Saint-Gobain, through building products subsidiary CertainTeed LLC, has shipped its first STONEfaçade stone veneer panels from a new Quakertown, Pa. plant to customers in the New England and the Mid-Atlantic regions. The precast concrete cladding can be quickly and easily installed by any siding contractor without any special equipment or masonry skills.
Compared to traditional stone, STONEfaçade requires less time and fewer materials for wall preparation and installation. It uses screw-in panels, is entirely mortar-free, and comes equipped with an integrated rainscreen to manage moisture and create a higher performing wall system. Additionally, STONEfaçade features one-piece alternating corners for a realistic appearance. The system is offered in different color palettes that coordinate with a variety of CertainTeed siding and roofing series.
“We’re humbled by our customers’ strong response to STONEfaçade products, and grateful for the opportunity to create additional exciting careers at our plant in Quakertown,” says CertainTeed Sidings Product Group Vice President and General Manager Joe Bondi. “STONEfaçade is a disruptive, game-changing product for residential construction, and our team is working hard to make sure siding contractors can capitalize on this innovation and ride the wave of increased demand for stone cladding.”
Calgary-based cellular concrete specialist Cematrix Corp. enters 2022 with a backlog approaching $90 million, about two-thirds reflecting contracts in progress, the remaining one third contracted work. In addition to the namesake business, the company operates MixOnSite USA Inc. and Pacific International Grout Co.
“Backlog continues to remain strong and has increased 28 percent compared to the previous year end,” says Cematrix CEO Jeff Kendrick. “U.S. and Canadian bid activity also remains strong and we anticipate this will begin to accelerate with pending infrastructure spending in the U.S. With the construction world having now adjusted to the effects of Covid delays, 2022 is expected to be a stronger year for Cematrix, as new projects continue to be landed and placed.”
Outdoor Living Supply, a recently chartered hardscapes distribution platform based in Rochester, Minn., has acquired Bulks Landscape Supply of Marietta, Ga.; Edgefield Plant & Stone Center of Greensboro, N.C.; and, Parker Hardscapes of Reno, Nev. The businesses extend OLS’ existing reach and into new key growth markets. They will continue to operate as independent distributors of natural or manufactured stone, pavers, and bulk materials.
“We ended 2021 with tremendous momentum and are well-positioned for accelerated growth in 2022,” says OLS CEO Brian Price. “The Bulks and Edgefield acquisitions strengthen our current footprint and capacity in the Atlanta and North Carolina markets, while Parker Hardscapes provides us with an exciting entry into Nevada. We are looking forward to working with these new team members to kick-off this next phase of growth.”
OLS seeks to partner with family-and founder-led companies exhibiting shared values and local heritage, he adds. Bulks Landscape Supply emerged in 2012 as a distribution arm of Property Masters Landscape Supply, which Kyle Cooper and Jesse Woodruff founded in 2006—applying experience from their former employer who had closed shop. Through nearly 20 years of ownership, Cindy Jones has built Edgefield Plant’s retail store, boutique nursery and landscape services, catering to customers in North Carolina’s Triad region and parts of Virginia. Eric Thompson opened Parker Hardscapes in 2010 to service the northern Nevada market, leveraging experience from nearly a decade as vice president of Tetrus Building Materials.
Through precast-licensing subsidiary Wilbert Funeral Services Inc., Alleghany Capital Corp. has acquired Memorial Monuments & Vaults Inc. of Meridian, Idaho. “The combination of Wilbert’s financial resources, leading national distribution infrastructure, and international sourcing abilities with Memorial Monument’s artistry, industry leading technology, and focus on quality and customer service will enhance the value we bring to our customers across North America,” says Wilbert CEO Mark Bates. “The Memorial Monuments team will continue to run its day-to-day operations post-closing and our combined customers will benefit from the significant investment in technology we are making across the company, including expanding the Memorial Monuments customer interface and the addition of real-time delivery and installation information with Wilbert’s SingleSource system.”
“Wilbert’s unique position in the funeral service industry will enable us to bring our proven, customer-centric business model to a broader customer base and offer enhanced career growth to our highly-skilled team,” adds Memorial CEO Joey Chandler. “This transaction helps both companies expand their market presence and accelerate future growth plans.”
“This is a highly strategic addition for Wilbert and will enable the company to better serve its customers, licensees, and partners across the funeral service and precast concrete industries,” affirms Alleghany Capital Principal Rob Hulick.
Pittsburgh-based Carmeuse Americas has upped its Michigan construction market stake with the acquisition of Schlegel Sand and Gravel in Lansing, Mich., extending services in the Michigan construction market. “The high-quality products sold by Schlegel Sand and Gravel complement the construction aggregates from our quarries on the Great Lakes,” says Carmeuse CEO Yves Willems.
“Acquiring Schlegel Sand and Gravel advances our strategy to grow the construction business. Schlegel Sand and Gravel is a well-managed company with a strong customer base,” adds Chief Operating Officer Jack Fahler.