USG Corp. is counting on a lightweight version of its Sheetrock brand drywall to help revive profit pummeled by the long slump in housing construction.

Chairman and Chief Executive William Foote is determined to hold the line against additional losses after the company lost $787 million last year. A key component of his strategy is putting the brakes on nearly a 40% skid in the price of USG drywall since the end of 2006.

“Now, we have a product that will command a higher price,” said Foote during an interview with Dow Jones Newswires.