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Friday, June 05, 2009 - 7:16 AM
January 2, 2007
Malvern Minerals Capacity & Reliability Improvement Update
Hot Springs, Arkansas – Malvern Minerals, a producer of white silica powder for the coatings industry, announces the commence of operation of its fourth production mill. The start of this fourth mill brings to completion a capacity improvement plan which has tripled production capacity over the last 12 months.
From 2001 through 2004, due to several equipment failures, poor maintenance planning, and lack of capital investment, Malvern Minerals production capacity was reduced to one active mill. With only one mill, the company’s ability to supply its customers was limited to 30% of original capacity. Starting late 2005, the company began refurbishing, replacing, and adding mill capacity. This capacity improvement program reached completion December, 2006 with the installation of the fourth and final mill. With the fourth mill in operation capacity to produce product has been restored to original production rates.
In addition, the reliability of mill operation has been improved with the institution of preventative maintenance schedules and practices. The use of four mills instead of three helps limit the impact to production capacity when a mill must be taken off line for preventative maintenance. Spare parts inventory has been increased to help minimize production downtime when mill maintenance must occur.
Brad Smith, President and COO, commented, “Now that capacity has been restored, full attention is being applied to the Classifier Systems and Transfer Systems. We estimate reliability issues with these systems currently limit mill utilization to 2/3 of full capacity. But even this limitation is a two-fold improvement over what Malvern Minerals has been able to provide our customers in each of the last three years. We look forward to being able to provide our customers the quality product they demand in the increased quantities and delivery schedules they desire”.
Tony McAnly, Chairman and CEO, said, “These actions are consistent with Malvern Minerals strategic plan to increase production reliability and enhance customer satisfaction. The capital investment made in 2006 is now realized with the doubling of our mill capacity. When the capital improvements planned for 2007 are implemented the reliability gained in the Classifier Systems and Transfer Systems will allow Malvern Minerals to gain another 50% improvement in mill utilization – returning capacity and reliability to historic levels.
Malvern Minerals is a Hot Springs, Arkansas based excavator, processor, and supplier of white microcrystalline silica powder and toll processing services to the coatings industry. Since 1947, Malvern Minerals has been the number one supplier of Arkansas Novaculite which is marketed under the brand name Novacite®. Novacite® offers the lowest published oil and water absorption rates of any silica on the market.
Additional information about Malvern Minerals and its products are available at www.malvernminerals.com.
Contact: Brad Smith
President
501-623-8893
brad.smith@malvernminerals.com
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