ABRASIVE MATTERS

JANUARY & JULY 2012 EDITION
ABRASIVE MATTERS
GAC all set for western region expansion
A new facility for Garnet Arabia Company (GAC) has been
established in Masturah, the Western Region of Saudi Arabia early
this year to service the region’s growing industries.
Strategically located between Jeddah and Rabigh, the 5,000m2 bulk handling and
storage facility is set to meet the current garnet abrasive demand for ongoing
projects such as the Yanbu Export Refinery as well as upcoming petrochemical
expansion projects.
“We are optimistic with the future development of the region with upcoming
new oil refineries and petrochemical plant expansions and potential growth
opportunies in the medium to large fabrication sector,” GAC General Manager
Soni John said.
In addition, GAC is the only provider in the region to offer a recycling package
programme that caters for the collection of used garnet to be re-processed.
Besides the benefits of lower disposal costs, the programme offers a responsible
solution for companies to dispose their used material. The spent material that
is collected from various sites will be pre-processed at the facility before being
delivered to GAC’s plant in Jubail for final processing.
Meanwhile, expansion plans are in place for the plant in Jubail in preparation for
a new production line to produce a new range of garnet abrasives. The Group
has invested over AUD$1 million for the project which is targeted to commence
in September this year.
The new product range which will be marketed under the Arabian Garnet brand
comprises of three grades - 120 mesh, 150 mesh and 200 mesh. These are most
suitable for micro garnet users in applications such as glass and delicate surfaces
– aluminium and turbine.
By Stephanie Cheong, Perth
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
JetTalk: 3 easy steps to fix a nozzle blockage [03] | Concrete carpet with a British sense of humour [05] | The MEAM waterjet project [08]
CORPORATE
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra entertains
regional WA through live simulcast
One of the regional live broadcast venues - Novotel Ningaloo Resort, Exmouth.
Regional communities in Western Australia enjoyed a complimentary
world-class classical performance by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
at the Perth Concert Hall through a live simulcast in September last year.
The live broadcast using high quality video and audio technology was aired at
12 venues across the state and provided patrons a full experience including the
orchestra arriving on stage and being able to purchase programmes, food and
beverages at their venue.
This is the orchestra’s second Australian tour covering Perth, Brisbane and Sydney
since the very first performance at the Sydney Opera House in 2006. Internationally
recognised as one of the world’s greatest orchestra, the Vienna Philharmonic
Orchestra which was established in 1842 is more closely associated with the history
and tradition of European classical music than any other musical ensemble.
According to the Perth Concert Hall General Manager Andrew Bolt, the wait -list to
become a subscriber in Austria is 11 years for weekend performances and six years
for mid-week concerts.
“Or you can try and wrestle with the 200-odd people who’ll brave the worst
weather to see if someone returns a ticket,” Mr Bolt added.
GMA is the main corporate partner in bringing the renowned orchestra to Perth.
By Torsten Ketelsen, Perth
The orchestra was conducted by Maestro Christoph Eschenbach.
02
CORPORATE
JetTalk: 3 easy steps to fix a nozzle blockage
A great tip that could save you at least US$100!
FEATURE SERIES
Nozzle blockage is a common problem and may occur quite frequently during the waterjet
cutting process. The cost of replacing the nozzle can be quite substantial especially if this
occurs often. The common causes that may trigger a nozzle blockage are:
The Abrasive Matters brings you JetTalk
- a short series on waterjet cutting tips &
solutions contributed by our experienced
waterjet solutions team.
Wrong Mesh Size
Abrasive quality
Dust
Incorrect selection of
waterjet cutting garnet
abrasive mesh/particle size
or using oversized particles
compared to the bore
diameter of the nozzle.
Lower quality garnet
abrasives that may have a
higher content of foreign
metal particles.
High levels of dust in lower
quality garnet abrasives.
Got a waterjet related question or
looking for a solution?
Write to us : [email protected]
In the event that you are unable to clear the blockage using compressed air,
try the following time–tested remedy:
STEP 2 : Re-fit it with the opposite end
STEP 1: Remove the blocked nozzle.
of the nozzle.
STEP 3: Start the pump followed by
the jet.
Within a fraction of a second, the nozzle will be cleared!
Contributed By : Ajay Thanki, Dubai
Special Appreciation to NSH
GMA presented a special appreciation
to Nasser S. Al Hajri Corporation
(NSH) in recognition of the company’s
continuous support since 2007.
For the past five years, GMA’s Saudi Arabia
operation-Garnet Arabia Company (GAC)
has been providing NSH with customised
service arrangements comprising the supply of
quality garnet abrasive as well as the collection
of used garnet from site for reprocessing.
In honour of the long term business
relationship, a special Appreciation Certificate
was awarded to NSH on 19th December
2011 at the NSH Tower in Al Khobar.
In July this year, GMA CEO Torsten Keteslen
attended the opening of NSH ‘s new office
in Western Australia.
“The excellent relationship between
GMA and NSH will be further enchanced
with the new setup here in Perth and
opportunites to work together in the
current resources boom in Western
Australia,” Mr Ketelsen said.
Recognised as a Grade “A” general
construction contractor by the government
of Saudi Arabia, NSH contributed its
expertise in key sectors such as Oil &
Gas, Refineries, Petrochemicals, Fertilisers,
Cement, Power, Desalination and Steel
Industries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
for over 30 years.
Over the years, GMA Garnet™
abrasive is the preferred abrasive for
all major projects by NSH namely
Saudi Kayan - Phenolics, Chemanol
Expansion, Sipchem Acetyl Complex,
IBN ZAHR PP3, Ethylene Plant Project
Sharq, Tasnee Ethylene Cracker Plant,
Methanol Plant Project, Hadeed DRI
Plant Project, PDH/PP Plant Project
and Jubail Export Refinery.
