Document BRdbkZO1xpJD51a97v6njwJ14

MEMORANDUM :: Mr. Hixon Mr. Wood --^Mr. Arno!d Mr. Weaver Mr. Colvin Mr. Dusty - BB - BBP - BBT - BBH - MS - BE From Dot Subjta Mr. Sutton, BBH 11/5/81 MINERAL FELT PROGRAM AT SHREVEPORT PLAINTIFF'S EXHIBIT The program I am recommending to Mr. Colvin for his continuation of the mineral felt project is two-part in nature. Bearing in mind present budgetary constraints and other corporate considerations, the first part of this program should be to evaluate information we presently have or can readily obtain. An inspection of the roofs in Florida by myself, Mr. Colvin and others should indicate weathering characteristics of this type of product. If this inspection suggests that these shingles are unacceptable then the project can be fully terminated. This inspection may point out that this product is worthy of further investigation. If so, I propose that BBH personnel, Mr. Heath of FO, and Dow Chemical technical personnel inspect the felt manufacturing facilities at Shreveport to specifically determine what engineering changes are required to run a mill trial. The results of this plant inspection will determine the cost of the engineer ing changes for the mill trial as well as any future permanent machine changes. Local as well as corporate manufacturing and engineering will be involved in these machine modifications and cost projections. BBH will be responsible for coordinating these activities and will issue a cost analysis on the above which will bring to a close the first part of this program. The second part of the program concerns itself with mill trials and process evaluation for shingle and under!ayment felt. This phase of activity could only be started if management decides to continue the program based upon the cost analysis from above. Up to the time relatively little monies have been spent to bring us to this decision making point. The schedule of activities to reach the end of the first part of the program would be to inspect the roofs in Florida by the end of November 1981, inspect the Shreveport felt mill by the end of December 1981. The cost analysis for future mill trials will be prepared by the end of January 1982. This analysis will contain information relating to shingle felt and underlayment felt. If the program has not been terminated, a mill trial could be underway by March 1982. Considering the potential cost savings of $2.77/square with mineral felt products, I strongly recommend that the first part of this program begin immediately. Your comments and advise would be appreciated at your earliest convenience. KS/rp i BIRD 011167