Holcim growing from roof down with Polymers Sealants N.A.

Holcim Building Envelope already boasts the Elevate brand (RubberGard EPDM and UltraPly TPO), the former Firestone Building Products, which includes roofing, wall and lining systems; the Gaco brand, which includes silicones, foams, urethanes and acrylic roofing solutions; the GenFlex brand, which includes components necessary to support sustainable roofing solutions; the Malarkey brand, which includes sustainable, high-performance roofing shingles for commercial and residential applications; and now PSNA.

“Our Gaco brand of waterproofing and coatings is already well-established and respected in the market,” Gentoso said. “With the acquisition and PSNA’s industry-leading products and manufacturing facilities, we are broadening our waterproofing and coatings offering while delivering significant synergies with our roofing business.

“Building on PSNA’s proven engineering and technical expertise, we will accelerate new product development and leading solutions together. We are building progresses for people and the planet, with the goal of becoming the global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions.”

The vision is clear at Holcim Building Envelope.

“We believe that PSNA fills critical gaps in our portfolio as well as brings chemistry and technical expertise that align with that vision,” Gentoso said. “We are excited about how PSNA not only complements our current business but also brings talent and expertise that will allow us to continue our vision of being a leader in the building solutions industry.

“Being at the forefront of sustainable building practices is core to Holcim Building Envelope’s philosophy.”

Green philosophies are becoming increasingly important for many companies as they strive for net zero emissions in the coming years—some with a goal of 2030, others with a longer-term and perhaps more realistic goal of 2050.

Holcim, for its part, is targeting 2050 for net zero emissions, and, in the short term, a 40-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2024.

“This offers a great opportunity to make significant strides,” Gentoso said. “We need to build better with less and reduce the overall impact of the building environment.”

Gentoso said that many of the new product lines in Holcim Solutions and Products allow Holcim to participate in the repair and refurbishment markets “and not just new construction like much of our base business.”

“In many cases, this is non-discretionary spending and gives us another area of construction to play in,” she said. “Also, it’s much more sustainably beneficial to repair or reuse a building that is already in place instead of tearing it down and creating more landfill.”

She said Holcim Group—with its other major segments in cement, ready-mix concrete and aggregates—is well-positioned going forward.

“We are committed to delivering the highest quality products and services, raising the standards of building solutions so they stand up to the elements while contributing to a healthier planet,” Gentoso said. “We are committed to spearheading the transition toward low-carbon construction, while also promoting a circular economy, from alternative fuels to concrete recycling.”

And PSNA meets that criteria.

“We are investing in product lines that directly contribute to better, more efficient and sustainable structures,” she said.

Gentoso said there are no further acquisitions “to share at the moment,” but that Holcim is “hyper-focused on bringing more solutions into our portfolio through both organic innovation and through mergers and acquisitions.”

“With PSNA, we are broadening our waterproofing and coatings offering while delivering significant synergies with our roofing business,” Gentoso said. “Building on their proven engineering and technical expertise, we will accelerate new product development and leading solutions together.

“I warmly welcome all PSNA employees into the Holcim family and look forward to investing in this business’ next era of growth together.”