The special Appreciation Certificate was presented to NSH Corporate
Procurement Manager Krishna Kumar (second from left) by GMA CEO Torsten
Ketelsen (third from left) together with GAC General Manager Soni John (far
left) and GMA Group Commercial Manager Rodney Liebeck (far right).
By Soni John, Jubail
03
CORPORATE / PRODUCT FEATURE
GMA Garnet™ Fine & Super Fine Abrasives
GMA Micronised Garnet Products for Precision Applications.
AVAILABLE MESH SIZES
High quality GMA Garnet™ abrasives are now available for delicate surface
preparation applications, ready in stock worldwide.
GMA Fine & Super Fine Abrasive products are processed using state-of-the-art technology
to ensure consistent high quality. The combination of high mineral purity, total grain
angularity and consistent sizing ensures high performance precision cutting, cleaning,
etching and polishing.
The range of abrasives are most suited for precision waterjet cutting, fine and delicate blast
cleaning for graffiti and paint removal, stone or brick restoration; automobile, aerospace
and boat restoration as well as new fabrication. It also is commonly used for blast etching
of glass, aluminium, plastics and composites.
•
90 mesh • 120 mesh • 150 mesh
• 200 mesh • 350 mesh
For further information, contact Marc Putzier at
[email protected]
The abrasives are packaged in 25kg paper bags or1000kg & 2000kg bulk bags.
By Marc Putzier, Perth
4.
1.
2.
Photo credits: Ibix
3.
Picture 1: Wood restoration.
Picture 2: High precision blast cleaning.
Picture 3: Graffiti removal.
Picture 4: Specialty surface preparation.
u The *GEOBLASTER with **GMA
Fine abrasive 150 mesh were used to
restore the bricks of this building that
was constructed in 1862. The building
is one of the historic structures
located in Marshall, Michigan, home to
one of the largest historic landmark
districts in USA.
BEFORE
AFTER
The surface of the original and
replacement bricks were lightly
skimmed without any pit or tear and
the mortar remained intact.
*Coupled with 220 CFM compressor
at 40psi nozzle pressure.
**Abrasive consumption was at the
average of 40kg / 90 lbs per hour.
Photo & Info credits: Geoblaster
04
UNITED KINGDOM
Concrete carpet with a British sense of humour
Made of granite and high quality cast concrete, the carpet is a humorous display of jokes, songs and comedy catchphrases
by over 1,000 of Britain’s most well loved comedians and writers.
Deemed as one of the largest pieces of
public art ever commissioned in the United
Kingdom, Blackpool’s Comedy Carpet unveiled
on 10th October 2011 is set to stir a few giggles
or perhaps loads of laughs from its visitors.
Installed on the promenade at the foot of the world
famous Blackpool Tower, the 2,200 m2 typographical
artwork which is made of granite and high quality
cast concrete is a humorous display of jokes, songs
and comedy catchphrases by over 1,000 of Britain’s
most well loved comedians and writers.
Five sections at the centre of the carpet are devoted
to Ken Dodd, Les Dawson, Morecambe and Wise,
Frankie Howerd and Tommy Cooper.
The size of the letters on the carpet varies from a
few centimetres to almost a metre tall so that the
laughs can be enjoyed from all sides and from both
close up and from a height at the top of the tower.
These 160,000 individually engraved letters spelling
out the phrases on the carpet were cut with
waterjet cutting machines by WJS UK using GMA
Garnet™ 80 mesh waterjet cutting abrasive prior
to installation on site.
“Our waterjet machines are manufactured to
the highest standard and we have full confidence
in GMA Garnet™ abrasive’s constant optimum
performance. We recommend GMA Garnet™ to
all our customers,” said WJS UK Managing Director
Chris Baker.
The £4m project has taken five years from
conception to installation and is integrated into
the Tower Festival Headland– a brand new events
space in the resort, which will host huge events with
a capacity of 20,000 as well as a brand new lowcarbon-emission wedding venue with breathtaking
views across the beach and sea.
The carpet was officially unveiled by legendary
Liverpool comedian Ken Dodd.
By John Halewood, Manchester
These 160,000 individually engraved letters spelling out the phrases on the carpet
were cut with waterjet cutting machines using GMA Garnet™ 80 mesh abrasives.
Photo credits: Angela Catlin
05
EUROPE
Trade Exhibitions in Europe
Lamiera Blech Italia 2012
GMA Garnet Europe participated in the “Lamiera / Blech Italia“
exhibition in Bologna, Italy from 9th to 12th May 2012.
The exhibition is well-known as the most important trade show in Italy and
specifically devoted to metal forming machines and metal manufacturing sector.
GMA received numerous inquiries on the range of fine and super fine garnet
abrasives which are popularly used in sandblasting applications for graffiti removal,
steel and wood restoration in Europe.
On top of sandblasting customers, many existing and potential waterjet customers
also attended the trade show in search of new machines or to upgrade their
existing machines to modern and computer controlled CNC systems.
According to waterjet machine manufacturer exhibitors, the demand for new
machines is on the rise. The production capacity for new machine orders have
exceeded by over 30 percent with a delivery lead time of up to six months upon
order receipt. By Tiziano Cher, Frankfurt
Tolexpo 2012 in France
GMA Europe representatives,
from left: Andreas Höfner, Riccardo Cinquini & Tiziano Cher.
