We are just at a time where it is a good tradition to share greetings. A bit early for the Chinese New Year, and a bit late for the calendar New Year, but I am very happy to wish each of you and your families good health and satisfaction in whatever that is currently important in your life.
My dearest wish for USG Boral is that we all partner to grow our confidence in the success and the future of our Group.
After almost two years of existence, USG Boral is already a successful business. Key successes in 2015 includes the following:
• A genuine and strong engagement in our safety value, which is critical to achieve zero harm every day.
• A successful start in the commercial development of the Sheetrock Brand with already significant volumes sold with great feedback from the market and all of it supported by a remarkable technology transfer into our board lines.
• A growth in our returns and profit which would have been in line with our targets had the currency exchange rates remained steady.
Going forward, I am very confident that together we are moving towards a bright future which can be defined as a leading brand for both our customers and ourselves, proud members of USG Boral. We continue to have strong opportunities to bring to market the best products in the five categories (plasterboard, compounds, metals, ceiling products and substrates). We will achieve this by nurturing our values, safety, integrity, collaboration, innovation and excellence and because we believe that, with our offer, we can change the way buildings are designed and built. This is a great cause as we all know that wherever we live, better buildings allow everyone to have a better life.
My personal wish, in the business context for each of you is therefore that you be safe and that you be confident in being part of USG Boral.
Thanks for your contribution to our group and best regards