The Southwest Section of the American Ceramic Society and the Sociedad Mexicana de Ceramica, A.C., Zona Norte will hold a Joint Spring Meeting June 25-27 in San Antonio, Texas. Denis Brosnan, Ph.D., of the National Brick Research Center will present a seminar on Wednesday entitled “Laboratory Assistance for the Brick, Tile and Refractories Industries.” The seminar will present the capabilities of contemporary laboratory instruments, including X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Leco analysis and thermal analysis, among others, with an eye toward assisting plant operators with problem solving and process and product development.

Fred McMann of North American Manufacturing will chair the technical session on Thursday. With the theme “Surviving the Downturn,” the technical session will include papers presented by members of both societies focusing on strategies to help manufacturers remain competitive during the present business environment. Presentations will include “Modifications to the Hanson Athens Plant” by Paul Anderson, Hanson Brick; “Nothing Could be Fina’ Than to Reburner Carolina [Ceramics]” by JJ Lukacs, North American Manufacturing; “Plant Changes to Survive the Downturn” by Harland Dixson, Acme Brick, “Using Controls to Reduce Costs with Reduced Production Rates” by Kevin Hill, HiTemp Systems; “How to Thrive in the New Carbon-Constrained Economy” by Mike Granstaff, American Energy Solutions; and “Are Your Kilns in Compliance with NFPA 86, 2007?” by Fred McMann.

The event will also include a tour of the Southwest Research Foundation, a golf outing and a companions program. For additional details, call (903) 537-2787 or e-mail pes@mt-vernon.com.