REFRA-Kolloquim commences

The 11th REFRA-Kolloquim 2004 has opened its doors to more than 600 delegates from 72 countries, gathering for a two-day focus on the latest refractory advances.

Opening the conference and welcoming delegates to Berlin, Wolfgang Tabbert, Managing Director of Refratechnik Cement GmbH, noted his delight at the strong level of attendance: "We are very proud of the fact that in spite of the difficulties faced by the construction industry and in particular the cement industry in many countries, so many decision makers, engineers and production specialists from all over the world have accepted our invitation."

Day one of the proceedings offered presentations on new product developments by Refratechnik and its applications in specific conditions as well as interesting lining techniques.

Five guest speakers will also make significant contributions to the lectures, the first of which has was presented by Prof Dr Norbert Walter of Deutsche Bank Research/Economics who delivered an interesting paper on Global Growth markets.

After a morning of serious concentration, delegates were treated to an afternoon cruising a stretch of the capital’s waterways aboard ’La Paloma’ ­ Berlin and Brandenburg’s largest events sailing boat. This was then followed by a charming evening at Diedersdorf Castle where delegates were able participate in some traditional Bavarian cheer.

The conference continues...