Posted by admin | Posted in bird feeders | Posted on 20-05-2009
Tags: bird, birds, ceramic bird feeder ball, ceramic bird feeder dish, ceramic bird feeder ground, ceramic bird feeders, ceramic bird feeders uk, feeder, shopping, wishlist
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 ANTIQUE KBW BRONZE BOY SCULPTURE STATUE BOOKENDS ART CHERUB GARDEN TOY BOOK ENDS $495.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:25:28 PDT Buy It Now for only: $495.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Tabletop/Desktop Zen Garden w/Miniature Easter Island Heads & Stonehenge Replica $8.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:25:30 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 In Bloom Hollyhock Garden Timothy Martin 300 pc Puzzle $5.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:25:31 PDT Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Rigby PM Math Readers: Leveled Reader Grade 1 Lucy's Garden (PMS) by Various $19.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:25:35 PDT Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Original Photograph Antique Ford Model T Truck Garden Michigan Ford Truck GREAT $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:25:39 PDT Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Vintage pillow w lace ruffle White Cat Napping in the pink Flower Garden 13x11 $14.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:25:46 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
![Japan 1965 SG 1000 10y. Inaug of National Children's Gardens [MNH]](http://www.ayearinthegarden.com/media/1/images/e/3208549656254040_1.jpg) Japan 1965 SG 1000 10y. Inaug of National Children's Gardens [MNH] $1.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:25:53 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Laundry Rules Home and Garden Vintage Metal Sign $21.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:25:58 PDT Buy It Now for only: $21.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 POTTERY BARN Garden Branch Embroidered Lumbar Pillow $59.49 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:06 PDT Buy It Now for only: $59.49 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 7" GIN RIN HI UTSURI Standard Fin Live Koi fish pond garden NDK $18.50 (3 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:06 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 THE SECRET GARDEN MOVIE POSTER ART PINBACK BUTTON $2.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:12 PDT Buy It Now for only: $2.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 China Red: The Chinese Garden $26.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:14 PDT Buy It Now for only: $26.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Vintage Large Round Galvanized Wash Tub with Handles Garden Planter 23" $39.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:20 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Vintage Garden Water Faucet Valve Handle Knob Industrial Machine Age Rusty $9.49 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: $9.49 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 PC: PADDLE BOATS - CALLAWAY GARDENS - PINE MOUNTAIN, GA $3.25 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:24 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.25 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 5.5" DOITSU SHIRO BEKKO Standard Fin Live KOI Pond Garden Fish KTTW $0.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:26 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Charge Controller Regulator 12V 24V Autoswitch Panel 10A For garden Solar light $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:31 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Lot of 65+ Flowers Floral Botanical Gardening Postcards Postcard Linen Chrome $9.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:32 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 10 Fine Gardening Taunton Garden Patio Ornamental seedlings $0.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:34 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Latex rubber candle holder mold plaster concrete garden plaster wax soap box1 $19.48 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:36 PDT Buy It Now for only: $19.48 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Solid Fragrance Tube Natural BUY 2 GET 1 FREE Scents C-D 100+ Scents, Perfume $3.75 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.75 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 The Dangerous Book for Dogs: A Parody by Rex and Sparky, Joe Garden, Janet Ginsb $1.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:45 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 OPI Nail Polish Japanese Rose Garden NL F04 Brand New! Super Shimmery! HTF!! $5.70 (13 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:48 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 New Iron Statue Sculpture Rooster Garden Statue -86103C $22.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:54 PDT Buy It Now for only: $22.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 BOOAK Fabric Tanya Whelan Darla ROSE Petite Garden Flower Pink Red Lime Green FQ $6.25 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:55 PDT Buy It Now for only: $6.25 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 The Fernery, Winter gardens, Blackpool, UK Old Postcard $1.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:57 PDT Buy It Now for only: $1.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1985 Knowles BLUE JAY Kevin Daniels PLATE BOX & CPA Birds of Your Garden MINT $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:26:58 PDT Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 NWT Gymboree Tulip Garden Frog Snap Hair Clips 4 pack $7.00 (11 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:27:03 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane NEW by C.M. Millen $17.27 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:27:09 PDT Buy It Now for only: $17.27 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Portmeirion Botanic Garden Large Serving Pitcher Creamer & Sugar Bowl with Lid $15.45 (2 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:27:18 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Pre-cut Panel S.T.U.D.I.O. e Garden Tea Party 23" x 43" $8.75 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:27:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: $8.75 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1985 Knowles ORIOLES Kevin Daniels PLATE BOX & CPA Birds of Your Garden MINT $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:27:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 PHI MODERN HEIRLOOM COLLECTION IVORY ROSE GARDEN QUEEN QUILT BLANKET $200 $14.