Manager and Cordula Gudduschat-Gillet, Managing Director of SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GmbH.

The German construction industry is facing major challenges. The housing shortage is severe and the federal government's ambitious new construction targets are still not being met. At the same time, ensuring a sufficient supply of raw materials for producing high-quality, healthy gypsum building materials has become a key task for many manufacturers. The Rigips plant in Gelsenkirchen-Scholven, which opened in 1990, is addressing these issues by investing in a new production facility.

High-quality replacement for FGD gypsum

"In Scholven, we have primarily processed so-called FGD gypsum, which is a byproduct of industrial flue gas desulfurization," explains Rigips Plant Manager Lukas Mühlberg. "A raw material source that is naturally coming to an end with the gradual shutdown of German lignite power plants. To diversify the supply of necessary raw materials as much as possible, RIGIPS has been additionally relying on the use of recycled gypsum in Scholven for several years. As early as 2017, a modern recycling facility for gypsum building materials was put into operation. With the new calcination plant, we are now taking another step toward supply security, combined with the aspect of resource conservation. This not only ensures the future viability of this production site but also promotes the responsible use of our important raw material sources."

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With the completion and commissioning of the new calcination plant, a new era of gypsum board production begins in Scholven: The state-of-the-art facility primarily processes natural gypsum, combined with a high proportion of recycled gypsum. Lukas Mühlberg, Plant Manager at RIGIPS Gelsenkirchen-Scholven.

Up to 40 percent recycled gypsum

With the completion and commissioning of the new calcination plant, a new era of gypsum board production begins in Scholven: the state-of-the-art facility primarily processes natural gypsum, combined with a high proportion of recycled gypsum. During calcination, some of the natural crystal water in the gypsum is removed, simplifying the process to transform it into setting plaster – the basis for gypsum board production. The powerful gypsum mill of the new plant is supplied via two so-called feeder stations with natural gypsum and currently small amounts of FGD gypsum. In the further production process, high-quality recycled gypsum is added. The latest products "Made in Scholven" contain up to 40 percent recycling content – a value that is unique in the industry so far.

"This innovative calcination process enables various raw material mixtures to be processed while maintaining consistently high product quality. It offers maximum flexibility in terms of raw material usage and represents an important step towards greater sustainability. It is a strong statement in favour of conserving resources and strengthening the circular economy, for example, by supporting circular construction concepts," says Lukas Mühlberg.

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Cordula Gudduschat-Gillet, Managing Director of SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GmbH. Martina Rudowitz, First Mayor of Gelsenkirchen. Photos: SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GmbH

Strengthening the circular economy and effective resource protection

For a reliable supply with recycled gypsum, RIGIPS has been ensuring this for several years. Among other things, with its EASY ECO initiative, which focuses on thoughtful recycling and extensive services for the return of construction site waste and the future reuse or recycling of installed materials. At the same time, RIGIPS has been investing intensively for many years in environmentally friendly gypsum mining and the restoration of former mining areas – with considerable success, as demonstrated by various biodiversity studies

Martina Rudowitz, First Mayor of Gelsenkirchen, who was also invited to the ceremonial opening of the new plant, expressed her delight at the forward-looking investment and the clear commitment to the area: "I am very pleased that the company RIGIPS has been a solid part of Gelsenkirchen society for 36 years now. The opening of the plant today secures important industrial jobs, and I am proud that efforts are being made here to further advance the ecological construction transition in Germany."

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 construction solutions, RIGIPS offers a wide range of gypsum and speciality boards, Rigidur gypsum fibreboards, profiles, accessories and high-performance joint fillers and compounds. These certified solutions are ideal for interior and exterior drywall constructions, providing highly effective fire and sound protection for maximum safety and comfort. Our comprehensive product and system portfolio is complemented by a wide range of services to support the planning and execution of 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 options increasingly close material cycles, while product packaging made from recycled materials reduces the need for primary raw materials. RIGIPS is part of the international Saint-Gobain Group. In a nutshell: Rigips® – for better building for the benefit of people and the environment.

ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN
As a global leader in sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain develops, produces and distributes materials and services for the construction sector and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for renovating public and private buildings, lightweight construction, and decarbonising the construction sector and industry are developed through continuous innovation. These solutions offer sustainability and performance. The Saint-Gobain Group, which will celebrate its 360th anniversary in 2025, is guided by its purpose: “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

• 46.6 billion euros in revenue in 2024
• More than 161,000 employees, represented in 80 countries
• Committed to achieving global CO2 neutrality by 2050

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