Blechexpo 2011 in Germany
allowing a 520° rotation on
the C axis (vertical axis) and
a ±45° tipping on the A axis
(horizontal axis) to ensure high
precision and watertightness.
The regular grain size of GMA
80 mesh garnet offers quality,
consistent cutting performance
and less clogs in the cutting
head as it is virtually dust free.
The waterjet market remains
optimistic of a strong growth in
the sales of 6,000 bar (90,000 psi)
pumps in 2012.
GMA Garnet in Europe
participated in the Tolexpo
fair in Paris, France with
La Découpe Systèmes
Automatisés (LDSA) from
15th to 18th November
last year.
06
the waterjet cutting technology
by LDSA and quality Australian
garnet abrasive by GMA.
Over 11,000 visitors attended
the international fair for sheet
metal, coil, tube and section
equipment There were over
200 exhibitors and major
waterjet cutting machine
manufacturers such as Flow
and Bystronic in France and
Resato International.
On showcase were GMA
80 mesh garnet and the
WJA 15.30 1T5X PRO Abrasive Waterjet Machining
Center from LDSA which is
composed of a 3000 x 1500
mm table, a stainless steel
water tank, with 5 axis cutting
at 6000 bar powered by a
KMT Pro pump. This great
combination enables a high
performance cutting - faster
cutting and better cut quality.
At the LDSA/GMA booth, visitors
comprising waterjet technicians,
engineers, current and potential
customers were introduced to
the benefits and advantages of
As swivels often lead to leaks
and machine breakdowns,
there is no swivel in the
WJA 15.30 1T5X PRO but a
connection with a spiral tube
LDSA is GMA’s key distributor
in France. The company was
established in 1989 by Mr.
Dominique Braucourt in Bar-leDuc in the North East of France.
LDSA is the leading French
manufacturer of waterjet cutting
machines and one of the main
manufacturers in Europe with
more than 300 installation of
waterJet machines. LDSA plans
to promote 7,000 bar (105
000 psi) technology for higher
productivity requirements.
By Fabien Reneaux, Frankfurt
z GMA Sales & Marketing Assistant
Fabien Reneaux (left) with LDSA
General Director Dominique Braucourt
at the Tolexpo fair in Paris.
The GMA team at the exhibition.
GMA Garnet Europe attended the 10th Blechexpo
2011 which was held at the Stuttgart Exhibition
Centre last year.
GMA had a successful showcase at the expo which
ranks second in the global ranking for sheet metal
processing trade shows. Around 26,000 expert visitors
from 89 countries visited the expo to gather information
regarding current industry offerings.
The show features manufacturer products, machines,
systems and equipment for hardware and software.
By Andreas Höfner, Hamburg
EUROPE
Visitors impress with Aulla open house
Visitors were impressed with the open house of the Group’s recycling
facility in Aulla-Pallerone, Italy that was held on 9th September 2011.
Seventy international customers, suppliers and distributors toured the facility
and were briefed on the production process and storage capacity. Currently,
the daily production of reprocessed garnet is approximately 50 tonnes and
around 10,500 tonnes of new garnet and 2000 tonnes of used garnet are
being stored at the warehouse. The positive reception of the visitors further
enhances customer relations and builts toward a long-lasting cooperation with
the Group.
The event began with a welcome dinner on 8th September at Cabreo
Restaurant in Viareggio which is a 45 minutes drive from the facility followed
by the plant visit the next morning.
The event ended with a two-hour ferry cruise from Portovenere - near Cinque
Terre to Viareggio. The Cinque Terre is one of the most untouched areas in
the Mediterranean Sea with beautiful footpaths, breathtaking views, churches,
oratories and old castles, diving and the finest food and wines.
By Tiziano Cher, Frankfurt
Seventy guests toured the facility and were briefed on the
production process and storage capacity.
Never a dull moment for Andreas
After two decades of promoting GMA
Garnet™ as a wonderful abrasive to
customers in Europe, General Manager
Andreas Höfner concludes that it was and
still is an exciting job.
“This job enables me to meet different customers
and friends all around Europe. I may be meeting
customers from Airbus and BMW today and small
workshop owners the next day,” said Mr Höfner
who celebrated 20 years of service last year.
It all began when Mr Höfner met CEO Torsten
Ketelsen at a trade show in Hamburg in October
1990 where he was introduced to GMA Garnet™.
Convinced of the performance and potential of
this abrasive, Mr Höfner came on board as Sales &
Marketing Manager in Hamburg on 1st July 1991.
“In the beginning, nobody knew about our product
but many companies were interested to learn
more about this product from “Down Under.”
It was fantastic to get the first orders from
shipyards in Germany and from the Netherlands,”
Mr Höfner said.
Mr Höfner shared that his initial challenges were
to establish GMA Garnet Europe as a market
leader in the garnet abrasive market, to build up
the best possible customer-vendor relationships
and develop a sophisticated marketing and
distribution network across Europe. Today, GMA
Garnet™ has become the reference class for
garnet abrasive in the waterjet cutting industry.
“Andreas has demonstrated most admirably
what can be achieved when you believe in your
product and pursue your goals relentlessly,” CEO
Torsten Ketelsen said.
Among Andreas’ most memorable moments
through the years are being able to maintain longterm customer relationships with customers that
have placed their first order many years ago and
to see a high and steady growth in garnet sales
each year.
“What I like about the Group are our product
which is reliable and provides the highest value for
money abrasive solution to our customers, sound
investments in reprocessing plants, a fantastic and
highly motivated team operating in a customerfocused corporate culture and the environmentally
sustainable and socially responsible practices of our
business,” Mr Höfner said.
