TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC REPORT REGARDING THE CERAMICS AND REFRACTORY INDUSTRIES

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00047R000200470003-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 17
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 2, 2013
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: February 16, 1953
• Content Type: REPORT

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CLASSIFICATION CONFIDENTIAL/SECURITY INFORMATion
COUNTRY
SUBJECT
PLACE
ACQUIRED
DATE
ACQUIRED
DATE OF I
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
Hungary/Czechoslovakie/Aust,ria
Technical and Economic Report Regarding the Ceramics
and Refractory Industries
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL OEP(NST
OF THE UNITED STATES, WITHIN THE MEANING Of TITLE le, SECTIONS 793
AND 794, or THE U.S. CODE, AS AMENDED. ITE TRANSMI,SION OR HEAT.
LATION OF ITS CONTENTS TO OR REcEIDT MY AN UNAUTHORISED PERSON IS
P500151 TWO ST LAW. TOO REP,ODUCTION CP THIS 'ORM I, F500111,10.
REPORT
CD NO.
DATE DISTR. /4 Feb 1953
NO. OF PAGES
NO. OF ENCLS.
)LISTED BELOW)
SUPPLEMENT TO
REPORT NO.
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THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION
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INTRODUCTION
1. The present report encompasses the
Austria. The main ceramics plants
have little significance,
are listed and described0
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territories of Czechoslovakia Rungtry and
are described;
e ma or an
the many small brick kilniis 0)(1
more important estabIiehments "
e establishments which econom ca y,
from the military point of view have only little significance
mentioned and the main data about them given0
report embraces the following;
Location and Short Description,
Raw Materials and Products,
Equipment and Cap city,
Sources of Power,
Leaders and Key Persons.
ec
are
a
ughly
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only
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3. The report on each country is supplemented by a short discussion of the geologic
formations from which the raw materials used originate.
HUNGARY
The ceramics raw materials in the territory of present-day Hungary s.a.e. only
with a few exceptions of minor significance. They originate in the formations
of the Quaternary era, particularly from the alluvian and diluvian younger
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formations, and are also found in the aeaamiary deposits of sedimentary origin
(wept in by water). These r w materiala (clay and pure clay) are mostly contamin
with lime or organic matter and -re suitaUe only for the production of ordinary
stones for building purposes. These stones could withstand maximum of 1700 to
l800 degrees Fahrenheit in heat quite ftelaently these types of stones crai only
auseCfor the construction of a maximua, of tao or three-story-houses, owing to the
lack of pressure resistance. This raw material ofainferior qualityasoverna the
character of the Hungarian-ceramics industra0
ted.
be
All plants which produce quality products are forced to import their main
materi la (refractory clay, ma ealte, kaolin etc). In spite of this handicap,
Hung ry boasts a few aeramics f ctories ahiah produce first-clase merchandase,
These products are not only used in domeetia trade but are also exported ar4 very
necess ry in case of war. This fact is listed in addition when the individual almats
are diecus ed. 5())(1
The ceramics industry, like most of Hvag ry's other industry, was mainly dependent
on coal as its source of power. This follaved Hungary's loss after Warll Waa II of
practically all of the mountain border regions which have usable water power.
Hungary was only able to make use of a very few locations which offered water power
in sufficient quantities to keep idle electaic plants in oper tion. Electricity
thus produced wee by far short of the requirements and consequently large areas of
the country were without electric power and light. In order to improve this
situ tion various projects were under consideration, particularly following the
discovery of rich bauxite deposits in the vicinity of the Balcony forest, since large
amounts of electric power are necessary to reduce bauxite to aluminum. Various
power stations were built mostly operated by coal in the vicinity of coal mines
(Varpalota, Matranovak). Hungary has relatively plenty of coal deposits tut they
are not very rich, Almost predominantly the coal is from the younger geological
formations such as lignite and brown coal with a heating value between 2700 and
6000 calories. Only in a very few places (Tata, Dorog, Pecs, Szaszvar-Maza) 'alack
coal is being mined with a heating value in excess of 6000 c lories. Black can't,
suitable for coking, or anthracite, is not found in Hungary. The stock af' acal
is mainly imported from the Ruhr area. Various hydro-generating plants weia: erected
which improved the quality of the lignite and brown coal and thus 'these heating
materials were frequently used in the ceramics industry.
86 Since there was an insufficient amount of electric power at the disposal of the
industry, the electrically powered tunnel kilns were almost unknown to Hangary.
Chamber kilns, made by Hoffmann and Zigz g kilns 5127 are in use. However. a
large percentage of the brick kilns still use the primitive field kiln. 50X1
9. Alstabeiag,odasidered was the use of aataral gases which in Hungary occlrin
the vicinity of Hajdusaoboszlo and in the vicinity of the oil wells in Lisoe.for
firing of ceramics products.
cumukaoaa.iy recommenaationa were,
There were no suitable installations
on nand ror capturing the gases and consequently the very highly-valued propane 50X1
and butane gases with 12000 to 13000 calories in heating capacity went into
air without being used. It was only later that the canstruction of a pipelane to
Budapest (from NagykanIssa) was begun Which, &a of nava (1953Yaa' is reportedly
being used by the Communist government. Only the natural gasep which occur in the
Vicinity of Kolozsaar, Marosvaaarhely, and Kassarmas in Transylvania, which naa
belongs to Rumania, are being used euccessfully by some briclakilns for firing.
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10. As result of the circumstances mentioned above and the lack of capital, the
Rung ;tan ceramics industry s ter behind in the equipment of the plants, whish with
only.a few exceptionsoftre obsolete. In Jannary 1939 the area of the former Hungary
housed 362 ceramic enterprises. Of theet 144 were brick factories employing a
--total of 15,048 workers at an average of 410 workers per enterprise. This would
conclusively prove that human manpower' -wag preferred over mechanical devices. In
1939 the ie of the ceramics production of Hungary wae t 42;841,000 pengo. This
:is app r ximately 8.25 million dollars or some 2,847 pengcnper worker which Oe abo t
547 donlars. Az comparieon the value of the entire industrial production of ,
Hungary in 1939 vas 3,607;780,000 pengo Or about 7000 million dollars. Consequently
it can be seen that the ceramics industry represented about 1.3 Ter cent of the
industrial production of the country, but consumed about 5 per cent (270n)0n tow) of
the country's coal production which was 5 Million tone per year. In the thole
country's verage in 1939, the Hungarian indostrial worker earned annually 1267 pengo
� or pproximately 243 dollars. In the ceramlos industry, however; he only eerned
887 pengo or approximately 170 dollars.
un The Com�unist.government of Hungary bee; following the Soviet methods, foreeeen the
1 prove ent of the ceramics production in Ifs Five-Tear-PIan. It is, however,
impossible to improve the naturally inferior' quality of ceramics raw materials and
to tlleviate the sit tion of non-existent lower snpply with slogans alone. There
will mc t certainly e an effort to uncover new deposits of raw materials.
12. AU Hungarian ceramics plants are natio lined and are at present under the
_Jurisdiction of the Construction Ministry.
