
Our History
The future means better built environments, better homes and better places to work.
We know that a building is more than just a building. It’s a home, a place to rest and recuperate, a place to learn, and a place to work. That’s why we’ve been helping the industry and our construction partners build better ever since our launch in 1917. It’s an ethos we continue to live by today, because we want to create spaces that people love to work, rest and play in.
Along the way we’ve been responsible for more innovations than you might think. So we’ve pulled out some key highlights in our history to share with you.
1876 – Mining and manufacturing started by the Sub Wealden Gypsum Company Limited at Robertsbridge, East Sussex
1883 – The first part of Fauld works was built by Peter Ford & Sons
1890 – Mining was started by Henry Boazman at Kirkby Thore, Cumbria
1914 – The Marblaegis mine at East Leake was formed
1917 – The British Plaster Board Company (BPB) began
1944 – Gyproc Products Ltd joined the British Plaster Board Company
1966 – Artex Products (Manufacturing) joined the British Plaster Board Company
1968 – The British Plaster Board Company held a 100% monopoly in the UK
1969 – A plasterboard plant was erected at Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire
1972 – The White Book is introduced
1986 – Glasroc GRG (Glass Reinforced Gypsum) boards
1989 – Next Day Delivery – an industry first
1990 – Thistle MultiFinish
2001 – Plasterboard waste recycling service (PRS)
2003 – SpecSure® lifetime system warranty
2005 – British Gypsum becomes part of Saint Gobain.
2007 – We open new state-of-the-art plants at Sherburn and East Leake
2008 – First gypsum manufacturer to gain ISO 14001 certification
2008 – Voted one of the UK’s top-500 business brands by the UK Superbrands Council
2012 – First UK gypsum manufacturer to achieve BES 6001 ‘very good’ rating
2013 – Manufacturer of the year winner at the building awards
2014 – Launch of the revolutionary Gyproc Habito® Plasterboard
2015 – Winner of the Product of the year - ThistlePro Magnetic Plaster
2016 – Major investment to support the transition from DSG to mined gypsum
2019 – New fleet of trucks and trailers with state of the safety technology. With Direct Vision 3 star, Couple safe, Automatic hand brakes, industry leading camera and telemetry solution and innovative load securing system.
2021 – State of the art, purpose built Building Test Centre.
2021 – Introduction of some LNG trucks and transfer to zero carbon source vehicles.
Of course, our passion for innovation and ideas doesn’t just stop here. We care deeply about leaving a positive legacy for our planet, our people and our local communities. So we’re always continuing to evolve and looking for new ways to innovate. Here’s to the next 100 years of making a difference.