Mr Höfner (left) 20 years ago when he first joined
the Group and today.
Moving forward, Mr Höfner is working towards
developing a market for reprocessed garnet as
well as ultra-fine products from the reprocessing
plant in Aulla, Italy and to explore new applications,
resources and cost-effective disposal of used
garnet in Europe.
During his free time, Mr Höfner enjoys travelling
and sports activities especially tennis and cycling
and to be able to spend as much time as possible
with his family.
By Stephanie Cheong, Perth
07
UNITED STATES
The MEAM waterjet project
The MEAM waterjet is a design project by final year students in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) at the University of
Pennsylvania, United States. GMA Sales Manager Carl Borgh came to know of the project and followed their progress.
Carl shares his thoughts on the project.
In October last year, I came to know about the MEAM waterjet project
– a final year project to build a working waterjet machine (right picture)
by a group of engineering students for their university machine shop
that will also benefit future engineering students.
Carl Borgh
One of the initial challenges of the project was to fit it through a standard 32”
(813mm) door opening and to be able to run on standard household current of
120 volt AC. On reading some of their build parameters, I thought it would not
be possible but this creative group found a way by working with lower pressures
driven by a pump donated to their cause.
A month later in November, the students contacted GMA for some GMA Garnet™ 80 mesh abrasive.
I brought them a few buckets of abrasive and had a lengthy discussion with some of the team members.
We touched on the issue of getting GMA Garnet™ to flow correctly and interestingly, they came up with
a novel approach of using an inverted juice bottle and experimented with finding a hole/orifice to gravity
feed their system at the correct rate.
I wanted to do more than to just supply garnet and suggested that they visit a working waterjet shop.
At the end of March this year, the students visited Krando Metal Products (KMP) in Broomall.
KMP Senior Project Manager Anthony DiAngelus Jr. was very helpful and generous with his time by
providing an informative three-hour tour with full access to the facility. Anthony was very detailed in
describing the daily operations in a waterjet shop environment and I believe this would have firmly planted
the waterjet applications platform in their minds as a viable business.
According to Anthony, the students were ambitious, eager and extremely intelligent
and were not intimidated by the extremely difficult task of cutting a solid object with
water and abrasive. Their questions were focused, well thought out and precise.
“Their passion for this project is something you do not see in the industry,” Anthony added.
Besides a very small budget and limitations to space and electricity, these creative
and intelligent young people overcame various challenges and successfully completed
their project. I can see how they, the upcoming generation could represent the future
of mechanical production and manufacturing. The experience was very satisfying and
I hope to remain in contact with these young people in future as they venture into
their respective industries.
Site visit to KMP by the engineering students from University of Pennsylvania.
From left : Nick Bartlett, Carlee Wagner, Adam Libert & Nisan Lerea.
Project Highlights
The purpose of this project was to create a small scale waterjet machine suitable
for universities and hobbyists. It should be powerful, yet small and affordable
for non-commercial applications. The general design concept capitalises on the
advantages associated with building an abrasive waterjet machine that operates at
relatively low pressure (as low as 10ksi) and flow rate.
Project Goals:
Perform cuts at 1/4” (6.35mm) aluminum and 1/8” (3.175mm) steel
Cut within a tolerance of 0.005” (0.127mm) (including error due to
kerf width and draft angle)
> Compact machine within a few square feet; a modular system that
could be assembled on a table-top
> Automated material-based feeds and speeds calculations
> A machine that is safe to operate
> Budget : less than USD$10,000
>
>
The team has won the top award in their class and will be competing against other engineering
classes for the best project.
08
Anthony (first from left) explaining the waterjet workstation functions at
KMP and the various software features and capabilities that are beneficial
to the user experience of the student’s waterjet machine.
UNITED STATES
GMA to increase market
presence in Central and
South America
GMA Garnet USA is working towards increasing its market
presence in Central and South America.
“The industrial sector in this part of the world is growing at a
rapid pace. We see the potential and growth opportunity for us
to promote our products to the relevant industries here,” Vice
President – Sales & Marketing Pete Mitchell said.
GMA Garnet™ waterjet cutting and sandblasting abrasives are
currently available in the region via business partners - Reptec
and Rosber in Mexico and Transmerquim for sandblasting abrasive
in both Central and South America.
“Customers are also welcomed to direct their enquiries to us as
we are able to deliver our abrasive products in containers to all
areas in the region,” Mr Mitchell added.
By Stephanie Cheong, Perth
t GMA Garnet™ abrasive is now available in
Mexico and other parts of South America.
Painters Competition raises US $15,000
for students in need
Over US $15,000 were raised during the annual Houston
Painters Competition organised by the Houston Coatings
Society in Houston,Texas early last year.
The proceeds from the event have been given out as college
scholarships to 10 students in need.
Over 300 hundred guests and their families enjoyed a full day of
games, barbeque and serious competition for the contractors.
The event is one of the many activities organised by the society.
GMA is an active member of the Houston Coatings Society as
well as the Louisiana Coatings Society. The members of these
organisations comprised of companies in the painting, blasting or
related industries in the US Gulf Coast area. Regular meetings
are held every month with special guest speakers to address
current key issues in the industry. GMA Gulf Coast Outside Sales
Ernie McDaniel is also a board member of the board of directors
of both organisations.
Besides providing event sponsorships, some of the GMA employees
are involved in several event planning committees and most of the
inside sales team has helped out in these events.
Painters Competition in progress.
Children enjoying the games and
activities at the event.