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:27:22 PDT Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Vintage LARGE Garden Water Faucet Valve Handle Knob Industrial Machine Age $10.44 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:27:34 PDT Buy It Now for only: $10.44 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Avon Imperial Garden Cologne Mist 2 Fl. Oz. Bottle NIB $7.50 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:27:39 PDT Buy It Now for only: $7.50 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1986 Knowles BLUEBIRDS Kevin Daniels PLATE BOX & CPA Birds of Your Garden MINT $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:27:42 PDT Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 New Portable Rattan Wicker Set Table Chairs Patio Stylish Garden Furniture $99.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:27:54 PDT Buy It Now for only: $139.99 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Artwork Oil Painting Original Cityscape Abstract Paintings Garden Canvas 24x32" $0.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:27:57 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 VICTORIA'S GARDEN FLOWER TEAPOT with MATCHING PITCHER & BOWL PINK WHITE GOLD SET $12.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:00 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Better Homes and Gardens 501 Quilt Blocks: A Treasury of Patterns for... $9.95 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:00 PDT Buy It Now for only: $10.95 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 1986 Knowles CHICKADEE Kevin Daniels PLATE BOX & CPA Birds of Your Garden MINT $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:01 PDT Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Thirty One Fitted Purse Skirt in Watercolor Garden Retired Print $41.55 (28 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:05 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 5 Fine Gardening Taunton Garden Patio Ornamental seedlings $0.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:10 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 2 Brass Garden Hose Mender Fasteners Fix Leaks Tears Fast Lawn Yard Care Work $3.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:10 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 GRACEFUL GARDEN LANTERN $12.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:12 PDT Buy It Now for only: $14.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 9" SHIRO UTSURI Standard Fin Live Koi fish pond garden NDK $15.50 (7 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:12 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 New Outdoor powered light Solar Garden Light LED Lawn Lamp Landscape Path 8pcs $16.00 (9 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:19 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 AYNSLEY CHINA COTTAGE GARDEN RIMMED SOUP BOWLS LOT OF 4 8 IN SWIRL EDGE $99.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: $125.00 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Vintage Porcelain gardening music box watering can & flowers plays "Oh What a $11.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:33 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Johnson Bros English Garden China $100.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:40 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 sv7843 Garden of the Gods, Colorado $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:44 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Portmeirion Botanic Garden 8.5 inch square bowl NIB $26.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:44 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Old Folk Art Wood Woodpecker Bird Wall Door Knocker Garden Decoration $15.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:53 PDT Buy It Now for only: $15.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 NEW EASY PRO EASYPRO POND GARDEN KOI 4" BOTTOM DRAIN $148.59 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:57 PDT Buy It Now for only: $148.59 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Natures Calling Home and Garden Vintage Metal Sign $35.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:57 PDT Buy It Now for only: $35.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Hanging Garden - Chris Levans -1996 Gay Theme -NEW VHS $4.75 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:28:57 PDT Buy It Now for only: $4.75 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Rooster Frames Home and Garden Vintage Metal Sign $30.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:29:04 PDT Buy It Now for only: $30.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 PAIR of 2 PORTMEIRION BOTANIC GARDEN TREASURE FLOWER WINE GLASS GOBLET LOT #14 $19.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:29:05 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Tod Inlet Butchart Gardens Victoria Real Photo Postcard $6.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:29:06 PDT Buy It Now for only: $6.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Portmeirion BOTANIC GARDEN Deviled Egg China Plate Sweat Pea Butterflies 12"L $23.99 (2 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:29:08 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 CHERUB ANGEL GARDEN STATUARY WALL HANGING COTTAGE OLD $125.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:29:12 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Interceptor Boat Engine Cypress Gardens Waterskiers Ad $10.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:29:27 PDT Buy It Now for only: $10.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 1993 All Night Media Unused Rubber Mounted Wood Stamp Rose Garden Frame $6.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:29:28 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Nude Original Signed Oil Painting Fine Artwork- "Eve" in the Garden- Rose Crook $10,000.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:29:30 PDT Buy It Now for only: $10,000.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 DOLL HOUSE MINITURES: (8) Rustic pieces of Garden Decor Accessories $4.95 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:29:31 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 DEBBIE MUMM FROM MY GARDEN EASEL PHOTO ALBUM W/SCRIPTU $10.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:29:36 PDT Buy It Now for only: $10.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 ROSE GARDEN GOT COORDS Silver Geocoin - GC Trackable & Sold Out $14.