Our History

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.