GMA is proud to be a part of these organisations and doing our
part in giving back to the industry. By Pete Mitchell, Houston
09
PARTNER NEWS
Speedy refinery storage tank maintenance using
Blastmaster Tornado™ with GMA PremiumBlast™
In May this year, a major contractor
performed maintenance works on
a large tank for one of the leading
refineries in New SouthWales,Australia.
The interior and exterior of the tank with
an approximate diameter of 55 metres
and 10-12 metres in height required blast
cleaning and re-coating due to corrosion
that has occurred over time. The job
comprised of the removal of a 500 micron
thick coating on the interior tank floor and
the heavily rusted and pitted internal walls
as well as the removal of epoxy coating on
the exterior followed by the application of
a protective coating system.
Stringent quality standards are required for
the coating removal and re-coating process
as the guaranteed life expectancy of the tank
structure is very high. In addition, the surface
preparation of the steel surface is a crucial
step in the re-coating process as it ensures
that the new protective coating will adhere
and protect against further corrosion for
many years.
Blastmaster recommended the use of
GMA Garnet™ abrasive as it reduces the
contractor’s operational costs for such
time-critical jobs when compared to lower
quality imported garnet abrasive.
The combination of Blast-One MegaBlaster™
and *Blast-One Tornado™ blaster tool with
GMA PremiumBlast Garnet abrasive provided
the contractor with great results:
- 30% increase in productivity and lower
consumption rate by approximately 30%
(compared to imported garnet)
- The production rates for removing the
500 micron thick coating on the tank floor
were over 60m2 per hour/per operator
- The production rates for removing the
heavily rusted and pitted walls were 50 m2
per hour/per operator whilst achieving a
class SA 2½ (SSPC-10).
In addition to significant cost-savings, the
project was completed in record time and
ahead of schedule. The contractor was
amazed with the results.
“Our time, labour, abrasive consumption
and disposal costs were reduced and the
customer is pleased with us. We had bad
weather to contend with on top of it all,”
the contractor said.
The contractor added that the customer
was ‘extremely satisfied as they saved
three days out of a 20-day project window
and reduced blasting costs by 27% and
disposal costs by 33%!’
By Jim Gooden & Philip Gooden,
Blastmaster, Adelaide
The contractor achieved a 30% increase in productivity and lower
consumption rate by approximately 30% by switching to Blastmaster’s
Blast-One Tornado™ with GMA PremiumBlast™ garnet abrasive.
*Blastmaster’s Blast-One Tornado™ abrasive blasting tool comes with a twin nozzle assembly which speeds up production by over 2½ times as compared to a
standard single blast hose. The contractor has adopted this single tool to perform the task of over 2½ operators and the operator finds it extremely easy to use.
GMA, Syawaja joins SOGCE 2012
From left : The Minister of Industrial Development Sabah YB Datuk Raymond Tan,
GMA CEO Torsten Ketelsen, Chief Minister of Sabah YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Musa
Hj Aman & Syawaja Managing Director Ya Mahmud Mohd Noor.
10
GMA Garnet Australia together
with Syawaja Malaysia participated
in the Sabah Oil & Gas Conference
& Exhibition (SOGCE) from 9th to
10th April 2012 in Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah in Malaysia.
12% and 25% of the country’s oil &
gas reserves. In addition, the latest
oil discovery offshore of Sabah is
estimated to draw in an equivalent
reserve of over 220 million barrels
of oil.
Supported by The Sabah Ministry of
Industrial Development, the event
brought together major industry players
from around Malaysia and beyond to
share information and explore future
developments and potential up-stream
and down-stream opportunities.
Syawaja Malaysia is the sole distributor
for GMA Garnet™ abrasive in Malaysia
and promoting the benefits of GMA
Garnet™ to various industries for
almost two decades. Malaysia is the
regional hub supplying high grade
GMAGarnet™ to neighbouring South
East Asia countries includingTurkmenistan.
The Oil & Gas Industry is deemed
a ‘Sunrise Industry’ in Sabah as the
state has about 11 trillion cubic feet
(tcf) of gas and 1.5 billion barrels of
oil in its reserves, representing about
By Stephanie Cheong, Perth
STAFF
STAFF
NEWS
NEWS
New dump truck improves mining efficiency
As part of GMA’s continual drive to improve mining
efficiency, the Port Gregory plant invested in a new Bell
B50D 6x6 Articulated Dump Truck last year.
With a payload capacity of 47 metric tonnes, the dump truck is
one of the heaviest payloads available for any articulated dump
truck in the world today. The truck has enabled an increase in
our loading capacity of up to 20%.
In addition, it has better fuel efficiency and lower greenhouse
gas emissions. This operator friendly truck comes with electronic
upgrades and enhancements including improved safety aspects
and higher visibility at night.
“The new Bell B50D has better serviceability and it is quieter.
The adaptive front suspension provides a smoother ride for the
operators,” Mine Manager Dean Clarke said.
By Dean Schwarz & Sandy Stock-Standen, Geraldton
The new truck has enabled an increase in loading capacity of up to 20%.
Working holiday visitor enjoys work at GMA
While visiting Australia on a working holiday arrangement, Kuan
Cheng Chen, also known as Calvin came to know about GMA
while looking for some work in the industrial area of Geraldton.
In November 2011, Calvin who is from Tainan City, South of Taiwan has
become the first overseas staff from Asia to join the team in Geraldton.
Learning English in junior high school has proven to be a bonus for him
as he is able to enjoy the friendly interaction among the GMA employees
who are eager to help him polish his English on top of his on-the-job
training. He is a valued member of the staff and they enjoy working with
him. For Calvin, he finds GMA a pleasant and interesting place to work.
“I enjoy my job very much,” Calvin shared.
