U.S.-based competitive energy company Mirant Corp. has signed a long-term agreement with Lafarge to supply synthetic gypsum to the manufacturer’s gypsum drywall manufacturing facility in Buchanan, N.Y., beginning in 2010.

Scaffolding and access producer Bil-Jax has announced that effective July 24, 2008 it has been acquired by the U.S. subsidiary of Haulotte Group, SA. Haulotte, a French manufacturer of rough terrain forklifts and aerial work platforms, has made strides to break into the North and South American marketplaces in the last several years.

Steel Framing Alliance’s President Larry Williams has resigned and will leave the organization on September 1. He will be leaving to join the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI) in Brussels, Belgium, as general manager, market development and sustainability.

Jergens announced the appointment of Eric Van Steenlandt as director of sales and marketing. Putzmeister America Inc. has added Steve Raith as quality assurance manager for its quality department. Allmand

In Walls & Ceilings’ July issue, our Blue Book listing under Distributors/Dealers for PDQuipment alluded that the company was only available to customers in Oregon. PDQuipment is a national and

Users compete in build-off to win more than $4,000 in DEWALT power tools, accessories and other prizes.

The International Code Council Board at its July 19 meeting approved the creation of a Sustainable Building Technology Committee (SBTC) to support its many ongoing efforts in green, sustainable and safe construction.

In collaboration with the program, Bensonwood, the New Hampshire-based custom homebuilding company, designed the 3,500-square foot home that includes Benjamin Obdyke’s Home Slicker rainscreen product.

Along with builders, large and small, Pulte Homes is focusing the attention of its prospective customers on the benefits of the first-time homebuyer tax credit included in the landmark housing stimulus legislation signed by President Bush on July 30.

This bill will provide incentives to lenders and financial institutions to offer lower interest loans and other benefits to Americans who build and buy energy- efficient homes, or who remodel their houses to make them more efficient.