Gypsum Board Making Plant

1. Product Description: Gypsum board is made of gypsum which makes up the core of the board and paper which covers both sides of the board? The product is widely used as a construction material. Gypsum board is commonly used for the construction of inside walls, ceilings and partition walls. The product has specific properties which makes it convenient as a construction material. It is light in weight, good for heat insulation and fire resistance, easy to handle during construction, does not deform or warp. Products of gypsum board include wall board, lath board, acoustic board, waterproof board and print board.

1. Market potential: Building construction is expanding in almost all parts of the country. Considering the volume of construction works the country has to undertake to reach a certain level of development, there will be huge construction works to be undertaken in the future. This will increase the demand for every type of construction materials including gypsum board. The main raw material is found in the country; hence the production of gypsum board should be encouraged.

1. Source of Raw materials: As mentioned above the main raw materials for making gypsum board are gypsum and paper. Gypsum is a non metal mining resource such as sand and limestone is found in many localities of the region. Paper will be imported.

1. Process and Technology: The main processing stages of gypsum board production include drying of the gypsum, gypsum calcining and forming and drying. The raw material gypsum is dried in a dryer, and then calcined to form a plaster. The calcined product is stocked in silos after milling. Heavy oil is usually.

1. Estimated Investment: For a plant that will produce about 3.5 million m² of gypsum board per year, the estimated investment will be:-

• • Building/shade 6000m² at Birr 1000/m² = Birr 6,000,000

  • Machinery ………………………………..…= Birr 55,200,000

  • Working capital ………….……………….. = Birr 2,000,000

Total = Birr 63,200,000

1. Benefits: Increases supply of building construction materials, there by stimulating the building industry, utilizes a natural resource of the region, introduces new skills and technology.

1. Location: A site very close to the source of gypsum.