PLANT COSTING MILLIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1933, Page 5

PLANT COSTING MILLIONS

OIL FROM BRITISH COAL IMPERIAL CHEMICALS’ PLAN WORK GIVEN THOUSANDS HEAVY GOAL REQUIREMENTS British Official Wireless. Rec. 5.5 pun. Rugby, July 18. Plant for the production of oil from coal that will give direct employment to 2596 miners and other workers, as well as much indirect employment, will be operated by Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd. at Billingham-on-Tees, Durham. Sir Harry McGowan, chairman of tne company, states that the new capital of about *£2,500,000 would be furnished from , the company’s own resources. The company has conducted research on the hydrogenation of -coal tar and other material for six years, and in view of the undertaking given in the House of Commons to allow preference of 4d a gallon on motor spirit so manufac—tured, the directors have authorised the erection of a large commercial plant. An initial output of 100,600 tons an- • nunally of first grade petrol is aimed at by processing 400 tons of coal daily and using altogether about 1600 tons daily. Construction of the plant is estimated to take about one and a-half years, and it will call for much activity in the iron and steel and heavy industries. Seven thousand men will K find direct employment during this period, and it is expected there will be indirect employment for a further 5000men.