Brazilian kaolin operations
state of Para, Rio Capim Caulim (RCC) has
geared up to manage the additional kaolin
production. Capacity expansion projects have
been undertaken at the mine, processing plant
and the port to increase production to the level
required to offset the capacity closures in the UK.
capacity for our new rotogravure kaolin,
Capim
for the global paper market; slurry, tube press,
spray dried (for special applications) and a
new low dust granulate product.
dusting characteristics, which provides benefits
to the customer during product movement,
handling and application. This development also
supports our environmental policy, through
lower energy consumption during processing,
ease of make-down, improved handling and
greater transportation efficiencies.
said "Trials for the new granulate product took
place throughout 2007 at both our customer's
premises and at IMERYS European stores and
secondary processing facilities. The results
with regards to make-down and handling
characteristics have been excellent."
effort from a number of highly motivated project
teams involved from the planning stage through to
implementation. UK coating kaolin production
was stopped by the end of 2007 and customers
are now being supplied with Capim
now supplying customers from our new filler
kaolin assets in Cornwall."
only involved significant work on increasing
production capacity in Brazil, it has also meant
ensuring that we have logistical solutions in
place to supply our European customers.
infrastructure by expanding shipping capacity
from Brazil to Europe. This includes a new ship,
MV Barbara which has been refitted to carry
dry bulk and slurry kaolin. She compliments the
existing vessel MV Laura which is already fitted
to carry dry bulk and slurried cargo. In addition
to this a dry bulk vessel MV Harriet trades
directly between Brazil and Finland.
the establishment of a new Eurohub mineral
distribution centre in Antwerp, which provides
storage for slurry, and dry products, together
with make-down capacity. Its main facilities
include two dedicated warehouses, a tank farm,
a slurry make-down unit together with loading
facilities for slurry and dry bulk clay. Onward
deliveries to the customer are by road, rail,
sea and barge.
and Sales Support Manager commented, "The
Eurohub project is an integral part of IMERYS'
overall logistics strategy to provide a reliable,
cost effective and sustainable service. As a result
of IMERYS' excellence in engineering and supply
chain operations, working with Belgian based
stevedoring company, SEA-Invest, this was one
of the fastest builds in industrial port facilities
in Europe."
IMERYS project team has been exemplary in
ensuring that this part of the project was
achieved on time. I believe that this world
class facility allows us to focus our activities in
order to realise the synergies and economies
of scale that will bring added value to our
customers needs.
customers to better understand their logistical
needs and expectations, thereby creating value
to their overall business efficiencies.
Manager said "The decision to restructure the
global kaolin business resulted in one of the
biggest projects ever undertaken by IMERYS
involving thousands of employees and
contractors in both North & South America
and Europe. The aim was not only to expand
in Brazil, restructure the platform in the UK
and build a distribution network, but also to
convince our customers that this major change
was achievable. The ultimate goal was to
convert 129 paper machines at 117 different
paper mills involving over one million tonnes
of kaolin per annum.
motivation and commitment of the individual
teams allowed us to reach our goal. A business
decision, such as this, must be acknowledged to
have a great impact on the workforce as a whole,
not only in the need for restructuring and
redundancy but also in the flexibility from those
who remain. We must also all remember that this
global restructuring was essential for the long
term sustainability of the business."