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the industry
were leading officials:
the following gentlomen of
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,n
ja os Grofcsik Director of the Fine Ceramics (PreSision Ceramics ?) Divie on
Miklos Galdi, his Deputy
Zoltsn Lenart, Director
Bela ttyaeovszky, Engineer; in the Porcelain Division
Zoltan Ktldor and Alfred Hinsenkamp, both in the Refractory Stones Divieion
Istvan Zooid and Miklos!MILK, both in the Brick Kiln Division
13. The c pacity of the Enngarian ceramics industry between 1939 and /94 ME on the
average, per year, 800 million pieces and there is no reason to suppose that these
achievements are greater today. The.folloving descriptions encompass only the
larger enterprises who also produce qualitn merchandise and whose signifinanoe
somewhat more than the Normal Hungarian brick kiln.
14. Joint brick brick works are in Budapest-Obudas
the coal mine is in Nagnbatony, on the railroad track from Budapest to Salgoterjan.
The ceramics factory in Bnatpest-Obuda was founded in 1869 and produces tricks; roof
'tile, facing brick, plates and all normal fired bricks. The equipment yes obsolete
and it was only 4.1943 that modernization was begun. A new artificial nrying plant
wee built which burned down however; from sabotage (it iseuepected). The -machine equip
-
Ment consists of transporting devices for clay and finished starabardiseo rollers,
chargers, horizontal presses, open-air (an artificial drying plant nand round chamber
ovene. The raw material can withstand a firing temperature of maximum 2700 degrees
Fahrenheit. The source of power is coal. Coal used to be delivered from their own
mine in NagybAtony. Electric power is used as reserve energy Which is piTed-in over
normal circuits and through transformer. The annualnapaaity of the faotorn is anprox-
imAtaight million pieces and was supposed to be raised to 12 million, oieces.
Special products put out by this firm were insulating plates *porositl*Rnese and
� "Nahaesz ; these were made of calcium silicate, but of .poor quality. Tte good
insulating plates were the "Larophobit Reese and. "Alotere. The director was Engineer
Anton Willer.
150 Associated with this firm was Parafakogyar Joint Stock Coma.y (Cork Brick Factory)
� which produced first-class insulation Material. This material was made of clay,
silicates, sawdust, and calcium. It is produced in sheets or plates from two to
� five centimeters thick, and 10* x 20" in size. This material goes under various
� name such as "Thermalit" which insulates up to 18509Fs "Superthermalit" insulates
� up to 2200�F1 and "Kabe" as well as "Mikroporit! insulate up to 270C�F.
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1 :Bleck Co]. nd-Brick Fact9ELC2Riteny2, 7:WA:kneet.--Origina11y known s 'Dralche", it
� w* .a Belgian comp ny which owns three laege plants in Budapest on Pakoe, 0-teda and
ub esi Sts0 ie firm had relatively the 'best raw material at its disposal. It
used a relatively rare type of blue-green Rengarlan flint clay, which could wetbstan
firing temperatures in excess of 2200�Y. Mese plants are also not modern b,,,JHt are
-.technic lly in a relatively higher poeition and in the ranks of Hungarian ceramics
-.plants they occupied a formidable position. The source. of energy hare Glee, te,coal
for team engines and a little electric power for motors piped in from tee large
power station in Banhida. The capacity is approximately 16 to 20 million yleces per
year, and production consists of building beick, dryepreseed brick, hardeburned
brick or face brick, refractory stones etc. Of particular importance is the,
production of electric insulators, chinavare (tableyare),- ceramic plates and
-drainpipes. The high �quality raw material necessarsfor these -products is Imported
from Ctechoslovakia. elle production of hieh tension insulators was in its- Lefancy
and not fully developed. Yugoslami - once ordered insulator but the order was
returned for poor quality. This enterprise is very important for the economy of
Hung ry.
17. Hung rian Ceramics Factory Joint Stock Convey, Bud...meet, Gyomxpi St.--Itte factery
produces, in addition to the normal hard-fi,ed bricks,. refractory brick*, :ace brick,
silica brick, and the excellent ceramic bri k used follthe heaviest road :enstruction.
The equipment was also not modern but ill ZOL,ItiVOlY good shape and the eaps-ley WAN
anywhere from six to eight million stones )r pieces, per year. Coal was the power
source, as were steam engines and electrie power. The high quality raw maerial was
imported The factory is of military signfficance and the producti n supeyeisor was
Chief Engineer Szabo.
18. Bohn Brick Fact6imajbeyijnitleAL2111tmcsata,--This is a relatively large and preed
out factory,the machinery is comparatieely obsolete. The annual capacity was
eleven million pieces. Sincg only normal -or common brick clay was availeo-e, which
could only resist up to 1800-F in temperature, the factory produced 7cuildlig brick,
roof tile, and other ordinary brick products. It was powered by coal and -lectricity.
It employed 250 workers and was of no extraordinary significance. The production
superintendent was (flu) Mr ZOlna4r�
Sal tater an Plack Coal Company, Puda.est. -This is a brick factory which apes common
rick clay as its r w material. It has the :ustamary Hungarian open- tr ane aetifical
drying install tions and round chamber kine. The equipment was mediocre. The lap.-
MAT 'Rao but million pieces per year. The power used was zeal sal eleetrieity.
No particular eignificance is attached to this factory.
20. Buda est-Szentlorinci elLIIII1Aoltsgla es eserspior Joint Stock CoTpael,
Pastszent est-Szentlorinc and Tata Steam Brick and Roof Tile Feetom
o nt Stock ComDany in Pestszent1ME-c7777tRII-EFTWOMWET5TIME-in anneal
capacity from seven to eight million pieces located in the suburb of Budapest. The
obsolete equipment was modernized partially between 1939 through 1944 and consisted
of a clay lift charger, rollers and Tresses. Production was centered aro sad the
common type of brick products and a few special products. Raw material vscied from
the very lean clay to the rich blue clay and the clay WA some of the best fnind in
the vicinity of the Hungarian capital. Its maximum refractoriness, however, lid not
exceed 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. The factory was powered by electricity and
Its director s Norbert Beretta, whose deputy was Karl Vizkelety.
Buda estvideki ozte la r Sol r The ILdsost Regiajlte_Brick Fa:-ory in
Solymar .--This is one of the most medern ceramics factories in the vicint4v of
Budapest and throughout Hungary. e production time from raw material to -Finished
product was only from 168 to 180 hours.. The factory is located appraeimutely
tea miles north of Budapest on the railroad line from Budapest to Eszterger. The
factory uses relativelY good raw terial with a refractoriness of up to zeoc degrees
F hrenheit. The factoey also boasts a modern preparation plant and a wideeeread
automtLtic transportation system during prodection. There are also artifiee 1 drying
plants and good round chamber kilns. Also this factory wae powered by caul, steam,
and electric motors. It produced all the common types of brick products arm has no
war significance. The capacity as seven to eight million pieces per yew-. The
owner was Mr and Mrs Szappanos: the latter also managed the plant.
