Document jyb2Qgo62pRwj971dw9K6XwK5

JOHN T. LK IS <; 3R0S. COkPALY Aj.lr-IUAL REPORT - J/JiABb 19. 19A8 During 1947 the following developments peculiar to our branch took place. With the exception of the early part of the year when pig lead was in short supply, we manufactured, as much V/hite-Le:cl as re quired to fill all orders for paste and all of the dry lead reCiuired by our trade, in addition to which we were able to help cut several branches. 2. During the first quarter we completed our Soybean crushing ex periment with the result that we are convinced that our equip ment does not lend itself to profitable operations. While the operation did not appear profitable, it nevertheless carried 1-30,000.00 expenses of the department. 3. Likewise during the early part of the year, the periodic pur chases of Commodity Credit Linseed Oil for processing and re sale were made on too short notice a.nd too infrequently to en able us to build up the volume of business to which we had been accustomed, and which is required to cover all expenses and show a profit. 4. During much of the year our Oxide Department was working six and sometimes seven days a week, thus realizing close to maximum profit possibilities for the White-Lead, Chemicals and Colorsin-0il Departments, as well as itself. 5. Our Lead Chemicals Department continues its profitable operations, due in a large measure to the increase in demand for Lead Chem icals to such an extent that the manufacture of Dry Colors is now being terminated. In fact, pending a complete study of the modernization needs within the department, we have requested per mission to purchase another dryer in order to turn out the in creased demand indicated for these lead chemicals. 6. The manufacture of 45-X, although still subject to a. few minor changes, lias progressed to the point of our being able to take care o' all of the demands which have thus far developed. We are planning to operate this department continuously during 1948. 7. Our Color-in-011 Department was rearranged so as to afford maxi mum use of our facilities with minimum direct labor, thus en abling us to again take care of the company*s Color-in-Oil busi ness on a national distribution basis. 8.. During the yec.r we added to our transportation facilities to the extent of three fully enclosed trailers for the transportation of dry pigments, cartons, etc., fully protected from the weather. NL 000040738 .9 As forecast a year ago, extrusion of 1/4" Corad Solder has en abled us to cut down our backlog of Gored Solder orders. 10. The addition of Cast Antimonial Lead r^-rings in our s.ett 1 De partment has been very helpful. Although our lead supply is much shorter than at this time last year, we look forward to a good year in 1948 because: 1. More emphasis than ever is being placed on sales. 2. Most of the kinks have been worked out of the 45-X process and v:w should run almost continuously, using a relatively small tonnage of pig lead. 3. The demand for Lead Chemicals has built up to such an extent that we Cell operate the department without any Dry Color tonnage. The nev; dryer just ordered should increase our output approximately 25%. The rearranging and some modernisation of the equipment of said department should further reduce costs and increase profits. 4- The rearrangement of our Color-in-Oii equipment almost completed in 1947 should continue to show improved profits. 5. The stepping up of Barton outpiit should show improved oxide out4 put and comparatively lower cost. The use of YA by the Philco Plant of National Battery, replacing Eagle oxide, should be doubly helpful. 6. With the completion of our new oil refinery, we are no longer de pendent entirely upon Linseed Oil for the fate of our oil busi ness, although unfortunately we are not equipped for modern low cost extraction. We have all been duly appreciative of the assistance rendered us in 1947 by all departments of the parent company. It ha? been especially gratifying to have our facilities used for developme . work in such fields as special oils, 45-X, Jet mill grinding of oxide, new Lead Chemicals, Cored Solders, and further development of the T.S.P. process. It is our desire to continue and expand these coop-'-r. tive efforts in 1948. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, JWGj CC 1/19/48 J. W. Gardiner, Jr,, President. NL- 000040739