COMPANIES

BARIUM CHEMICALS experienced intermittent breakdowns due to defects in the plant that resulted in shutdowns for almost half the year ended June 1968. Modifications to the plant have been completed and it is now operating smoothly. Completion of the first phase of expansion was delayed by about 6 months because of delay in deliveries of process design by overseas consultants. The final tuning up of the plant is now on hand and full working results are expected shortly. The management is negotiating with banks for loans for the two subsequent phases of expansion of annual capacity to 19,000 tonnes. A trial shipment of barium carbonate has been made to Australia through Imkemex India, It is claimed that the company's products are the cheapest in the market but high ocean freight stands in the way of developing exports. During 1967-68, Barium's sales were only a shade higher at Rs 13 lakhs and there was a trading deficit of Rs 4 lakhs (Rs 9 lakhs). After depreciation, the deficit rose to Rvs 12 lakhs (Rs 20 lakhs). Together with the previous deficit, the total deficit mounted to Rs 36 lakhs, which is adjusted against the capital reserve of Rs 57 lakhs. The pour results are attributed to a sharp fall in selling prices due to liberalised imports. Imports of barium salts have since been banned, but imported stocks are still lying with consumers.