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:29:56 PDT Buy It Now for only: $26.99 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 NWT Gymboree ROMANTIC GARDEN Burgundy Bow Tank TOP Shirt sz 6-12 m $1.95 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:01 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 BETTER HOMES & GARDENS CLASSIC AMERICAN HERITAGE REGIONAL RECIPES COOKBOOK 1993 $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:02 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 MINTON CHINA GARDEN PINKS ENGLAND PATT S575 CREAMER JUG GOLD TRIM MINT CONDITION $28.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:04 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Estee Lauder Mountain Garden HEART DISH & LID Porcelain $17.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:04 PDT Buy It Now for only: $17.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Vintage pillow w lace ruffle White Cat Sitting in the pink Flower Garden 13x11 $14.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:06 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 NEW Hints for School Gardens - Kirby, A. H. $10.81 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:06 PDT Buy It Now for only: $10.81 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Harmony Kingdom Gill 2.5” Lord Byron’s Harmony Garden W/Orig Box and Cert $20.95 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:09 PDT Buy It Now for only: $20.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Nasturtium Home and Garden Vintage Metal Sign $30.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:11 PDT Buy It Now for only: $30.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Fairy Love Sculpted Garden Figurine Statue Natural Stone Yard Decor NEW I4876 $17.05 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:13 PDT Buy It Now for only: $17.05 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 7" PLATINUM OGON Standard Fin Live Koi fish pond garden NDK $20.50 (5 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:17 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 MINTON CHINA GARDEN PINKS ENGLAND PATT S575 SUGAR BOWL GOLD TRIM MINT CONDITION $39.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Buy It Now | Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Push Style Lawn Mower Garden Lawn mower Cover $26.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:25 PDT Buy It Now for only: $26.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Blank RECIPE CARDS * Vintage Green Garden $3.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:30 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 6 Fine Gardening Taunton Garden Patio Ornamental seedlings $0.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:32 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 VTG Cement / Concrete Garden Gnome / Elf Statue Hunter w/ Rifle & Hound DOG $49.95 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:32 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Vtg WAVERLY Mallard DUCK Large Molded Serving Bar Ware Tray Platter Tea Garden $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:33 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 2 Napa Home & Garden Vintage Collection Fluted Pots Planter Pottery w/Saucers $88.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:37 PDT Buy It Now for only: $88.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Wedgwood - Our Garden - Mary Vickers - Ceramic Plate #8269D - 1983 - 8 1/8" $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:44 PDT Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Peace and Grace Birds Decorative Mini Garden Flag $5.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:30:53 PDT Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 China 2003 "Suzhou garden"special mini-pane $1.56 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:06 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Gymboree TROPICAL GARDEN Gold Fish Faux Wrap Top NWT 7 $21.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:06 PDT Buy It Now for only: $21.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Laundry Rules Home and Garden Vintage Metal Sign $21.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:13 PDT Buy It Now for only: $21.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Garden Creations Extendable Gutter Washer Sprayer Swivel Head Yard Garden Home $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:20 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Vintage Photo Girls in Dress in Garden 521443 $3.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:33 PDT Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 San Jose CA Garden City Bank Building Vintage Postcard $6.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:39 PDT Buy It Now for only: $6.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Spring Garden An Interactive Guide to Pregnancy NEW $9.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 55 VARIETIES-NON HYBRID NON GMO HEIRLOOM SURVIVAL GARDEN SEED BANK SKU55VCJ $25.19 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:44 PDT Buy It Now for only: $25.19 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Erikson GARDENS OF THE MOON Signed UK 10th Ann 1st NF $157.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:47 PDT Buy It Now for only: $157.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Wheel Horse-Garden Tractor-Pulling Steering Rebuild Kit $125.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:47 PDT Buy It Now for only: $125.99 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Robert Olson The Garden Gate S/N Mint Garden Floral S/N $70.51 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:50 PDT Buy It Now for only: $70.51 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 RARE JAY IMPORTS "ROMAN GARDEN" SUGAR BOWL & CREAMER $14.95 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:52 PDT Buy It Now for only: $14.95 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
 Red 10M 100LED String Fairy Lights Christmas Wedding Garden Party Xmas Light $0.01 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:52 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 Western RED CEDAR Garden Patio Yard Deck BENCH Chair $185.00 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:31:55 PDT Buy It Now for only: $185.00 Buy It Now | Add to watch list |
SA's Biggest Maker Of Wall And Floor Tiling, Ceramic Industries, Is Delaying Its Call To Invest R500 Million Into A New Tile Factory Until It Is Able To Convert Its Old Order Mining Rights To New Order Rights.
