Often, my job can be as engaging as a four-star movie. I get the official sneak previews of the newest tools in the market. Sometimes, I even get a demo and use them around the house. At trade shows, all the major power tool manufacturers are more than happy to demonstrate the latest in technologies, specifically fasteners. While walking these shows and from the hordes of press releases I receive, one thing has stuck out: the ever-evolving drywall-related line of tools. Like scientists working around the clock to remedy the world's ailments, the drywall industry continually produces more efficient tools that help in labor, cost and ergonomics.
The Gypsum Association reported for its third quarter that the United States has already shipped 27.1 billion square feet of wallboard. With the remaining quarter yet to be announced, the total for 2005 could exceed last year's record of 34.24 billion square feet. As you'll read in Trade News, Lafarge has announced it will be expanding its drywall manufacturing facility in Kentucky and USG will be expanding its joint compound plant in Florida, both beginning next year.