Back home, Calvin attended university in Taiwan for four years and
specialises in Information Management. He hopes that living and working
in Geraldton will help improve his English to prepare him for further travel
and work opportunities.
After being in Geraldton for some time now, Calvin enjoys the slower
pace of life together with its great beaches, coastal lifestyle and varied
countryside. It is a far cry from the cities in Taiwan that run 24 hours.
He is hoping to remain longer in Australia to travel more extensively.
So far, he has only seen parts of Western Australia namely the Wave Rock,
the Pinnacles, Perth and Kalbarri and he particularly likes Natures Window
and the National Parks. In addition, his Asian travels include Singapore,
Penang - Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan.
Although Calvin misses his family, he keeps himself busy and enjoys marathon
running, swimming and the occasional game of tennis. Andre Agassi is one of
his favorite all time tennis players and he would love to attend the Australian
open and perhaps Wimbledon and the US open one day.
By Donna Collis & Dean Schwarz, Geraldton
Calvin enjoys the friendly interaction among the GMA employees who
are eager to help him polish his English on top of his on-the-job training.
11
STAFF NEWS
Appointments & Promotion in Perth
Rodney S. Liebeck
David Wong
The Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Rodney S. Liebeck and promotion of Mr David Wong.
Mr Liebeck came on board as Group Commercial Manager on 21st September 20II. Based in GMA’s head office in Perth,
Australia, Mr Liebeck will be providing commercial leadership and support to the group operations worldwide.
Prior to this appointment, Mr Liebeck, who holds a double major in Accounting & Finance was the Group Accountant for a large
mining company in 1990 and two years later, Mr Liebeck joined GMA as Commercial Manager from 1992 to 1998.
In 1998, Mr Liebeck relocated to Pemberton, Western Australia to pursue his business interests in retail and established a
vineyard. In 2005, Mr Liebeck successfully created Australia’s first winery/microbrewery combination. Recently, the retail
operations of Mr Liebeck’s business interests were leased out to a large commercial group enabling Mr Liebeck to recommence
his service with the Group.
Mr David Wong has been promoted as Chief Financial Officer effective Ist June 2012.
In his new role, Mr Wong is responsible for all financial and fiscal management aspects of GMA operations and will provide
leadership and coordination in the administrative. business planning. accounting and budgeting efforts of the company.
Mr Wong joined the Group as Accountant on 15th April 2002 and took on the role as Treasurer in June 20I0. Recently,
Mr Wong celebrated 10 years of service with GMA in April 2012. Over the past ten years he has made a significant
contribution to GMA’ s business development and success. By Torsten Ketelsen, Perth
Appointments
MIDDLE EAST
Mr Mohamed Ibrahim joined the Group as Production
Engineer for Garnet Arabia Company (GAC) in Jubail,
Saudi Arabia on 22nd September 2011.
Mohamed Ibrahim
12
Shabeeb Umer
On top of the daily production and packaging activities,
Mohamed will be focusing on Quality Assurance
and Quality Control at the plant. Mohamed holds a
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Stream from
Anna University, Chennai, India. Upon his graduation in
2010, Mohamed joined a local company in his home
state of Tamil Nadu as Development Quality Inspector.
As for Mr Shabeeb Umer, he was appointed as the
new Sales Engineer for GAC 14th May 2012.
Based in Masturah, Shabeeb will be responsible for the
sales of blast cleaning abrasive in the western region.
Prior to this appointment, Shabeeb was working with
local steel manufacturing firms as Sales Engineer in
Dammam and Jeddah for over three years.
Shabeeb is also simultaneously pursuing a Mechanical
Engineering Degree from India.
STAFF
STAFF
NEWS
NEWS
Deborah Horsley
Sean Michael Leary
Mr Sean Michael Leary joined the Group as
Forklift Operator for the warehouse at Kewdale
in the middle of last year.
Sean has been working in the transport industry for
18 years and is responsible for loading and unloading
of trucks and containers, general warehouse duties
as well a helping out with some office duties.
Marc Putzier
Mr Marc Putzier came on board as the new
Domestic Sales Manager on 1st November 2011.
Based in the Group’s head office in Perth, Marc
is responsible for building customer relations
and business development starting with Western
Australia and eventually for the rest of the
states. His immediate responsibilities are to
increase direct sales and to focus on Western
Australia’s up and coming northwest mining and
Oil & Gas projects.
Marc is not new to the Group as he has completed
internships with Sister Group Jebsen & Jessen
Technology in Singapore on organisational
development and international sales and logistics
with GMA in Australia while pursuing his degree
studies in Commerce majoring in Management and
Human Resource Management.
Sean Michael Leary
He has also worked in the construction industry,
taking on a dual role as carpentry and joinery
apprentice whilst being in charge of materials supply
and sourcing and as HR Coordinator for Offshore
Marine Services before joining the GMA office in
Houston as Inside Sales for two years.
Marc is also a NACE Coating Inspector Level
1-Certified which enables him to provide basic
coating inspection of structural steel using nondestructive techniques and instrumentation.
He will be completing the next level of the NACE
Coating Inspector programme later this year
to provide enhanced assistance and support to
techincal enquiries.
Deborah Horsley
Ms Deborah Horsley was appointed as the new
Office Coordinator on 7th November 2011.
She takes on Ms Lora Firman’s role who is on
maternity leave starting from 14th November 2011.
Deborah has worked as PA, Lead Administrator,
Receptionist, Team Assistant for Legal,
Occupational Health, Nuffield Onsite Gym,
Exploration and Economics. Deborah is also a
qualified payroll agent and is currently taking an
online course in Sage accounting.
