17. TURNKEY SUPPLIERS AND ENGINEERING OFFICES
Turnkey suppliers generally differ from equipment manufacturers
insofar as they offer a wider range of services - from studying the project,
drawing up the specifications, supervising construction, recruiting staff,
through to financial engineering - and may enter more readily into a financial
partnership which involves a contribution to capital. Drying and finishing
equipment is often subcontracted to manufacturers through a bidding process.
The projects they execute are generally wider in scope and
include the installation of oil presses/oil mills, since soap-making is becoming
a way of upgrading local oil output and complementing the operations of the
oleaginous sector.
Turnkey suppliers and consulting engineers' offices, which often
work in the agro-food sector, are numerous and interested in principle in any
soap-making project of a reasonable size. Identifying them falls outside the
scope of this technological inventory, which is aimed more at small businesses.
However, let us mention the following firms*:
|
 EXTRACTION DE SMET
Edegem,
Belgium
|
Large turnkey service (staff of 600) whose main activity is the
production of oil mills. Substantial expertise in the processing and preparation
of oil, a parameter which is often neglected by soap makers. Has a network of
retail engineering and project supervision offices in 17 countries.
Recently diversified into parallel sectors, including
soap-making. Collaboration agreement with IMSA/Italy for the subcontracting of
finishing lines. Has supplied 7 soap factories to date. Provides all ancillary
services, from project implementation to the scheduling of courses on soap
making. |
|
O.S.T.
Brussels, Belgium |
Small turnkey service in the agro-food sector which has adopted
a soap-production technology involving the neutralisation of fatty acids,
developed by the LOTHOMA soap factory.
Technology claimed to be particularly attractive in terms of
profitability, especially if there is a local source of fatty acids. Suitable
for the enterprising promoter. |
|
SOCFINCO
Brussels, Belgium
|
Consulting engineers, a subsidiary of the Franco-Belgian group
SOCFIN which manages several industrial sites in various tropical countries.
Handles oil mill/soap factory projects, particularly in Gabon, Congo and
Nigeria.
Implementation of a 250 kg/h small-scale oil mill/soap factory
in Guinea Conakry, based on exploiting the natural palm plantation and ranging
from organising the collection of palm kernels to the end product, soap.
Experience readily transferable. |
