Welcome to the Clemson Brick Forum!

Photo/Foto: National Brick Research Center

The 60th Clemson Brick Forum is fast approaching. The Forum will be held from 29 September through 1 October in Anderson, South Carolina (USA). We have planned some special events to celebrate this important anniversary. In addition to the 60th Forum celebration and our regular program, J. C. Steele and Sons will be celebrating their 125th anniversary with a special cookout at the beginning of the Forum.

For the technical program, we have assembled a collection of informative presentations about best practices and plant upgrades as well as new opportunities and challenges for the US Brick Industry. Also, the proposed MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology for reducing emissions) and Silica rules are pending in the US. These rules will potentially have a profound effect on the Industry. In light of this fact, we will have a special session to discuss these issues. This session will be hosted by Susan Miller of the Brick Industry Association. In recognition of the fact that a lot of new people have entered the Industry, we will also hold a special “Orientation for New Plant Personnel” session on brick making fundamentals. Both of these sessions will be held on Monday afternoon, 29 September 2014.

The Clemson Brick Forum has endured for so long for several reasons. First, there is a need to share information and learn about the latest Industry news which is addressed by the Forum’s Technical Program. Second, it is a chance to interact with vendors and see the latest equipment and material offerings. The third reason that the Forum has endured is the opportunity it brings for fellowship with other people from the Industry which has always been an integral part of this meeting.

As Program Director for the Clemson Brick Forum, I would like to extend an invitation to anyone interested in attending the Forum this year. Registration information is available at //www.brickandtile.org" target="_blank" >www.brickandtile.org:www.brickandtile.org. You may also follow The National Brick Center on Twitter (@NBRCClemson) to get the latest details on the Forum.

John P. Sanders, Ph. D., PE

Director, The National Brick Research Center