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22. Hungarian Magnesite Industry Joint Stock Company, Budapest.--This is the only
ceramics plant in Hungary which produces exclusively high-quality merchandise,
but from imported raw materials. The plant was erected with foreign capital and
can be considered as the most modern and highly technical plant. The following
products were manufactured: fire bricks, dines 51.27 brick, magnesite bricks,
and other refractories important to the iron and steel industry, as well as carbon
bricks important for the foundries. Their particular specialties were bauxite and
corundum bricks. These were produced by adding finely ground fired bauxite with
the lowest possible iron oxide and silicon oxide content, or corundum. These
bricks are fired in electric ovens under temperatures ranging from 3100 to 1200
degrees Fahrenheit and correspond to the highest specifications. Another product
is the chromite brick consisting of ground chrome or calcium hydroxide and caustic
magnesia. These are also fired at 3100 to 32009F. The'plant is powered by coal
and electricity piped in from the Banhida power station.
23. Ceramics Factory of the Steel Works in Diosgyor.--In the vicinity of Diosgyor there
wasthe only larger deposit of clay, in Hungary consisting of better quality
primary clay and permitting the production or refractory bricks. The products
of the factory are exclusively used for the iron works in the blast furnaces and
air heaters, as well as steel smelting furnaces. Accordiling to a report from the
British trade periodical "Claycraft" a new large brick factory was constructed this
year in the community of Malye on the Bodrog river. This factory is supposed to have
a capacity of from 30 to 40 million bricks a year. Thus, this factory will represent
the first brick kiln of Hungary keyed to a year-round production. The drying plants
can hold 750,000 bricks which are mechanicaBle transported to the oven. The oven is
four meters wide and 200 meters long and is capable of firing two million bricks at
one time. Compared to the more advanced Western European conditions this is a consider-
able achievement. It is to be expected that this large brick factory will deliver
bricks for all constructions of military imporiewoe to be undertaken in northeast
Hungary and partially also in eastern Czechoslovakia. As for instance, the Kosice
Iron and Steel Combine (Czechoslovakia).
24. Herend China Factory, Herend.--This is the oldest china factory in Hungary. The 50X1
equipment is obsolescent
The factory produced excellenttable china and artistic objects from
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imported kaolin, predomine ,tly for export. It employed some 80 to 90 workers --
draftsmen and s ecialists. It was owered b coal and electricity. The owner was
Dr Gulden,
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25. Zsoln China Factory, Pecs.--This china factory likewise processes mostly imported
kaolin and produces second quality table Odrit, porcelain pipe, insulating material
and technical porcelain. Its equipment was not modern. The modernization was begun at
the time World War II broke out. . Clay tile and stoneware, as well as glazed
pipe, were some of the things that were producPd but of medium quality only. The
factory was owned by the family Mattyasovszky-Zsolnay.
26. The only location for kaolin extractbn in Hungary was in the community of Szegi
along the railroad line from Miskolc to Satoraljaujhely. This deposit yields
Rhyolite kaolin which melts at approximately 3100 degrees Fahrenheit. This raw
material is not usable for technical or tableware porcelain but is suitable for
pottery; glazes, enamels and paints. Further uses are for ignition caps, torch
and igniting caps and aa additive to fire brick as well as for paper products.
The production of the deposit amounted to 50 tons per 16 hours, and ten workers
were employed. As a source of power there was one 110 HP steam engine and a 75 KV
generator. The machinery was in good shape and was at acme time delivered by Germany.
A second deposit of kaolin was discovered near Beregszasz in northeast Hungary.
This territory, however, now belongs to the Soviet Union. The deposit here was a
yellow kaolin of mediocre quality somewhat resembling that found in Szegi.
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27. The following communities or tor.e nave brick factories: Mezotur� Gyor, Sopron,
Eszterhaza,-Bap s Celldomolk, Zalaegerszeg, Szombathely, Szentgotthard� Szekesfehervar,
N gykanizsa� Pecs, Mohacs, Szoreg� Hodmezovaearhely. -There were some smaller works
in various communities but without much sigelficance.
28. Inseumm tion, the following may be said: as a whole the Hung rian ceramics industry
is an absolute seasonal industry because only a few factories are equipped for winter
work. Only a modest significance is placed on the industry insthe framework of the .
economy of the country. Some 90 per cent of the installations are obsolescent, being
About 25 to 30 years old. Since manpower was very cheap in Hungary, little attention
was paid to mechanization. Exceptionally large quantities of c pital would be required
for modernizing, but modernization wonld not effect the mediocre quality of the
ceramics raw material.
29. Friedrich Siemens Steel Works i Buda est XIII -This factory delivered various machine
parts from me. The factory produces various kinds of steel alloys
including so e very valuable ones -- steel alloys with chrome, manganese, vanadinm,
cobalt: etc. Furthermore this factory produces cast steel pipe up to 20 meters long,
s el n as special rods, rust and refractor- steels, armored plates etc and consequent-
ly is very important for war production. The factory boasts two induction furnaces of
two and five-to capacity and two Siemens-Martin open-hearth steel furnaces, 15 and
20- tons in c pacity. The factory was powered by electricity from the Banhida power
plant and employed approximately 600 workers. The director was MY Rastas, and some
of the chiefs were(tnspaumann,MSzaszp(fts)Jankovics.
30. Hubert and Si und Steel Works Buda est I Ferto St.--This factory also delivered to
me ver ous mac ne parts rom specie casing. 7rrproduces high quality special
steels from various alloys. It had two induction furnaces, two open-hearth furnaces.
and produced all kinds of steel castings. The power supply comes from the. Banbida
lower plant. The director was Dr fnu Zorkoszy, the chief engineers were inn yaelga and
Szekely.
31. The activity of the Hungarian heavy industry can, in case of war, be e sily interrupted
since the supply of electric power origlnates from one or two concentrated pointe and
when one central statio� gelay statio2/ is disconnected it automatically elate off the
power supply in a number of industrial enterprises.
32. The Hungarian bauxite industry is worthy of mention. The Hungarian alumismm ore or
bauxite is the best aluminum ore. It is mostly exported since there is a shortage of
the necessary electric power required for its smelting. Bauxite deposits are most
frequent in the vicinity of the Bakony forest in central west Hungary.
CZECHOSLOVAKIA �
33. The ceramics industry of Czechoslovakia is technically very highly developed. This
is primarily caused by the fact that first-class raw materials are available in.almost
unli4ted suanitities particularly in the western parts of Czechoslovakia, in the
Sudeteniamd4. These deposits are located on either side of the German-Czech border
mountains and originate from the same geologic era (mostly older than Cretazeous) as
followst
kaolin from the era of C rbonian garboniferos47 Devonian, Silurian and
Permian periods,
and quartz rock likewise from the Carboniferous, Devonian and Silurian
periods.
34. Many of these clay types can withstand heats of 3200 degrees Fahrenheit. Tbe very
fact that these raw materials are from the older geologic periods would lead to the
conclusion that.theysare basic deposits resulting from weathering. It is clear of
course that not all ceramics raw materials are of such a high value. There are
frequent a earances of normal types of clay only suitable for production of bricks.
is is the red burning material which cannot withstand temperatures in exoees of
0 degrees Fahrenheit.
