Special Series

Stevens Geomembranes and GSE Sign Joint Manufacturing Agreement for the production of reinforced and unreinforced polypropylene geomembranes. This agreement will allow the two organizations complementary distribution organizations to offer the global marketplace a full range of polypropylene geomembranes. release

The IT Group announces alliance with Environmental Network International to develop customized Web-based Procurement System for sourcing, pre-qualifying and awarding purchase orders and subcontracts to suppliers of products, services and equipment. This system will provide seamless access to ENI-Net's services and give buyers access to a vast network of suppliers. press release

The First China Nonwovens Directory will be published in Feb. 2001. Main contents: The fundamental introduction for the people's Republic of China, The main situation of China's National economic, Introduction of general situation for China's Nonwovens Industry, Introduction for CNTA, Company listing for nonwovens and related production, Company listing for raw material, chemical, machinery, accessories suppliers, manufacturers domestic and abroad. For more information or to order email: info@cnta.org

IFAI update - Bob Koerner is being invited to serve as the technical program chairman and that IFAI invites industry-affiliated organizations to contact IFAI for the opportunity to participate as a cooperating organization, as well as to hold meetings and courses related to the geosynthetics industry.

During a recent landfill leak location survey a 2 to 3 mm diameter hole was found at a T extrusion weld on the edge of a patch. When shown the hole, and a much smaller pinhole close by, the installer commented that such a hole would not explain the leak flow rate of about 200 gpd. However, there was no argument about the caterpillar track holes at the toe of a slope in the adjacent cell!

Only 15% of the over 10,000 km (16, 100 mi) of main canals and over 16,760 km (27,000 mi) of laterals in the western United States are currently lined. The remaining canals and laterals require evaluation to assess their part in the effort to conserve water resources. The geosynthetics industry is poised to benefit as water users recognize today's canal lining technologies to be economical long-term conservation solutions. Source article: Eliminating Seepage in South Texas - EPDM Geomembrane Systems for Concrete Irrigation Canals, authored by William Johnson in the April 2004 issue of GFR.

SI Corporation is bringing over 100 new jobs to the downtown Chattanooga area. Governor Phil Bredesen and SI Corporation President and CEO Joe Dana announced today that SI Corporation will be bringing over 100 new jobs to Downtown Chattanooga. The announcement was made at the recently renovated 401 Building at 4th and Chestnut Streets. Mr. Dana announced that Downtown Chattanooga will be the site of its’ corporate headquarters and that employees will begin moving into the new offices by the end of summer. “The decision to move downtown is a natural one, especially in light of the tremendous resources that are now available in Chattanooga’s revitalized downtown. Not only will our employees enjoy an enhanced and secure work environment, but SI will now be more centrally located in the economic hub of this region. Chattanooga has a forward-thinking “can do” attitude, from your elected leaders to your business leaders. Additionally, Chattanooga offers a tremendous quality of life to those who live here and we are excited to be a contributing part of the downtown business community.” Governor Phil Bredesen praised the move saying, “This is great news for the hardworking men and women of Hamilton County. And it’s a validation that in Tennessee, our workforce is the best there is. We appreciate our workers and their tough-as-nails work ethic, “ said Bredesen. “we’re also lucky to have a business community that exemplifies corporate citizenship, and we’re keeping that tradition going with the addition of SI, which in its former home state was the ‘Employer of the Year’ for the past three years. I commend Commissioner Matt Kisber, County Mayor Claude Ramsey, Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker and the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce for all the work they put into making this announcement possible.” Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber added, “We are thrilled that SI Corporation has chosen Chattanooga for its headquarter location and will create more than 100 new jobs for Tennesseans. This is another important announcement for our state, and continues to position Tennessee as a place that offers a strong business climate for relocation and expansion opportunities.” Leaders at the event praised the efforts of Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey and Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker for their tireless efforts in bringing the company to Chattanooga. Mayor Ramsey said, “SI Corporation is an outstanding company. Having over 100 new jobs in downtown Chattanooga is certainly something of which to be proud, but when you consider their commitment to quality and their philosophy in conducting business, it just makes you that much more proud to welcome them to their new home.”

Members of the Kwazulu-Natal Landfill Interest Group are invited to a visit at DSW’s new regional landfill site at Buffelsdraai which is currently being developed. The visit will commence at 14h00 on Thursday 21st April 2005, meeting at the old workshop building at the Buffelsdraai Farm. Access to the site is off Main Road 98 (Oakford Priory Road) which extends westward from Verulam. The new access road to the landfill is approximately 5 km from Verulam. RSVP: Nirvana Pillay – Tel: (031) 201-9929, Fax: (031) 201-8819; E-mail: tgc@eject.co.za before 18th April 2005.

Wasew Technologies, Inc, based in Houston Texas, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Joint Venture agreement with Rowad Plastics, a subsidiary of Tasnee, Saudi Arabia. (Tasnee recently announced the construction of a new 800,000 Ton HDPE and 800,000 Ton LLDPE plant, in co-operation with Basell Polyolefin, in addition to its existing Polypropylene plant.) The new company, Rowad Geosynthetics International Company will produce HDPE Geomembranes and other geosynthetic products. The new plant is currently under construction in Dammam’s Second Industrial Estate, close to the new resin plants. Wasew will supply full technology transfer and will also lead the sales and marketing of the company’s products in the Middle East. Mike Mathieson, President of Wasew, says that the new plant will be “state of the art” with new Battenfeld Gloucester Engineering extrusion plant, and products will meet or exceed the specifications according to GM 13. The company will also apply for ISO certification. The new company is already planning phase 2, the addition of more capacity, and will be launching new geosynthetic products. We expect to be able to serve the needs of the Middle East in the Geomembrane markets especially as most Arabic countries have favorable trading relationships with Saudi Arabia, with low import duty’s. Exports from Saudi Arabia are expected to be welcomed as a viable alternative to European or US imports. This plant will be in addition to Wasew’s other JV in Ethiopia, where the company Geosynthetic Industrial Works, is producing PVC and HDPE Pipe, HDPE nets and Geomembranes. Wasew is currently studying plans for 3 other new Geomembrane plants.