Marc Putzier
Ben Thunder
Ben Thunder
Mr Ben Thunder is the new Logistics Coordinator
for GMA effective 2nd April 2012.
Ben is responsible for coordinating and
undertaking all container exports in accordance
with contracts of sale as well as ensuring
proceeds are received in an efficient and timely
manner for export contracts of sale. In addition,
Ben will also be assisting in all chartering
activities, including basic freight negotiations and
operational aspects of all Cost & Freight (CFR)
and Cost, Insurance & Freight (CIF) sales.
Prior to this appointment, Ben who holds a BA in
Economics and Minor in Sustainable Development
was working as Export Logistics Officer for
one of Australia’s leading grain organisations for
three years. He provided assistance to shipment
scheduling/slot management and ensured
compliance with service agreements, Port Terminal
Rules and any other compliance enforced by the
organisation. In 2006, Ben was the Policy Director
- Private Property Rights and Natural Resource
Management for the Pastoralists and Graziers
Association of Western Australia (PGA) and ran
successful Environmental Management Systems
projects on behalf of the Association.
EUROPE
Ms Melanie Herzog joined the Group as Logistics Representative on 1st September 2011.
Melanie is responsible for compiling monthly VAT reports and reconciliation of VAT accounts as well as
support in invoicing. Prior to this appointment, Melanie was in customer service documentation for the
export department of a shipping company.
On 1st December 2011, Ms Maike Mölk joined the Group as Customer Service Representative.
Maike Mölk
Melanie Herzog
Maike who is a part-time employee holds a Bachelors of Business Economics and has previously worked
as a Sales & Marketing Manager for a Sports Nutrition Company for over eight years. Both Melanie and
Maike are based in Hamburg.
The Group welcomes the new employees on board and wishes them a great start to their careers.
By Torsten Ketelsen & Darrin Langguth, Perth, Soni John, Jubail & Jessika Schetz, Hamburg
13
STAFF NEWS
Good crew, good company
“Good crew, good company and job security.”
Mr Stephen Wayne Criddle shared when asked what he likes about GMA.
A former lobster fisherman, Stephen has been with the Group for 10 years and celebrated
his service anniversary on 17th September last year.
Stephen joined GMA as Mill Hand to operate the garnet powders mill (no longer in
operation today) and through the years, Stephen found it challenging to learn to operate
the old mills and dry plant. Today, Stephen is a Leading Hand at the dry plant in Geraldton,
Western Australia and cited this as one of his most memorable achievements.
Some of Stephen’s family members are also part of the GMA family. His daughters, Emily
and Jessica are Quality Control Officers at the laboratory; his wife and both his son-inlaws have worked with the company over the years.
“Working with my father has shown us firsthand his work ethic, and setting a great
example for us to follow,” said Emily and Jessica.
By Dean Schwarz, Geraldton
Stephen is holding some garnet freshly derived
from the magnetic separator.
‘The only thing constant in life is change’
Newly promoted Chief Financial Officer David Wong celebrated
10 years of service with GMA this April.
After a decade with the Group, David finds that he is still learning new
things in his job and encountering changes. As the saying goes ‘The only thing
constant in life is change’.
David shares how it all started:
‘Time flies when you are learning new things and adapting to changes.
Prior to my GMA days, I was working with a bank in international trade
services. As Trade Finance Officer, I was dealing with Mr Torsten Ketelsen
and Ms Mary Fay in letter of credits and foreign exchange. Occasionally, I have
also dealt with the GMA Garnet company with regards to letter of credits.
Upon completing my part-time degree course in Accounting, I was hoping to
advance my career in the field I graduated in. Unfortunately, or I should say
fortunately - as I am now under GMA’s employment, there were no suitable
positions available in the bank.
For David, working with GMA is a constant learning curve
in various areas of accounting since day one.
One day, a casual conversation with Mary regarding my job search led to
a possibility that there may be an accounting position in her company.
On 15th April 2002, I came on board as Accountant for Garnet International
Resources (GIRL) which owns 50% of GMA and today, GMA is wholly
owned by GIRL.
Looking back, I consider myself fortunate that Mr Ketelsen and Director
Wolfhart Putzier were willing to give me an opportunity to start my career
as an Accountant. From the day I joined GMA, it has been a constant learning
curve in various areas of accounting and I am happy to be able to contribute
my knowledge in trade finance to the business.’
David is a keen golfer and plays regularly during weekends.
“Or some would say, I went chasing after the white ball!” David quipped.
“In this game, one is always looking for the ultimate golf swing. To golfers out
there, any comments on the swing?” By Stephanie Cheong, Perth
t David ‘chasing after the white ball’ at a local golf course in Perth.
14
STAFF
STAFF
NEWS
NEWS
Pioneer employee - Dean turns 30
Today, the same approach has ensured
the smooth running of the wet processing
plant and ancillary equipment.
With earthmoving being a major part
of the Port Gregory operations, Dean’s
affinity for earthmoving equipment and
sand mining operations has been a
valuable asset to the Group.
Wet Plant Manager Raymond Dean
Clarke - one of the Group’s pioneer
employees has turned 30.
Dean from Port Gregory, Western
Australia celebrated 30 years of service
with the Group on 31st August 2011.
In 1981, Dean and his father, Ray Clarke
were part of the pioneer team of
employees responsible for operating
the original Lynton Wet Plant. Coming
from a local farming background, Dean’s
hands-on practical approach has helped
the company overcome many initial
operational challenges.
“Dean has a strong sense of duty and is
ever so willing to attend to maintenance
and upgrades at the mine at night
and on weekends. His tenacity and
perseverance to get through difficult
circumstances are most commendable,”
said CEO Torsten Ketelsen.