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35. There is, however, a,special type of clay from a younger geologic period. That
La to say younger than the Cretaceous peeiod, and this is the so-called bromn coal
clay which accompanies the brown coal depoeite originating primarily in the Tertiary
and Lies formations. This is a high-graee clay, usually without lime or other
contaminants, which is used for the produetAee of blinker brick, chemical and
mechanical pottery, as an additive to refractory clay products: etc. It can
withstand temperatures of up to 3000 degrees inahrenheitj thus it comes within the
first group of high-grade clays as well as in the second group and represents an
independent type of clay. Its most frequent deposits are in the northwest Bohemian
brown coal region, between Eger and the Elbe river, and in the vicinity of Mbst where
It constitutes the foundation for the well-developed ceramics industry. Some of
the more important centers of the ceramles industry are the area of Most, Falknov nad
Ohri, Chemutov, Teplice-Sanov, and Usti nad ',ahem. The coal combined with this kind
of clay is particularly suitable for hydration (synthetic materials and gasoline) for
which purpose a large hydration plant has already been erected at Most which operates
according to the Fischer-Tropsch process.
36. Since the ceramits industry of Czechoslovakia is so large
have divided the plants into three major groups for purposes of clarity. 50X1
37. First group includes those plants which process the high-grade raw materials such
as flint clay, whether it is blue, black, or gray. In addition to this all plants
which manufacture porcelain from kaolin or white-burning refractory clay are also
in Group I. The refractoriness temperature of the raw materials used by this group
lies between 2700 and 3600 degrees Fahrenheit.
38. Group II includes plants which process raw materials with a refractoriness of 2200
to 2700 degrees Fahrenheit. The above mentioned brown coal clays belong in this
group.
39. Group III includes works which process ceramics raw materials for the normal brick
industry, and whose raw materials can withstand temperatnres of up to 2200 degrees
Fahrenheit.
40. As f r a possible, all the enterprises belonging to Group I are listed. As far as
possible also the important enterprises in Group II are listed. The Third Group has
been completely omitted since it includes the less important brick kilns, ILL spite
of the fact that this group includes some of the very modern brick works which produce
from eight to ten million pieces per year. The latter mould be important in case of
war, since they would deliver building bricks in great quantities for the Industrial
or military purposes. 50X1
41. Should we wish to define the deposits of ceramics raw materials in Czechoslovakia by
area, the following picture would transpire:
Raw Materials for Gpp I.--These occur in West Bohemia, in the area between Rakovnik-
Plzen-tarlovy Vary, and Cheb. The high-grade brown coal clays which are used by this
group occur in the area of Most, Falknov nad Olin, and Chomutov, as mentioned previously.
In Moravi raw materials used by Group I have so far occurred only at Postorna near
Breclav, rezova near Brno, and Rajec nad Svitavou in small quantities. When Moravian
firms produce high-grade products they receive the raw materials from the west Bohemian
clay pits.
42. In Slovakia so far the only known deposit is in the vicinity of Lucenec. This region
produces refractory white-burning clay at Poltar, Kalinovo, Lucenec, and Fornciarske
Zalueany. This high-grade raw material, however, is utilized for building brick and
roof This is caused by the fact that the owners of the clay deposits have no
jurisdiction over the capital invested in order to promote the production of high-grade
ceramics. The only exception is the plant in Lovinobana, on the railroad line from
Lucenec to Zvolen, which was equipped to manufacture highly refractory brick such as
fire clay, magnesite brick etc.
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43. R i_sMateetisforGrc_m_11.--These raw materials are found in Bohemia, parteularly
bove the raw materials of Group I and ceneequently appear in large quantities in
Most, Falknov, Chometov, Podborany, Zatee, Zlutice, Teplice Sanov, and Usti nad
labem. The brown coal clays falling into this group are also found here. A eimilar
deposit is in the vicinity of Prague, in the community of Modrany. In eastern Bohemia
there is a predominance of a diluvial and very pl stic type of clay which, however)
cont:Lin5 up to 10 per cent lime and consequently is only of limited use. Moravia has
an abundance of raw materials of Group II. In north Moravia, for example, in the
vicinity of Krnov, Novy Racine Moravska Ostrava, Orlova-Lazy. Deposits also occur
in central Moravia in Holesov-Zopy and in eastern Mbravia at Hodonin. In Slovakia
clays of this type are to be found at Velke Topolcany; Lucenec, Kalinovo, Poltar and
Htnciarske Zaluzany.
44. Raw Materials for Group III.--This type of raw material is to be found all over
Czechoalovakia in widespread deposits. The largeet of these are in Bohemia eouth of
Pilsenp.ortheest from Prague, in eastern and southern Bohemia. In Moravia they are
predomin nt.in the vininity of Brno and Min. In Slovakia they appear in the west
(Bratislava, Trnava), in the north, and in the vicinity of Kosice.
45. Statistically there are some 900 differenteceremics plants through Czechoslovakia
which employ a total of some 50 thous nd workers, or 55 workers on the average per
plant. In the overall picture of industrial production for Ceechoslovakia, the
ceramics industry's quota was 6.5 per cent. The value of the Czechoslovak industrial
production was normally 900 million to one billbn dollars per year, in which the
ceramics indestry participated to the tune of 54 to 60 million dollars. These figeres
do net include the value of exported ceramics raw materials.
46. As in all Communist countries, the ceramics industry of Czechoslovakia is todae
nationalized and centralized. Since the Czechoslovak ceramics industry was well
equipped and used modern machinery, apart from excellent raw material, and had sufficient
power sources at its disposal, it can be supposed that no major problems would appear
to hamper production. On the scientific or technical level the ceramiee ieeestry
is well supported, because apart from the normal laboratories of the larger flente,
there is a carmine association as well as a ueramics schoolinPilsereand finally both
the technicaluniversitiesinPrigue as well ST in Brno have a chair in ceramies. The
scientific research of the industry is on a relatively high level, thanks te gentlemse
like Dr Berta in Prague, Dr Kallauner, and Dr Matejka in Brno.
47. ENTERPRISES IN GROUP I WHICH PROCESS HIGH-GRADE RAW MATERIALS:
Za adoceske kaolinove a slovenske zavod ezitove Praha West Bohemian Kaolin and
ASiemalEaltgnesite Works in Pre .-eThis was the largest enterprise in Czechoslovakia.
Its central offices were located in Prague II, U pujcovny 9. The plants themaelves
were in Tremosna near Pilseneeed in Lovinobana in Slovakia. The 'plants producee mil types
o instPia134T important refractory high-grids bricks� as well aa acid aae basic
centent bricks, bricks for glass smelting ovens, fire-clay, magnesite and other products
important to the iron and steel industries. The capacity could have Leen arourd 20 to
25 million pieces per year, as far as this can possibly be expressed in figures. The
machinery is modern and the installations were well-equipped.. The plants are powered
by col and electric power,partially produced by their own power plant and partially
piped in from the high tension network. In case of war these enterprises are extremely
important. Leading persons were: Bohumil Rudl, Zdenek avlu, (fnu) Horice, and (Thu)
Konias.