SA's largest maker of wall and floor tiling, Ceramic Industries, is delaying its decision to invest R500 million into a new tile factory till it can convert its old order mining rights to new order rights.This manufacturer has export in some Europe's countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina,mostly ceramic tiles or in Bosnian keramicke plocice.
The mining rights are for clay, an essential raw material in the creation of tiles, but on its own, a debatable commodity that generates little interest among miners. The company applied to convert the rights in 2008.
Without a secured supply of an essential raw material the company can't commit to an investment of that scale, announces CEO Nick Booth.
Ceramic Industries reported lower than anticipated profitability in its results to July. Higher electricity and gas prices, increasing costs of commodities like zirconium and borax which are used in the production of glazes, and competition from cheap imports were cited as reasons for the poor earnings.
Group income reduced 3,4% to R1,5 bln from R1,6 billion in the year under review. But net profits slipped 23% to R192 million from R250m last year. Strap-line takings per share dropped 30,6% to 785,3c from one 131,3c per share.
Making tiles is an energy comprehensive business, and the spiraling cost of electricity, and more especially gas, is making itself felt. "The energy cost per unit (m) has risen from R1,50 20 months back, to R3,60 currently." The price of commodities employed in the making of tile and ceramic glazes rose by twenty p.c. to 25% during the past year.
But other costs, such as maintenance and labour, came in at less than inflation. The company is in negotiations with unions relating to salary increases. The cut off point is October and Booth is upbeat that deadlock can be evaded. Though results were down overall, there were pockets of success within the group, which operates four tile factories, a sanitaryware factory and a bath factory in SA ; and a glazed porcelain factory in Australia.
Perhaps most surprising was the factory that competes most with low-cost Chinese imports fared the absolute best. Pegasus, which produces tiles that sell in the R40m price range increased both production and sales volume, growing turnover by 4%. "We run a particularly competitive operation," asserts Booth. "Our factories are top flight and we can compete against the Chinese."
The year saw the company invest R130 million on gear upgrades and new technology. "This is typically on high-definition printers for our glazes. We plan to roll the technology into all of our factories," Booth announces.
Exports to Africa grew by 20% during the past year, also helping to drive cash in the Pegasus business. "We are exporting to all of our neighbours, with good expansion coming from Mozambique and Zimbab- we ; as well as further out in Angola and the DRC. This side of the business is so promising the company is investigating the possibility of building a factory in one of its export markets."
It was in the higher echelons that Ceramic suffered the result of Chinese imports. Vitro, the factory that produces upmarket floor tiling (upwards of R60m)
"We produce tiles made from red clay the type often mined in SA. But the trend is towards white based porcelain tiles. These are imported and are becoming more and more popular. There is no technical difference, and once tiles are colored and glaz- ed, there's no visible difference eit- her. The difference is perception.
In other divisions the company scored 1 or 2 own-goals. Samca, which produces floor tiles (R50m to R80m) fought with management changes and inefficiency. And while management had its eye off the ball so did product designers who didn't stay alongside of trends, leading to a loss of sales. The company had to drop its prices to win back market share.
The toilet business has been turned around, with sales volumes growing generally. "We lost share of the market and let go of our costs a bit. Costs are now in hand and we have passed on the savings in order to win back market share."
To keep a tighter rein on the busi- ness, the management structure was reorganised. Booth employed the group's 2 most experienced managers, Lance Foxcroft and Pieter de Lange, to head up the sanitary ware and tile divisions respectively. With the daily operations now in safe hands, he is now more able to target enterprise-wide technique and business development.
The Australian business had a hard year, reporting production down by 26,5% and sales down by twenty five percent and barely breaking even. While the economy was slow and imports high, almost all of the issues came down to production and commissioning Problems at the factory. "We are close to a turn-around in this business. And as the only tile manufacturer in Au- stralia we'll have a competitive advantage. We simply have to be a little sharper."
Booth is clear about the coming year, and about manufacturing in SA generally. "Any maker of heavy stuff should operate in the market in which they sell the product."
He has worries about the capability of manufacturers to create new roles in SA but believes the business will remain practicable th- rough continued investment in capital infrastructure. "The challenges we face today are dissimilar to those of a decade back but nothing is insurmountable."
As is evident from the one 500c special dividend announc- ed earlier this year, Ceramic is a cash generative company. Money reserves reduced to R217,7 million from R435,7 million and Ceramic's net asset value per share fell by 10,5% to seven 081c (2010 : 7 912c) as a result of the R304m special dividend pronounced in May as reported tagza.com.