Production processes

1. Raw materials preparation
The process begins with various varieties of clay and other raw materials such as Feldspar and gravel, which are finely ground and mixed according to the required formula. The blend is then stored in a silo.

2. Preparation of liquid clay
The rae material which has been finely ground according to the formula and stored in the different silos is fed into the weighing machine. It is weighed with reference to the predetermined formula, before being combined and stored. The combined mixture passes on to a continuous mixer, or ball mill : the fine liqiuid clay obtained pours out of the mill in a steady stream. The liquid clay is baked until completely dry by passing through a spray sryer, prior to being stored in a silo. It is then ready for the next phase : tile moulding.

3. Tile moulding
The powdered, processed clay stored in the silo is transferred to pressing machinery. The equipment is hydraulically operated and will shape the powdered clay with the application of extreme pressure, providing a raw tile plate. The next processes are the colour coating and desired pattern stages, followed by baking in a dryer. The dried tile is then sorted by a conveyer belt, so that it may be kept in a tile storage car before entering thefiring oven.

4. Tile firing
The tile storage car sends the tiles to the firing oven, which has a temperature of approximately 1, 170 degrees Celsius. After this process, the tiles must pass quality control inspection and selection for packing in boxes. The boxed tiles are stored in the ceramic warehouse, awaiting distribution.

Source of production technology and machine maintenance

The Company and its subsidiary employ manufacturing technology from Italy, which is recognised as a leader in the production of contemporary ceramic tile design. Italy itself is constantly developing new technologies for the Company and its subsidiaries to adopt or extend to its production line as it needs. Normally, however, such machinery can remain in efficient operation for between 10 - 15 years, depending on the stare of maintenance. Over the past 3 years, the Company and its subsidiary have ensured a high level of machine efficiency, together with the allocation of a machine maintenance budget of at least 4-5% of the value of each company's machinery.