The clays are stockpiled at our plant and allowed to sour for up to twelve
months. This allows moisture and air to break them down further. They are
then blended and ground to a coarse powder and machine pressed into individual
solid bricks at a pressure of around 50 tons. This is called the "dry press"
process. The "green" bricks are then hand-stacked and burned in our downdraught
kiln at temperatures up to 1180°C. Vitrification of the clay occurs as
the particles begin to melt and fuse together, giving the bricks their characteristic
hardness. After cooling, the bricks are hand-sorted for colour and quality
and strapped in packs of 500 awaiting delivery.
ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN
We consider our operation to be environmentally sound. Much of our clay resource
comes from old mining sites and we have an extensive rehabilitation program
in place to restore areas as we finish with them. Our kiln is fired by waste
wood, a renewable energy. This fuel is sourced as offcuts from local timber
mills and timber regrowth that has been cleared by landholders. Both of these
products would normally be disposed of by indiscriminate burning. Our kiln
provides a far more controlled and efficient use of this resource. We do not
use any chemicals or additives in our process. Brick colours come from the
blend of natural clays and firing methods. Wood-firing also imparts special
glazing and colour characteristics to the product. All our "waste" is recycled.
Damaged bricks are reprocessed with fresh clay and even the ash from the fires
is blended with certain clays for special effects.
OUR MARKET
Glen Innes Brickworks bricks are used to match original bricks that are no
longer available. Their quality, colour and availability in special shapes
have assisted in the satisfactory completion of many heritage projects. Discerning
buyers who require genuine products for their new Federation Style residences
also purchase Glen Innes bricks. Much of our product goes to Sydney and Brisbane.
We have also exported bricks to Malaysia for a special project. Architects,
designers and renovators have found the personal contact provided by our family
business to be most helpful.