Dominican Republic, Caribbean. Ongoing project, phase 1 completed Formulation of a Bankable financial, technical and commercial feasibility study for the proposed expansion and diversification of a ceramic manufacturing company in Santa Domingo.

Dominican Republic, Caribbean. Ongoing project. Project co-ordinator for the development of three factories: a) Floor / roof and wall tiles, b) Large earthenware products c) Small ceramic enamel and pottery factory. A total of five missions have been discharged with a further two scheduled for year 2000. Significant improvements in quality, and dramatic reductions in production losses have resulted in increased exportation and home consumption of the products from two of the factories.

Nairobi, Kenya, E. Africa. Two missions completed. This ceramic manufacturing operation conceived to assist the disadvantaged female section of Nairobi and environs, providing employment, self-help and assistance to single mothers, and those with disabilities. This company provides significant employment and makes a meaningful contribution to exports via the tourist sector. Specific reference to utilise local raw materials in earthenware, stoneware, electrical porcelain and other applications, five other units also assisted. Further inputs under consideration.

Technical Manuscripts. Production of a guide on selected non-metallic minerals, their origin and industrial applications. Objective to promote interest through International Aid Agency worldwide antenna, in the development of local industries utilising indigenous NMM resources.

Trinidad & Tobago. Retained to explore the development potential of a kaolin processing enterprise (indigenous resource), and to assess the technical and financial inputs required to institute the appropriate methodology, and ensure an economically sound production process. Further work carried out in assisting local industries to manufacture once fired sanitaryware and bathroom accessories from mostly local raw materials.

Kenya E. Africa. Retained to develop targeted ceramic manufacturing enterprises within the SME entrepreneurial sector, and to advise on assistance required to uplift the ceramic industry nation-wide. Also to formulate a multi functional ceramic body from local minerals capable of satisfying the diverse production processes associated with earthenware tableware, art ware and fine ceramic jewellery. Installation and commissioning of capital equipment.

Lesotho. Primary task was to evaluate the proposed expansion from ceramic tiles into sanitaryware. This project being the largest single capital investment in the country. Detailed study of financial implications, technical review of raw materials and market survey in neighbouring RSA.

Zambia. To explore the possibility of developing small ceramic and materials processing projects in the Lusaka area. The units were associated with Small Industrial Development Organisation (SIDO). A thorough appraisal of raw materials available, skills of operatives and the proposed business plan enabled appropriate action to be taken.

Mauritius, Indian Ocean. Retained to re - structure a medium sized company producing ornamental ceramics and tableware. High losses and minimal basic ceramic technology were diminishing a potentially profitable operation. Four missions undertaken with further inputs under consideration. A thorough analysis and solution to numerous raw material, production, and marketing difficulties resulted in dramatic improvements in quality and cash flow, with new markets in RSA being secured. Additional capital equipment imported with commissioning and training programs implemented.

Jordan. Three one month missions to develop a SME ceramic craft and art factory employing disabled / disadvantaged persons. Low productivity and poor quality were undermining the viability of the unit. As a direct result of the intervention new production equipment was installed, new procedures established and eventually a new factory was commissioned. This project was under Royal patronage within the Queen Alia Social Welfare Fund.

Syria. Retained on a three-month mission to solve numerous technical and production problems being encountered by the countries' largest tile and sanitaryware factory at HAMA northern Syria. As a result of the mission key operatives were exposed to European production techniques, new ceramic glazes were produced from local materials. Adjustments to the ceramic body recipe and production methods resulted in significant economic advantage to the company.

Nigeria. Work carried out to establish the feasibility of a tableware-manufacturing factory. Extensive travel within Nigeria, collection and analysis of raw materials evaluation of tenders for equipment supplies.

Zimbabwe. Restructuring of large dust pressed tile manufacturing operation closed during War of Independence. Full utilisation of local clays and fluxes, training of former military cadres in production skills. Markets expanded to neighbouring countries.

Zimbabwe. Installation of clay processing plant in Artware pottery. Introduction and training in new glazes and manufacturing processes.

Zambia. Management of ceramic company producing a wide range of earthenware tableware, later expansion into low voltage electrical insulators.

Kenya. Management of country's largest factory producing earthenware tableware and dust pressed tiles. The utilisation of local materials to produce vitrified sanitaryware to international standards. Expansion of market to neighbouring countries.