48. Rakevnishlpostorenske keramicke zavo Rakovnik Rakovnik and Posterns. Ceramics
Enterprises in Rakovnik.--ewese enterprises had factoriee it Rakovnik in west Bohemia
and Postorna in southern Moravia. The factory at Rakovnik processed the raw material
which occurred locally and is quite high-grade and burns with a white color. It
produced various kinds of refractory brick for industry, as well ae building ceramics,
wall plates, etc. The factory at Postorna produced refractory brick for industry, glazed
ttery for industry and chemistry. The raw material used at Rakovnik was of a higher
grade than that at Postorna. The machine equipment of both factories was somewhat
obsolescent but capable. In 1938 modernization was started but the war intervened. The
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plants are powered by coal and electric power. Their estimated capacity is from
16 to 20 million pieces per year. Leading personages are Messrs Hinais and Cerny.
49. "Platinon" Ceramic Works in Tremosna near Pilsen--In spite of the fact that this
factory s annual capacity is only from six to eight million pieces a year, its producte
were excellent and it was extremely active in the export trade. The factory produced
all refractory type bricks for industry as well as glazed ceramics for the chemical
and building industries. The power supply,
likewise, depended on coal and electricity and this factory was of military importance.
The director was Mr Machacek. 50X1
50. Br tri Nrackove Nracek Brothers Ceramic Works in Tremosna nearPilsen.--This is a
factory with five to six million pieces a year capacity. It produced refractory
brick for industry and glazed ceramics. The factory was not quite so well managed
as the Platinon Works, since one of the Mracek brothers was more interested in
alcohol than in management. The products, however, were first-class. Mechanical
equipment was approximately 15 years old and the power source was coal and electric5c)xl
power. The factory was owned by the Nracek brothers.
51. Antonin Kadlec Ceramics Works in BrasynearPilsen.--This is a ceramics factory of the
me size ar5 capacity as the above mentioned concern.
The factory produced refractory brick for industry and
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glazed ceramics. Likewise the factory was powered by coal and electricity. It was
owned by Mr (fnu) Bilek.
52. Ceramics Works of the Iron Works in Kladno.--(Poldi-Hutte) This factory produces the
refractory brick for use in its awn foundries. The high-grade raw material is imported.
The factory is powered by the iron works. Production capacity is approximately two and
one-half million pieces per year. Militarily speaking, this relatively small factory
is important considering the iron works which produce high-grade special steels r armored
plates, rust and acid resistant steels known as Poldi steel. The entire factory used to
belong to the Prazska zelezarska spolecnost (Prague Iron es Steel Company).
53. Sedlecke kaolinove a porcelanove zavod, Sedlec u Karlovych Varu_(Sedlec Kaolin and
Porcelain Enterprises in Sedlec near KaElayeh Varu.).--This is the most impertant
factory in Czechoslovakia which processes high-grade kaolin and produces china of
all types. This factory produced insulators resisting up to 500 thousand volts tension
as well as almost all types of high-grade industrial china for radio instruments,
transmitters, shortwaveinstruments, automobile plugs, china tubes etc. The installa-
tions for preparing kaolin as well as for production installations were modern and,
militarily speaking, the factory was eminently important. There is a laboratory and
very well-equipped testing installations 50X1
experiments with insulators, etc. The main source of power was electricity which is
partially produced by its own power plant and partially piped in. There was a second
factory attached at Nerklin. This was not quite so big and produced insulators resist-
ing currents of only up to 45,000 volts. Apart from that, it produced the same
recognized system of enterprise and household china as well. The products are of
excellent quality.
54. Vildste n and Nova Ves Kaolin Mines at Nova Ves near Cheb.--This is actually only a
mine which exploits the beet raw materials clay and kaolin) and delivers them to the
ceramics enterprises in Czechoslovakia and abroad.
55. Karlovarska tovarna na porcelan (Karlov. Var China Factory in Karlovy Vari).--This is
a factory which is located at Rybare, a suburb of rlovy Vary, and which mainly produces
consumer and household china as well as decorative. and artistic china. Since first-class
raw material was used, the quality of the products was excellent. The mechanical equip-
ment and the technical leadership of the factory left much to be desired and the amount
of scrap due to breakage was relatively high. The fact that in spite of the shortcomings,
excellent merchandise was produced was due to the locally resident experts. The enter-
prise wasconstantlyfighting financial difficulties. It was powered by coal and
electricity piped. in from the west Bohemian power plants. The products of this factory
were sold both at home and abroad.
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56 The Thun Fire Brick and Kaolin Works !ee Chomutov.--This factory mainly produced
good quality consumer china in its plant near Bilina. The production of refractory
brick in the Chomutov plant vas started 1936. Financially the enterprise was
very weak, the equipmentwas obsoleeceet id incapable of much production. The
enterprise does not have any extraordinary eignificance and is only mentioned here
bec use it processes exce]lent raw terial.
57. Fritzsche & Thein Praha IX Fritzsche & Thein in Pr ue IX 0�This is a smaller
enterprise which employs approximately persons, but is militarily very important.
It produces all the more important chinas and steatite pieces for the electrical
Industry, for radio instruments, shortewave installations, transmitters etc. The
� equipment of the factory was not very modern but in spite of that quite capable.
Most of the work was carried on in the dry, or half-dry, state with the aid of
mechanical presses, but some work was done in the wet state with snail presses
particularly in the case of china pipe. The merchandise was fired in furnaces
resembling the American type furnace. The power was supplied by the power stations
of the capital of Peague. The owner was
60. The following was the most important ceramirs major enterprise in Moravia: The
Hrusov Factory for Ceramic Goods, Located at Hrusov near Moravska Ostrava.--This
modernly equipped ceramics factory produced all types of high-grade ceramics products
such as refractory bride technical and ehemical pottery and the factory also has
military significance. Xt produces all types of fire brick for the iron, steel, and
metal industries. As a specialty it produced large containers for concentrated
hydrochloric, sulphuric, and nitric acids. These containers were laid molded ari4
exported. The capacity of the factory was approximately seven hundred to eight hundred
cars per year, each car about 20 tons. Raw material used was partially from the _
factory's own clay pit and partially from western Bohemia. The factory was powered
by electricity Which was amply at its disposal ,.inthe vicinity of Maravaka Ostrava.
The factory had its own power station with steam engines which, however, didn't
produce enough power. Both the preparatory stage and the production stage were well-
equipped with modern equipment. The many industrial enterprises in the vininity of
Kravska Ostrava and Vitkovice (iron and steel industry, metal and chemical industry,
mines etc.) were supplied by this factory.
61. Bansks a hutni s olecnost Moravska Ostrava Mini and Metallurgical_Copa,
Moravska Ostrava. .-- is large indu&ial coin ine d a ceramics fac ory ii-Trinec
in the Iron Works which produced all fire brick necessary in the Iron Works itself.
