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Saint-Gobain invests to improve performance at its Newark plant
Global plaster and gypsum manufacturer, Saint-Gobain, has invested in a state-of-the-art kettle at its specialist plaster plant near Newark in Nottinghamshire.
This kettle, however, has nothing to do with making a cuppa! Instead, it is the central piece of equipment in transforming gypsum (mined at nearby Bantycock Quarry) into plaster, ready for use in a range of products.
Saint-Gobain Formula, the company which operates the plant (Jericho Works) has a commitment to continually upgrading and modernising the site. The company has installed the new 10-tonne kettle over the last 12 months, and it replaces a kettle which had been in operation for 30 years. The new kettle produces plaster 40% more efficiently and will provide a safer and more reliable working environment.
Saint-Gobain has invested in a state-of-the-art kettle at its specialist plaster plant near Newark in Nottinghamshire / Picture: Saint-Gobain
Jericho Works’ plant manager, Jamal Chaya, said: “It’s a priority for us to make the plant as efficient as possible and aim to be at the forefront of technology in plaster production. Our products are highly specialist – not just used in construction, but also used for applications such as ceramics, food and brewing and dentistry.
“This new kettle, with its associated automated control system, allows us to divert operators from the previous more manual process to focus more of their expertise on product consistency and quality for our customers.”
Gypsum production has been present in the area since the 1860s. The Jericho plant has operated for over 50 years, and now employs 100 people.