Document 8OOwEGkD1NwQ2qQ4Q6vD5DBRa

TO: #151, T. E. Kevins FROM: #1S1, E. Maynard SUBJECT: WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS Joint Systems September 16, 1976 PLAINTIFFS EXHIBIT. CC; A** '.v #147-2 , C, H. Howard-` #147-2, R. P. Entz ` #143-2, B. M. Hostrup i CCPD CV 4*( K/ The improved READY-MIX TAPING COMPOUND^erformed well onfall field, tests.' This was confirmed in a recent letter from Mr. Ries. East Chicago has converted all production, to the new formula^which is expected to correct current" market problems at no cost increase. 2) At the request of Purchasing, we-ere evaluating several grades of Tylose thickener in place of Dow's Methocel. Tests look good in , READY-MIX TOPPING with a high viscosity grade, and plan tuX* * \ htf'P i I vn T^i i nT) fnr Gypsum and East Chicago irr-thxs-"product for- ^ A-*- " *1 ^trials* We- alco.. plan... t.Q evaluate Tyluse lii "DAXIas"T KhAl)Y-Mlx ALL- T 9,gRPOSE and TOPP-sENG. J^***~*y-L 3} The cause of cracking on the East Chicago batch of the new formula of USG TOPPING - NV has not been determined. Further work is planned on this. 4) Further work is underway on evaluation of HI-BOND, and in general, what Is needed to overcome problems and regain business in the Denver market. SCFD 1) Messrs. Cameron and Knudsen are field testing the modified READY-MIX ALL-PURPOSE* and the powder USG ALL-PURPOSE and TOPPING this week in - Texas. The filler in these formulas is composed of 80% Mikrofil carbonate and 20% terra alba. This is in line with their plan to convert to bulk carbonate instead of bulk terra alba. Lab. tests are underway here on this. Field tests were observed last week of the lower shrinkage READYMIX TOPPING made at Dallas, Everyone who applied it found the workf/ ability excellent. Mr". Cameron piano to ccnd..this1 to..Dcnv-uu1 alto. Dallas reported their READY-MIX TOPPING business has increased 200% since the new, easy sanding formula was introduced there early this year. 3) SCFD ^Marketing CR._ Young), reported-widespread problems with ex cessive shrinkage on metal corner bead with READY-MIX A.LL-PURFOSE in Richmond, Atlanta, Jacksonville and Miami. He asked for Research assistance in investigating this problem. Mr. Attard wild do this on a trip already scheduled for Chamblee as shown next in Item #4. He will go to Richmond next Monday and be at Chamblee on Wednesday fof the plant trial. United States Gypsum Company WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS Joint Systems Page 2 4) Development was completed on an improved READY-MIX TOPPING having. ... superior texturing properties compared with Chambleer s current: READY-MIX ALL-PURPOSE and TOPPING. Messrs. Howard and Young are ` requesting this to meet demands for a Letter texturing product primarily from the Atlanta Sales District. Mr. Attard will be at Chamblee next week for the plant trial and job tests. ECPD 1} The investigation of the complaint in. Washington, D.C. on. excessive shrinkage on screw heads in a large hospital under construction continues. The cost was estimated in the vicinity of $10,000. - Mr. Houman brought plant retain samples of READY-MIX back.to Research and is continuing lab tests' here in- an effort to pin point, the cause of the problem. .Tests are underway on this. 2} Following the shrinkage complaint investigation in Washington, . Mr.' Houman went to New Brighton to resolve the conflict between our lab. tests and the plant tests on the new non-asbestos DURABOND. He showed that a lab made sample did not lump excessively when . mixed, but the plant made batch did. His further investigation showed that a slightly different grade of thickener had been used in the plant batch. Another batch of DURABOND was made with the proper grade and field tested successfully in Pennsylvania. New Brighton will convert to this-formula. 3) Start-up -at Port Reading is anticipated before October 1. WCPD 1) A new problem came to South Gate this week. Plaster City is unable to supply terra alba filler to them due to water damage on their equipment. We are evaluating both Southard terra alba and MW325 carbonate (from Victorville, California) to prevent a shut-down . at South Gate. 25 South Gate is keeping the remaining terra alba supply for the new READY-MIX ALL-PURPOSE that was recently field tested successfully and released to So. California and Arizona. ,'WEEKLY. HIGHLIGHTS Joint; Systems ?PageV3;' : *. CGC ' 1> CGC Purchasing reported that Carey-Canadian will supply all;'of-.the.%?3.; plant's requirements for asbestos next year, following ResearchV;`Vi? approval of 7RFSS and 7RF9 grades in"'joint' compound';''formulas 'there. Samples are enroute to Research. 2}- Hr." Mac Lennan indicated the start-up date" for Calgary to/he." October 4. However, there, is no report on-a permit; fromithe.; Ar---- :; berta province. " ' - '* . r ,, , \ '*< ' 3) Montreal has encountered further problems with skin's;- or seeds.,;, with. . Stein-Hall latex, and they, again requested/-Research:assistande'itf.*;'; .Hr. Larson is investigating this and-will go .-there to' providel^^-'V assistance if necessary. " ' C o o o co