The bricks were not for sale, only for use of its awn iron and steel industry. There
was a brick kiln located in Mbravska Ostrava which produced all bricks for the uee
of the company. Both ceramics factories were equipped with modern equipment and
supplied by power from their own sources. The capacity of the fire brick factory in
Trinec was approximately one and a half million refractory stones per year, and the
capacity of the factory in Meravska Ostrava was somewhere between six and seven
million bricks per year.
62. The Iron Works at Vitkovice.--also owned their own fire brick factory which is well
;riEr.i5Wrand covers the requirements of the Iron Works and Steel Workswithewhiahlt is
cionksottd. All theimmumicry bridka for froa arid irtiistrivinmisoillithisfplant
and the high-grade raw material is taken from its own clay pit. Electric power is
supplied by its owe power plant. The ceramics factory was headed by DT (fnu) Spitzer.
63. Fire Brick Works Salm-Reifferscheid in Re ec nad Svitavou.--This firm produces only
the fired clays necessary for the production of fire-bricks. It does not produce
the bricks itself. The preparatory installation was well equipped and the capacity
was from 20 to 25 cars, at 20 tons each, per month.
64. FACTORIES IN GROUP II. The factories falling into this group are numerous and only
the most important and largest are listed here.
BOHEMIA
Frantisek Slavik Ceramics Works in Zihle.--This is a branch factory of the main concern
in Hrochuv Tynec, and has a capacity of eight million pieces per year. The main
concern processes a lime containing clay and thus belongs to Group III. However,
the above mentioned works it Zihle processes good raw material and produces very good
quality products.' The factory is very yell-equipped and, almost completely mechanized.
It is powered partially by coal, partially by electric power paped in from the west
Bohemian power marks. It was owned by Franz Slavik.
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66. Ceramic Works of Arnost Brume]. in Mos.--The factory processes mostly the brown
coal clays which occur in the vicinity of Most and produces various refractory bricks
of medium refractoriness used for the InetriOUB industrial furnaces, gas generators,
coke furnaces, glass smelting furnaces etc. The capacity was five to six million
bricks per year and the products were a very good quality. The power source was
coal and electricity. The machinery was not modern; it was somewhat obsolescent and
worn. The enterprise had only slight military significance. It was owned by
Mr Arnost Brumaal.
67. Selz Brotbers,in Stod nearPileem,a-Following lag construction, this factory was a
modernly equipped ceramics works with a capacity of 12 to 194 million pieces per year.
The raw material was of a mixed quality and consequently the main product was building
brick. Only approximately 10 to 12 per cent of the capacity was utilized for
refractory stones used inalseatand vicintiv throughout industry. The factory had a
� power station equipped with ait� approxitately 240 EtasteamalagiaiV wasamwAmd by the
Salz brothers.
68. Prazske akciove cihelny, (Prague Brick Kilns).--The city of Prague boasts three
ceramics factories; two in PragarITIJeneralka and Vokovice) and one in Uhrineves
near Prague. They process very hard flint and the products were very good. A high
firing temperature had to be precisely maintained, otherWase the cooling stones
would fallapart. Properly fired bricks of this type are of excellent quality, and
some specialized bricks or stones were prodaced for the drainage system of Prague.
The raw material used by the tbird plant in Uhrineves is not good and thus only
ordinary building bricks are manufactured there. The capacity of the three concerns
combined is approximately 20 million pieces per year. The two factories in Prague
had good mechanical equipment; the one at Uhrineves had obsolescent equipment. All
three ere supplied by electric power from the Prague municipal power plants. The
director of the plants was Mx (fnu) Havlu arid the executive director was MX (Thu)
B lc r.
69. "Prastavi Prazska stavebni akciove s lecnost Pra e II The Pt': :ue Construction
Company, Limited .--The plant is at Modrany near Prague. Relatively good law material
was being ucad and technical pottery, drainpipe, and stone mangers in various shapes,
were being produced. The machine equipment was somewhat obsolete but quits capable
and the products were of good quality. The capacity could be listedas being 300
carloads, at 20 tons per load. The power was supplied by the Prague municipal power
plants. The plant was headed by Professor Dr Rudolf Berta.
MORAVIA
70. Slovenske akciove cihelny in Hodonin, (Slovak Brick Works Joint Stock Cany in
Hodaria-is enterprise has a second factory in Devinsaa Nova Ves in lavakia.
It is one of the largest ceramics plants in Czechoslovakia, with an approximate
output of 30 million pieces per year. A good type of blue clay was used but mostly
the production was devoted various types of building bricks and stones. The
plants re very wellaequipped and mechanized. Their own power plant was equipped
wiah a 250 HP steam engine aid. a reserve Diesel motor of 140 HP.
71. Josef Jakisch Hodonin Brick Factory.--This factory processes good blue clay and
produces all types of shaped stones for the building industry. The capacity was
between eight �nd ten million pieces per year. The plant was very modernly equipped
and well supervised. Itsgaser plant was equipped with two diesel generators 180 and
120 HP. The plant was owned by Josef Jakisch; the director. was Dr Fery Bienert.
72. Ceske uhelna s olecnost (Bohemian Coal Company)in Orlova-Lazy.--This is an
'important ceram cs plau which processes good blue clay and produces various shaped
� stones for the building industry. In addition to this, the plant produces refractory
brick of medium fire-resistancy for industry, particularly, however, for its own coking
ovens and air ducts. A specialty which was produced at this factory was the approai-
mately 2i-inch round clay sphere used for backfilling galleries in coal mines. These
spheres were produced by a special roller and once in the pit were forced into place
from a pipeline under approximately six atmospheres of pressure. The water left the
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clay and was pumped out as normal seepage.
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The capacity of the plant was approximately lb miiilnn
pieces a year and the chief was Antonin Chmelidek. 50X1
73. Ceramic Enterprises in Kunwald near Novy Jitschin.--This plant processes extremely
good raw material and its products were excellent. Production was centered around
technical pottery, drainage pipe, and various shaped products. � The capacity was
eight to nine million pieces a year, but could have been doubled. The_plant is
extremely obsolete and neglected. The owner was old and didn't pay much attention
to the plant. Its power plant was equipped with 160 HP steam engine and electric
power was used as a reserve.
SLOVAKIA
74. Fire Brick Factory in Kalinovo.--This factory uses first-class raw material which
occurs in abundance in this vicinity. This raw material is highly fire-resistant
and CoUld be used for high-grade products. However, owing to a shortage of capital
this wee not possible. Old machines are used and White and yellow stones for the
-.building industry are manufactured. A little shaped stone is also manufactured for
the building industry. Some fire brick, handmade shaped stones, chimney blocks
and fleshings, furnace inlaYs, etc, are also Made. The capacity was approximately
three and a half to four million pieces per year. A 100 HP steam engine provided
the power. The chiefs of the enterprise were the Bockar brothers.
75. In Lucenec, Poltar, and Hrnciarske Zaluzany there are other smaller ceramics plants_
which are of little eignificance but are mentioned here since they process excellent
raw material which could be used to manufacture highly refractory brick.
GROUP III
76. Most of the ceramics plants in Czechoslovakia belong to this group and only the
largest of them are listed here.
