Page 47 - Glass Machinery Plants & Accessories no. 5/2017

INSIGHT

The role of a consultant in today’s

REFRACTORIES INDUSTRY Insight

This article gives us an insider’s opinion

and information on today’s refractories

industry from a consultant’s point of view. We

are updated on how this role has changed

with the market, and which new roles and

responsibilities he is now requested to cover.

these gaps, not only in provid- skills necessary for the day to day
ing his expertise on a project running of their processes. In
Michael Walton
basis, but also, to be prepared addition to this, most refractories
and Wayne Wright
REFMET, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA to pass on some of his expertise suppliers had a significant depth
into the user's organisation, by of similar skills to supplement
the provision of tailored train- these, making staff available to
ing courses, and mentoring of their customer base.
n recent years the refractories younger engineers. This was the situation into the
industry has undergone signi- eighties, and even into the early
Ificant change. The role of the INTRODUCTION noughties, with larger compa-
consultant has also changed in The authors’ comments are nies. However the situation has
step with market requirements. based on the Australian situa- changed quite significantly in the
Although the consultant still tion, but probably have much small to medium sized company.
provides the same expert servic- wider applicability. Everyone With 're-engineering' forced upon
es as before, for example: foren- thinks they know what consult- many by the downturns of the
sic analysis of failures, help with ants do. There is an image of a past decades, many have allowed
selection of materials, advice very learned, mature gentleman, these skills to lapse, as being
on installation, he has found to whom others go when help is none core, (unlike accountants
some new roles. Amongst these needed, a bit like an industrial etc.). The skills void is only now
new roles is that of trainer and doctor or specialist. Not that long being fully appreciated. This void
adviser on OH&S. Many of the ago, this was true in the refracto- does not only encompass nor-
changes in the industry, caused ries industry as well. Many were mal technical issues, but has also
by the repeated 're-engineering' experienced practitioners who touched on training and OH&S.
of companies, have resulted in a put themselves out for hire, often
severe lack of refractories expe- after retirement, usually for a THE TRADITIONAL ROLE
rience/expertise within individu- project or a specific assignment As suggested above, consult-
al organisations, both user and for EPCM contractors. ants were only called on when
even supplier. Historically, there have been all else failed. With the users’
This is evident in both the very few fully independent con- in-house skills, married to the
trade and professional areas. sultants. This was the case suppliers knowledge of materi-
More reliance is now placed on because most large refractories' als, most problems were soluble
outside resources. The consult- consuming companies had their without recourse to the expense
ant is now often required to fill own employees with most of the of the consultant. When one was

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