As development chemists in the field of GIB® jointing and finishing compounds, our role is both dynamic and multifaceted. We are dedicated to enhancing the performance and quality of our products, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. Here's a closer look at what our work entails: 

Production Support 

Understanding how our products are manufactured is essential. We provide support to the production teams in Tauriko by sharing our expertise on the chemical properties and optimal processing conditions of our compounds. This collaboration ensures that the transition from lab-scale formulations to large-scale production is seamless and maintains the high quality of our products. Additionally, we continuously monitor trends in regards to the correct raw materials going into the formulations in the correct quantities, as well as assist in solving any abnormalities that the production staff may face. 

Quality Assurance 

Quality is a non-negotiable aspect of our work. We perform rigorous quality assurance tests on products from the line to ensure they meet set standards. This includes physical, as well as real-world application tests. Benchmarking against industry standards and competitor products is a critical component of our quality assurance process, helping us to maintain our reputation for excellence. 

Improving Current Products 

Our commitment to excellence extends to our existing product lines. A key aspect of our role is to enhance the performance of current products. For instance, we've recently worked on improving GIB Trade Finish® Lite to provide better slip characteristics. This makes the application process smoother and more efficient for end-users, ultimately improving productivity on construction sites. 

Developing New Compounds 

Innovation is at the heart of our work. We continually research and develop new compounds that offer improved performance and meet specific customer needs. This involves formulating and testing new mixtures in our laboratories. Our goal is to push the boundaries of what jointing and finishing compounds can do, ensuring our products remain at the forefront of the industry. 

Raw Material Substitution 

The availability and cost of raw materials can fluctuate, requiring us to be adaptable. We continuously evaluate alternative raw materials that can substitute existing ones without compromising on quality. This involves extensive testing to ensure that any new materials meet our performance criteria and are compatible with our formulations. We work to beat logistical challenges as well as to help improve product quality. 

Addressing Customer Questions & Investigating Complaints 

Our work isn't confined to the lab. We actively engage with customers to address their questions and concerns. This interaction is vital as it provides us with insights into real-world applications and challenges. By understanding our customers' needs and experiences, we can tailor our development efforts to better serve them. 

Customer feedback is invaluable, especially when it comes to complaints. We take every complaint seriously and conduct thorough investigations to identify the root causes. This process involves analysing product historical samples, reviewing production processes, and testing hypotheses in the lab. The insights gained from these investigations help us to implement improvements and prevent future issues. 

Summary 

In summary, our role as development chemists in the GIB® jointing and finishing compounds sector is comprehensive and challenging. Through developing new compounds, improving existing products, benchmarking, engaging with customers, investigating complaints, supporting production, ensuring quality, and evaluating raw material substitutions, we strive to deliver the best possible products to our customers. Our commitment to innovation and quality is what drives us to excel in this field.