BOHEMIA
77. Albin Skoda Brick Factory in Tnaeta�Modern equipment, capacity eight million
pieces per year, powered by electricity.
78. Fiser Brothers in Ietky Libcice, near Prvue.--This enterprise has a second plant
in Vltavotyn near Ceske Budejovice. The plant in Ietky-tibcice is obsolescent.
The capacity is eight million pieces per year. The power is supplied by the
Prague municipal power plants. The plant in Vltavotyn, in southern Bohemia, is
modern with a five million piece annual capacity. It is also powered by electricity.
79. Frantisek Slavik Hrochuv T.-.This is the most modern ceramics plant in Czecho-
invakia with its own laboratory and research Institute. Firing was performed in
tunnel kilns. The capacity was 25 million pieces per year. The plant had its
own power supply and used electric power.
. MORAVIA
80. Beta Brick Factory in Min and Otrokovice glin is now Gottvaldoi7.-The raw material
used by this factory was floated out of its deposit by strong water streams directed
at it This is a special method which, of course, is only possible if the basic
raw material is not very firm. The factory produced approximately 15 million pieces
a year for its own use. It was powered by electricity from the power station of
the Bata Works.'
81.M Lederer in Modrice near Brno.--This is a modern plant with approximately six
million pieces per year capacity. It had its own power supply with a 300 HP steam
engine which also served the adjoining cannery.
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82. Kohn and Soh_,_ Brno.--This enterprise produced approximately 15 million roof tile
per year, with modern equipment. It had its own power plant, with steam and
electric power.
SLOVAKIA
83. Schulz Steam Brick Factory in Sucany and Tu=l1g_Lv2411111--These were the
biggest plants in Slovakia. They were not altogether modernized and they had
their own power supply of about 300 HP each. Their capacity was about 16 to 18
million pieces per year.
84. '1_122111_2Eic1c:Worka.--This factory which had a capacity of only three and a half
million pieces per year is mentioned because it produce building material for
the Svit Works which have large facilities for rayon manufacturing, plastic
materials, and other products, in the neighboring communities around Batizovce.
This was originally a part of the Bata firm in Min.
85, Kosice Brick Works.--This is the largest plant in eastern Slovakia, with eight
to ten million pieces per year capacity. It is not modern and is powered by its
own steam engine.
86. In conclusion, it can be said that the ceramics plants of Czechoslovakia make
predominant use of artificial drying installations and utilize the heat from firing
kilns and steam engines for drying. Most of the firing is done in round chamber
kilns, Zig-Zag kilns, and only rarely in the modern tunnel kilns. Frequently
the primitive field kilns are to be found in Slovakia and sometimes only improvised
firing channels fired by wood.
87. In the china industry the most frequently used type of furnace is the retort
furnace. Only plants in Group I throughout Czechoslovakia are so equipped that
they can operate throughout the year. All others operate only in the summer.
Consequently, the ceramics industry in Czechoslovakia is predominantly seasonal.
The annual capacity figures listed in the report are meant to imply capacity per
one season in the year. Normally the season began with May and ended in September
in other words, five months of work. Naturally, firing continued sometimes until
the beginning of January if sufficient dried goods were available. The quoted
capacity figures consequently would be 100% higher in the case of the year round
enterprises, provided that the ovens were capable of handling these quantities.
AUSTRIA
88. In spite of the fact that ceramics have already played an important part in
prehistoric time and the various archaeologic excavations show proof of a well
developed paleontological ceramics industry, there are, today, not many modern
� and well�developed technically advanced ceramics plants in Austria. The causes
are very simple. Firstly, Austria does not have much high-grade raw material
suitable for highly refractory bricks. Secondly the kaolin found in Austria is
only of mediocre quality and has only limited possibilities for high-grade technical
� porcelain and even then it must be mixed with imported high-grade kaolin. The
only existing larger kaolin plant in Schwertberg produces tableware and majolica
etc. The ceramics plants of Austria experienced great difficulties, after 1945,
at the end of World War II, whet Austria again became independent in production
since the import of high-grade Bavarian raw materials stopped and the industry
had to change over to using Austrian low-grade kaolin. Thirdly, following the
end of World War I, and the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian monarcny,
Austria became an independent country but suddenly became poor. There was no
capital on hand to modernize the ceramics plants and even today there are large
ceramics plants which operate with 30 to 40-year old machinery. For example, the
five plants of the firm Martin Steingassner in Neubau-Kreuzstetten, Wolkersdorf
and Ernstbrunn.
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89. Following the Austrian Anschluss to Germany, in 1938, there was a lively tendency
toward modernizing ceramics plants buttniClatteh was achieved because in 1939 war
broke out and all projects were abandoned. Consequently, the Austrian ceramics
industry can be considered somewhat weak and ancient.
90. A further factor holding back the development of the Austrian ceramics industry
is the fact that Austria is poor in power and only has little domestic coal which
is not high-grade. Good black cOal has to be imported. Owing to its mountainous
terrain, however, Austria has a certain amount of possible exploitable water energy
which can be converted to power. In this regard, thanks to the American initiative
and financial help, much was done after. 1945. Electric power gathered in this
manner, however, is by no meant; sufficient to cover the demands of indaatry ahd it
is not to be expected the ceramics industry will be able to use electricity for
firing in the foreseeable future.
. 91,.A relatively welli.developed phase of the ceramics industry is the production of
'small decorative objects produced in Vienna, in Gmnnden (Upper Austria), and in
Schwaz (in the Tyrol).: These,objects are mostly produced in small plants using
hand labor and which have no ,particUlar economic significance.
92 Avery important phase of Anstrian-indnatry is the magnesite industry which produces
fOt. export. Since 1945 the Magnesite industry has registered a significant upswing.
Particularly owing to the fast tha�the plants have been modernized and expanded,
hut with American capital.
50X1
9. Austria boasts approximately 300 ,ceramics plants, particularly brick factories.
These are particularly in the flat-parts of the country, also in Lower and Upper
Austria. The mountainous regions house fewer plants. The most modern plants are
located in Upper Austria and they are also the ones that registered some developments
4204 the end Of WOrliVilaruggiff01140thil.partef, cAustriailaj in the US Zbae where the
economy is being boosted. Opposed to this, the ceramics plants in Lower Austria
cannot be expected to develop or, if so, very slowly. They are located in the Soviet
Zone and many plants belong to the USINE 51.07 the Soviet Industrial Management.
