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Time Sensitive Messaging for the Global Geosynthetics Industry
NEWSMAKERS: * AECOM * Bauxite Liquor * Ben Lewis * BGM * Credit Rating * Earthlok * ExcelPlas * Flexible Geomembrane Institute (FGI) * GeoAsia8 * GNA * Geosynthetic Research Institute (GRI) * GRI GM-38 Specification * HUESKER * Intermas * NAUE * Richard Brachman * S&P Global * Solmax * Tensar * Thrace Group * Vinay Kumar * Weld Strength
GNA is the Official Media Partner for GeoAsia8
BREAKING NEWS
Intermas Workers Step Up Protests Over Forced Labour Changes
Montornès del Vallès, Spain 16 June 2025 — Tensions are rising at Intermas, a major manufacturer of plastic nets and geosynthetics, as employees escalate protests in response to the company’s unilateral imposition of new working conditions without union agreement.
According to local news outlet El 9 Nou, the company has proceeded with altering labour conditions despite lacking consensus with the workers’ committee. This breach of protocol has ignited a wave of demonstrations, with labour representatives organizing a series of concentrated protests in recent weeks.
“They are changing our working conditions without negotiation. This is not acceptable,” said one worker at a recent rally near the company’s Vallès facility.
The conflict signals growing unrest within the company, with unions accusing management of bypassing collective bargaining processes. Workers claim the changes will adversely affect shift schedules, job security, and remuneration structures.
Intermas has yet to release a formal statement addressing the workers’ demands or outlining its rationale for the imposed changes.
The ongoing protests are expected to intensify unless a negotiated resolution is reached. Legal observers suggest this could evolve into a broader labour dispute if mediation fails.
S&P Global Downgrades Groupe Solmax Inc. to ‘B-‘ With Stable Outlook
June 19, 2025 – Montreal – S&P Global Ratings has downgraded the issuer credit rating on Groupe Solmax Inc., a global leader in geosynthetics manufacturing, from ‘B’ to ‘B-’, citing increased credit risk and a reassessment of the company’s capital structure.
In the same action, S&P also lowered the issue-level rating on Solmax’s senior secured term loan, moving it from ‘B’ to ‘B-’. This downgrade reflects a combination of constrained financial flexibility, higher leverage, and what the agency views as a more aggressive capital structure than previously anticipated.
While the company’s stable outlook indicates that no further downgrades are expected in the near term, the lowered ratings underscore heightened concerns over the company’s ability to maintain liquidity and service its debt under current market conditions.
Solmax, which expanded its footprint significantly through a series of global acquisitions in recent years, may be facing integration and cash flow challenges as it balances operational costs and debt obligations.
The full S&P report can be accessed here.
Fabricated Geomembrane Institute Changes its Name to the Flexible Geomembrane Institute (FGI)
INDUSTRY NEWS
GeoAsia8 Highlights in Pictures (see FULL PHOTO GALLERY HERE)
GRI Increases Specification Limit of Maximum Allowable Content of Filler for Bituminous Geomembranes [BGMs] from 15% to 40%
This move raises concern that increased levels of cheap extenders such as chalk/calcite will adulterant performance properties of the BGMs
Sediment Removal from Geomembrane Lined Containment Ponds [PDF]
Tensar Patents New Multi-Axial Integral Geogrid and Methods of Making and Using Same
AECOM Seeking Mid-Level Civil Engineer for Geosynthetics Role
To prepare reservoir and pond designs including geosynthetic lining, leak detection/collection systems, breach analysis, outlet works, and spillways
Design channels and energy dissipation structures that include concrete, riprap, articulated concrete block, fabric-formed concrete, and baffle blocks for erosion control
JUNE WEBINARS
New Webinar: Calculating and Limiting Geomembrane Strain by Dr. Richard Brachman (24June 2025)
Dutch Webinar on Geosynthetics and its Various Applications (25 June 2025)
Tensar Webinar – The Power of AI for Pavement Maintenance (26 June 2025)
GEOMEMBRANES
Enhancing Sustainability of Inland Aquaculture Ponds Using Geomembranes [PDF]
Assessment of the Impact of Applying Geogrids on the Carbon Footprint in Sustainable Industry [PDF]
Effects of Curing on the Shear Strength Behaviours of Soil: Geomembrane Interfaces
GCLs
Enhancing Containment Performance of GCL to Bauxite Liquor via Composite Polymer Amendment
GEOGRIDS
Assessment of the Impact of Applying Geogrids on the Carbon Footprint in Sustainable Industry
GNA – the Recognized Source of Trends and New Technology in the Global Geosynthetics Space
GNA was established in 2011 with the goal to promote the knowledge and usage of geosynthetic products and their benefits, performance properties and limitations
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ExcelPlas Geosynthetics Testing Expands Geosynthetic Testing Offerings
ExcelPlas now performs more than 120 standard geosynthetic tests in accordance with relevant ASTM, GRI, and ISO standards.
We have extensive experience with all types of geosynthetics – from geomembranes (HDPE, LLDPE, fPP), geotextiles to geonets, geogrids, geocomposites, and geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs).
As a Nationally Accredited Testing Laboratory, our technicians, equipment, and quality system are monitored regularly for proficiency and compliance assuring that you can count on quality results every time.
Geosynthetic News Alerts – Your Global Source of Geosynthetic News and Technology. Current and Updated!
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