Based on its main UK ball clay production site at Teigngrace in Devon, Imerys Ceramics Technologies UK combines an upgraded quality control laboratory benefiting from enhanced facilities and a brand new ceramics technologies laboratory dedicated to ceramic applications innovation.
It was officially opened by Cllr Dennis Smith, Chairman of Teignbridge District Council, and Thomas Guillaume, Strategy and Development Manager for Imerys Ceramics. In his opening allocution, Thomas Guillaume declared “We have decided to strengthen our skills with advanced R&D facilities in order to increase our ability to support our customers and develop new products adapted to their specific needs and improve their performances. We are glad to further develop our technical commitment to tableware, sanitaryware, tiles and electrical porcelain producers. This new laboratory will also be instrumental for our operations support in order to make sure that we make the best out of our valuable ores.”
Tim Golder, Technology Manager for Ceramic Raw Materials and Applications, said the new laboratory was a real boost for the industry. “We are extremely proud to commit to the long-term viability of the ball clay industry in the UK. Without Devon ball clays, our tableware, sanitaryware, tile and refractory customers would be at an economic disadvantage.”
Neil Mifflin, Technical Manager for UK Ball Clay Applications, said: “Imerys takes its social and environmental responsibilities very seriously, and the new laboratory fits well with that ethos, meeting modern environmental requirements and reducing our carbon footprint. This new facility will help provide our clients with the best possible solutions for their specific production needs. It is a unique resource which will serve the ceramics industry locally, nationally and internationally.”
Imerys Ceramics is a world leading supplier of industrial mineral solutions. From its quarries and transformation plants the company has developed a comprehensive offering for the ceramic industries: raw materials, prepared bodies, glazes and engobes. Imerys Ceramics stands for high quality products, technical and process experts, logistics solutions and production support to bring its customers the best possible value.
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