Document 10nv2yrDnYbVQaKQRMdJvL04E

ri PU1NTIFIPS EXHIBIT : ::&/> TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Toronto 244 - T. MacLennan Toronto 253 - D. N. Salisbury ASBESTOS FIBRE - SURREY o-^ V_PC_. DATE, September 1, 197 6 On. August 26th, 1976, Mr. Marshall Blackhurst, of Canadian JohnsManville, phoned to inform me that effective-December 31st, 1976, Canadian Johns-Manville are discountinuing sale of asbestos floats to the construction products industry for the purpose of manufacturing joint compound. This policy decision was made by Johns-Manville on a corporate basis and applies to all of North America. Canadian Johns-Manville originally wanted to discontinue the sale of asbestos floats effective September 30th, 1976. We argued strongly that this date did not provide sufficient time for us to develop alternate sources of asbestos and/or to make the transition to non-asbestos joint compound. After reconsidering, Mr. Blackhurst agreed to a revised date of December 31st, 1976. Mr. Blackhurst was adamant that this decision by Canadian JohnsManville was irrevocable. ' Our experience in Canada with other types of asbestos fibre, from producers other than Canadian Johns-Manville, has not been very satisfactory. The only asbestos-which has been given serious consideration is No. 7RF66 from Carey International. This fibre was tested by our Hagersville Plant approximately 2 years ago and found to be satisfactory, but only at higher usage levels. We have contacted Carey International and have been informed that they have no intention of discontinuing the sale of asbestos fibre to the building materials industry. Since we understand that they are currently supplying Domtar and. Westroc Industries, and since they represent the best alternative at the present time,'it is important that we evaluate their ability to provide continuity of supply to Canadian Gypsum. We would suggest that production trials be scheduled at Montreal and Hagersville for the Carey product as soon as it is practical. In order that we may have meaningful discussions with Carey International regarding future supply, it is important that we have an up-to-date sales forecast for 1977.-Your cooperation in this regard would be very much appreciated at your earliest opportunity. , ^ a DNS/zC cc: Toronto 244 - A. Desvaux cc: E. Mavnard - Chicago Research cc: Toronto 255 - C. R. Tymchyshen cc: Chicago Research - K. R. Larsc cc: Hagersville 66 - H. Xebel cc: Montreal 24 - R. Cyr r-> r- /-- -- . , , _ t L fc. [ VE cc: Calgary 59 - Bill Tong SEP U 3 1976 Canadian Gypsum Company, Limited ' U.S. GYPSUM c.