Canada: Cellular concrete products company Cematrix reported revenues of $10.8m in the first half of 2024, up by 11% year-on-year. It recorded adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of US$364,000, compared to a loss of US$801,000 in the first half of 2023.

CEO Jeff Kendrick said "We continue to work on a number of initiatives to grow shareholder value, as evidenced by our recent uplisting to the Toronto Stock Exchange. We recently completed a new financing round that strengthened our balance sheet and increased Cematrix’s institutional ownership with quality investors committed to our long-term success. Our commitment to growth and shareholder value remains unwavering as we continue to foster strong organic growth and maintain a robust balance sheet. As we execute our strategic plan, we are optimistic about the remainder of 2024 and beyond, confident that our product offerings and the advantages that it delivers to customers will continue to bring tremendous opportunities for our business.”

US: ICON says that it has nearly completed the construction of its 100-unit Wolf Ranch housing development in Georgetown, Texas. The company is 3D printing the development using its Vulcan printer. Reuters has reported that the company designed the buildings to be resistant to water, mould, termites and extreme weather.

Senior project manager Conner Jenkins said "3D printing brings a lot of efficiency to the trade market. So, where there were maybe five different crews coming in to build a wall system, we now have one crew and one robot.”

US: Penetron has supplied its antimicrobial concrete admixture for the construction of the new West Cocalico water treatment plant in Pennsylvania. Contractor Entech Engineering chose Penetron to supply its product due to the specific challenges arising from acid-producing bacteria in this application.

Penetron Eastern US regional sales manager Richard Farmer said "Entech Engineering required durable protection and a waterproofing solution to prevent microbially induced corrosion. We suggested a combination of Penetron's crystalline waterproofing and antimicrobial concrete admixtures as a solution."

Dominican Republic: Sika has acquired concrete admixtures, fibres, adhesives and sealants producer Vinaldom. Nasdaq News has reported that the deal brings Sika into possession of its first plant in the Dominican Republic and its sixth in the Caribbean. The group says that the integration of Vinaldom offers ‘significant’ cross-selling opportunities.

Americas regional manager Mike Campion said "With Vinaldom, we will be able to serve and supply our customers in the Dominican Republic even better. The increased access to a broader customer base, supported by local manufacturing, will contribute to further expansion in the Dominican market. We warmly welcome the Vinaldom employees to the Sika team and look forward to growing our business together.”