Dean shared that it has been great to
be part of a growing company from
the beginning.
Dean has a strong sense of duty and is ever so willing to attend to
maintenance and upgrades at the mine at night or on weekends.
Dean is standing in front of a bank of spiral concentrators at the wet plant.
“The job was enjoyable with plenty of
challenges to keep it interesting all these
years,” Dean added.
By Martin Taylor and Dean Schwarz, Geraldton
Anniversary
Dean Schwarz
John Halewood
Donna Collis
Happy anniversary to Mr Dean Schwarz (July 2011) and Ms Donna Collis (May 2012) from Geraldton; Mr John Halewood (March 2012) from
Manchester for achieving 15 years of service with GMA.
The Group would also like to congratulate the following employees achieving 5 years of service from July 2011 to June 2012. The Group values
your contribution and looks forward to your personal and career growth with the Group for many years to come. By Torsten Ketelsen, Perth
Geraldton
Jubail
2012
2011
Bishnu Bahadur Poudel, Loknath Khanal, Mohan Lal,
Raman Nair, Srinivas Dongisaram, Talal Fahad Al-Anazi,
Vinod Kumar, Zahiruddin S.Kadri
2012 Abdul Gafoor Alangadan, Ali Ibrahim Hammad
Mohammad Mahabub Ur Rahman, Mohammad Sharif Balkhi
Soni John, Thani Dakheen Al-Enizi
Michael Paul Holden
Hamburg
2011 Anke Büll, Frank Biedermann, Iris Künnemann, Phylis Friederichs
2012 Susanne Schröder
Houston
Jebel Ali
2011
Dharmesh Tala
2012 Arvind Thanki, Desraj Balwant Singh, Vijay Natrajan
2012
Carl Borgh & Pete Mitchell.
15
SPECIAL FEATURE
Happy 40th Anniversary to Martin
GMA Garnet™ abrasive has come a long way from an unknown mineral to an industry
standard industrial mineral abrasive.
Behind the celebrated success is a geologist who believed in its benefits and potential. While performing
hand auger sampling at the coastal dunes and beach in the Port Gregory area in Western Australia, the
young researcher found substantial tonnages of garnet in these areas.
That was Group Technical
Manager Martin Taylor’s
first garnet encounter,
almost 40 years ago.
“What has kept me going in this job for so long
is the fact that it has always been interesting
and challenging with constant development and
variations,” Martin said.
“Viewed under the
microscope,there is a‘gem
quality’ attractiveness to
the Port Gregory garnet
but my greatest attraction and challenge back then
was to help turn a large, valueless mineral resource
into a saleable commodity and ultimately a profitable
mining operation,” Martin said.
To Martin, GMA is a worldwide brotherhood of
dedicated and inspired people who have caught the
“garnet bug” in a company that has exceptionally
sound ownership. In the years to come, he hopes
to see an increase in recycling and blending to
maintain competitiveness while optimising and
expanding the Port Gregory resource.
Among the many challenging events over the
years from developing cost-effective wet and dry
processing methods, converting abrasive blasting
companies to switch from dry silica sand to
garnet, to contributing to the design of processing
and recycling plants, Martin shared that his most
challenging time would have to be convincing
the original owners (Target Petroleum) not to
abandon the garnet project in the 1970s.
On 7th December last year, Martin celebrated 40
years of service. He is also the longest serving
employee in the Group.
Besides his life-long attraction to the development
of GMA Garnet™, Martin who turns 63 this year
is equally attracted to the ocean and can be
spotted surfing or skin diving at the local beaches
in Geraldton.
“My most memorable surfing experience was
having two dolphins leap out of the water, one on
each side of me, as I surfed down the face of a
wave at Margaret River, Western Australia.”
By Stephanie Cheong, Perth
p Martin (left) with Eiwa Kikaku President Kunio
Oshima at the Lynton Wet Plant in 1990.
u Martin inspecting the trash screen at the Lynton Wet
Plant in 1981.
Memorable Moments
Martin’s memorable moments upon achieving every 10 years of service.
70s Process and market development of GMA Garnet™.
80s Winning PIH and Saipem over from using silica sand to garnet for the
Dampier-Perth natural gas pipeline joints; the commissioning of Lynton Wet
Plant & Narngulu Dry Plant and the first bulk shipment from Geraldton to
Japan in March 1985.
90s Opening of Hose Wet Plant and visiting garnet operations of prospective
business partners in India, Sri Lanka and the United States.
Martin standing alongside a dry plant
surge bin purchased from an auction in
1980. The bulk bin is still in use today.
GMA GARNET GROUP
when your abrasive matters!
Recent Witnessing the opening of the Group’s recycling facilities in Reserve,
United States and Aulla, Italy and attending the Jebsen & Jessen 100 year
celebrations in Europe.
Level 18, Exchange Plaza, The Esplanade, Perth, Western Australia 6000
Tel: +61 8 9287 3200 Fax: +61 8 9287 3201 Email [email protected]
Website: www.garnetsales.com
GMA Garnet Group (GMA) is the leading producer of industrial garnet for blast cleaning and waterjet cutting with advanced mining and processing operations established within Western Australia and
strategically located warehouses worldwide.The Group has pioneered the operation of large-scale garnet recycling facilities in Italy, Saudi Arabia, UAE and USA offering an environmentally friendly solution
to the disposal of used garnet. Headquartered in Perth with GMA Group of Companies in Europe, Middle East and America, the Group is supported by a dedicated and professional global distribution
network offering professional solutions and extensive technical support to the industry for over 20 years.
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