50X1
94 a few factories throughout Austria which are able to produce
high-quality bricks, among them that are noteworthy, by regions.mK1
Vienna and Lower Austria
Wienerberser Prick Factory Co ny� Vienna I, Karlsplatz 1.--This is the largest
ceramics plant in Austria and elongs to the Creditanstalt-Bankverein. The plants
themselves, are located in Vietn*-Inzersdorf and Leopoldsberg. During the war the
:plant located on the Ttiester Street was badly damaged by bombs and removal of the
daMage hap been slow, The rat, attarial used is of good quality blue clay with medium
fire-resistancy. In other wordsl.not suitable for the production of highly
refractory bricks. The plants produce all building stones for the building industry
as well as technical pottery, drainpipe, etc. The capacity is 25 to 30 million
pieces per year. The plant is relatively. well-equipped. Recently a new kiln was
built and various types of new'machinery Were obtained. The plant's power supply
comes from its own steam engine. and. electricity. besides. The director is Herr (fnu)
Bulger.:
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A G fur Grob-und Feinkeramik, Vienna IV (Joint Stock Company for Rough and Fine-
Ceramics production Vienna IV-- Formerl Vienna Brick Manufacturing Corny Grob
Joint Stock Corn.;' .--This company acts as the Soviet administration for all
ceramics plants which were commandeered by the TSoviat,L in Austria and who belonged
to the Soviet Industrial Management Commission. The largest plant is located in
Vienna III arid.in Floridsdorf. These plants were well equipped before World War II ard
their capacity was 16 million bricks a year./
The :Soviets have dismantled machinery from var,ous
plants and sold it to the satellite countries. The power resources used were their
own power station and electric power. Production was centered mainly around stones
_and bricks for the building industry, since the raw material used was only ordinary
brick clay. The director of the Soviet ceramics enterprises in Vienna is (Thu)
Steinbrecher. 50X1
11211112L11_&31aler....--This company has works in Neubau, Kreuzstetten, Wolkersdorf
and Ernstbrunn. It has Obsolete equipment-.. the quality of the merchandise is
also poor and the combined capacity is approximately 18 million brickir per year.
It is owned by the SjadistaggiachrMara.
Brick Factory of the City of Mistelbach.-- it is now
modern and wellequipped The annual capacity is about six million bricks and it_is
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Municipal Plants of St Polten.--The holdings of the municipality of St Polten
includes a ceramics factory, a sand and gravel pit, and a power station. The ceramics
factory produces mostly building requisites for the City of St Polten and its capacity
was estimated at four and a half million pieces per year. It is a communal municipal
enterprise of-the city of St Polten.
China Factory at Wilhelmsburg on the Traisen River.--In every respect this factory
is a mediocre factory Which supposedly now belongs to the Soviet Union Administration.
At one time it was somewhat neglected and the products were not of good quality.
The factory had no high-grade raw material at its disposal and used only Austrian
kaolin to produce china tableware, vials and, majolica. Following the Austrian
Anschluss to Germany, the plant was somewhat modernized and high-grade Bavarian
kaolin was imported and.processed. The resulting production was centered around
high-quality china, technical porcelain, percussion caps, 00� pleat
is powered by electricity and.coal.
The Augarten China Factory.-.-This is the oldest Austrian china factory and was
founded some 200 'years ago. It produces only household china and. decorative china
in its well known quality and tasteful.style.,- The goods are mostly exported. -
The only known Austrian kaolin mine is located in Schwertberg. Kaolin derived
from this mine is not suitable for the production of high-grade chinas.
Upper Austria.---Upper Austria has the most modern and best-equipped ceramics
factories but they only produce stones for the building industry since no refractory
raw materials are available. Upper Austria has approximately 60 brick factories
of which only the most important and the largest are mentioned here. The combined
capacity of these brick factories is approximately 350 to 400 million pieces a
year. The source of power everywhere is coal and electricity.
Obermayr, Leitl, and Eferding Brick Industry Company.--This factory was Mount
at high cost after 1945 and is one of the most modern plants in UpperAustria.
Serious:technical mistakes. were made, however, during the building and, consequently,
the usefulness of the enterprise is very questionable. The percentage of scrap is
very high.. The capacity is from 14 to 16 million pieces per year. The direck:or is
(Thu) Leitl Sr; the technical director .was Dr Bienett.
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Fabigan & Feichtinger, in Linz, Waldegg.--This is a well equipped and well managed
plant with approximate annual capacity of 12 million pieces. The director was
Mr (fnu) Hankewicz.
Auinger & Bramberger, at Utzenaich.--This company has two plants with approximate
annual capacity of I2-million pieces. The director is Mr (mu) Bramberger.
Andorfer Tonwerke, Ertl & Co, Andorf (Andorf Clay Works) .--Although this factory
uses good raw material, it produces only building material at about 10 million
pieces per year. It has its own power station and uses electricity.
Josef Hannak at Breitenschutzing.--This is a very well equipped brick factory with
approximately 15 million pieces per year capacity. The factory is actually managed
by Mrs Hannak, who is a very capable and energetic woman.
Weixelbaumer K & J Wels-Haidin& as well as Wurzburger K & E Aschet-Wels are both
well equipped and well managed brick factories with each approximately eight to
ten million pieces annual capacity.
Steiermark
Steieria)
Upper austriLa., aeramics Works in Leoben.--This factroly produces ail refractory
brick for the iron and steel industry and of a very high quality. It is actually the
only ceramics plant of its type in Austria. It is well equipped and technically
well managed and processes mainly imported (from Czechoslovakia) high-grade raw
materials for the Auatrianiron and steel industry. This plant is consequently
very important and it is lucky that it is not in the Soviet Zone.
The Bohler Brothers Iron and Steel Works at Kapfenberg.--This importart industrial
concern which produces various high-grade special steels has its own ceramics factory
producing refractory brick for its own use.
China Factory at Fraunthal an der Lassnitx.--This factory belongs to the radio
concern Iagelen and actually produods all industrial porcelains of good quality,
insulators, porcelain tubes, all porcelain for the shortwave industry, etc. The
plant is well-equipped and welldaaanaged and has its own laboratory. The high-grade
kaolin is imported from Bavaria and from Czechoslovakia. -The plant has its own
power station but mainly uses electricity from the west Steieria power plant. The
technical director is Mr (mu) Prohle.
In Steieria there are also a few good and well-equipped, well.fUnctioning, brick
factories such as the: �
Steiriache Baugesellschaft, at Andritz near Graz
The Brick Factory at Premstetten
The Lannach Brick and Clay Factory
The Prisching Roof Tile Factory at NUreck
The Eustacchio Brick Works at Graz (This factory has the only large-
scale indoor drying plant in Austria.)
Carinthla
This part of Austria is very poor in ceramics. plants. The only large plant which
has a,very large significance on the overall economy of Austria is the Austro-
American Magnesite Industry in Radenthein, Which has already been mentioned. Apart
from this, Carinthia boasts only a few insignificant brick factories.
Lirolaner.--This region has only a few brick factories of which only
the clay works Fritzens and Gotzis are noteworthy. Both have an annual capacity
of five to six million pieces.
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95. In conclusion, it can be said that the ceramics industry of Auetria is only halfway
equipped and cannot be considered as modern and progressive. There is a lack of
good raw materials and the power supply is very meager. Firing is done predominantly
in the Hoffman type round chamber kilns. Most of the drying is done in open-air
drying installations. However, construction of some artificial, drying;installations
has begun,, which are designed to utilize the waste heat from the round chamber
kilns and the powerplants. Onlv a few plants have automatic processing]
With only a few exceptional
all planta are seasonal and operate in the summer only.
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release @ 50-Yr 2014/11/04: CIA-RDP82-00047R000200470003-4