Jan 19 2007
CSR Building Products has announced its acquisition of Fricker Ceiling Systems (Fricker). The addition of Fricker, a leading supplier of premium commercial ceiling systems, enables CSR to offer complete ceiling solutions to the property market. This wide range of ceiling products, which includes the Celotex and Ecophon brands, is supported by CSR’s extensive distribution network facilitating prompt supply to projects nationwide.
With current annual sales of around $10 million, Fricker is the leading supplier of suspended ceilings to the premium commercial building market in Sydney and supplies over 500 office buildings throughout Australia.
“The addition of Fricker enables CSR to offer a complete ceiling solution for commercial buildings, education and healthcare facilities,” explains Mr Greg Rough, CSR Executive General Manager Gyprock and Fibre Cement. “Fricker is an industry innovator, proven by the popularity of their new Fricker Easy Access Suspension System selected by Sydney’s prime office towers. Fricker’s patented Solaton Enet mineral fibre ceiling tiles, which are the only mineral fibre ceiling tile certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia; and Fricker’s perforated metal pan ceiling tiles in high demand due to the growing desire for chilled beam technology, are the preferred tile choices as reflected by Fricker’s track record. It’s a great complement to our existing ceiling portfolio.”
“Backed by the CSR distribution network and complimentary product range, Fricker now has the most comprehensive range of ceiling solutions and will be more widely available nationwide. We are extremely excited about our new relationship with CSR and see the great opportunity it offers to grow our business in new and existing markets,” explains Michael Fritz, General Manager for Fricker Ceiling Systems.
As a result of the acquisition, CSR now offers mineral fibre, glasswool, metal and plasterboard ceiling options with steel and aluminium grids. The CSR range now includes:
Fricker – ceiling tiles, grid systems, perimeter trims, lights and diffusers. The Solaton ceiling tiles have a high mineral fibre and recycled content offering exceptional sustainability benefits as well as great aesthetics. The grid systems, including the new Fricker Easy Access System feature an innovative mitre which provides fit out flexibility and a sophisticated, clean finish. The grid systems can be installed quickly without the need for power tools.
Ecophon – Ecophon acoustic products are exclusively distributed by CSR Gyprock in Australia. Ecophon wall and ceiling products have a bonded glasswool core for high acoustic performance and a smooth finish that’s easy to clean and maintain.
Celotex – Celotex acoustic ceiling panels have a mineral fibre core and surface finishes created by perforating, fissuring or stripping. They are also available in scored patterns for additional variety.
CSR’s Gyprock and Cemintel businesses are leading suppliers of plasterboard and fibre cement in Australia with five factories and 92 owned or closely aligned trade centres.