Saint-Gobain Strengthens North American Footprint with Acquisition of Interstar Materials
In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing its position in the construction chemicals market in North America, the Saint-Gobain Group has officially announced the acquisition of the business assets of Les Matériaux Interstar, (Interstar). This acquisition is a significant step forward in the company’s ongoing effort to expand its portfolio of sustainable construction solutions and enhance its market presence in a growing sector. The integration of Interstar’s operations, assets, and team represents a substantial addition to Saint-Gobain’s Construction Chemicals division and marks its formal entry into the granular pigments for concrete market—a niche but rapidly expanding segment of the construction industry.
Strategic Expansion in Construction Chemicals
Saint-Gobain’s latest acquisition is part of a broader growth strategy that the global materials leader has been pursuing in recent years. This move complements its earlier acquisitions in the North American construction chemicals space, notably the purchases of Chryso in 2021 and GCP Applied Technologies in 2022. These acquisitions collectively represent a concerted effort by Saint-Gobain to diversify and deepen its capabilities in construction materials, especially in value-added segments that support more sustainable and aesthetically versatile building practices.
By integrating Interstar into its operations, Saint-Gobain will now be able to offer an even more comprehensive range of chemical solutions to the concrete industry. This expansion will support a wide array of end-use applications—from residential and commercial construction to infrastructure and industrial projects—where demand for performance-enhancing concrete additives and decorative solutions continues to grow.
Who Is Interstar Materials?
Founded more than three decades ago, Interstar Materials, Inc. has evolved into a recognized leader in the decorative concrete market in North America. The company specializes in the manufacturing of color pigments and related products that allow concrete to be both structurally functional and visually appealing. Interstar serves a wide range of concrete-related segments, including ready-mix concrete, stamped concrete, blocks, pavers, and precast products.
Interstar is particularly well known for its innovation in granular pigments—a category that enhances the aesthetic value of concrete without compromising its strength or performance. This area has become increasingly important in modern construction, where design, durability, and sustainability are all key priorities.
With facilities strategically located in Sherbrooke, Quebec (its headquarters), Calgary, Alberta, and Junction City, Illinois, Interstar has built a robust distribution and customer support network. Its operational reach and technical expertise will now be leveraged by Saint-Gobain to further penetrate the North American construction chemicals market.
Financial and Operational Impact
The acquisition is expected to contribute over CAD 20 million in annual revenue to Saint-Gobain’s North American operations. While the financial terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed, the acquisition signals strong confidence in Interstar’s product offerings and its strategic alignment with Saint-Gobain’s long-term goals.
In addition to adding new product lines, the acquisition brings 55 skilled employees into the Saint-Gobain family. These professionals, with their deep technical knowledge and customer-focused approach, will play a vital role in expanding the capabilities of Saint-Gobain’s Construction Chemicals division.
A Shared Vision for Innovation and Sustainability
The alignment between the two companies is grounded not only in business logic but also in shared values. Both organizations have a firm commitment to innovation, integrity, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Speaking on the acquisition, Mark Rayfield, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain North America, expressed enthusiasm about the integration of Interstar:
“With this acquisition, we continue to strengthen our leadership in the construction chemicals segment. Interstar Materials, Inc. is an ideal partner for Saint-Gobain, which shares our commitment to innovation and sustainable construction. I am excited to collaborate with the Interstar team and welcome their employees to our company. Together, we will continue to advance our mission to Make the World a Better, More Sustainable Home.
Steven Williams, President of Construction, Infrastructure & Commercial Chemicals for North America, added:
This acquisition demonstrates our unwavering commitment to continually improving our premium product and service offerings, while ensuring we meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.
For Interstar, the acquisition represents a significant opportunity for growth and broader market impact. Zachary Gillman, President of Interstar Materials, noted:
The Interstar team and I are excited to join Saint-Gobain’s Construction Chemicals division and work with the Chryso team. From the beginning of the acquisition process, it was evident that our companies shared common values: a commitment to quality, integrity, innovation, and growth. I am particularly excited about the opportunities this partnership will create for Interstar employees within the Saint-Gobain group.
Saint-Gobain has confirmed that it will continue to operate Interstar’s granular pigments and automated dispensers division under the Interstar brand in both the United States and Canada, preserving the strong brand equity and customer relationships that Interstar has built over the years.
A Pattern of Strategic Growth
This acquisition is only the latest in a series of strategic investments Saint-Gobain has made to solidify its footprint across North America. In February, the company announced the expansion of its NorPro Ceramics division through a new facility in Niagara County, New York—a move designed to meet rising demand in industrial and energy markets.
In addition, several major plant expansions are either completed or underway across the United States:
- In Peachtree City, Georgia, production capacity for roofing materials is being ramped up.
- In Palatka, Florida, gypsum wallboard production is being expanded to support continued residential and commercial construction growth.
- In Oxford, North Carolina, a new facility will increase output of fiberglass reinforcements, a crucial component in durable construction materials.
Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed Canada also plan to complete a major modernization initiative at their Montreal-area gypsum facility by the end of the year. The project includes a 40% increase in production capacity and a transition to 100% renewable electricity provided by Hydro-Québec. Once completed, it will be North America’s first zero-carbon gypsum board plant in terms of Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
