The last few months has seen ISN expand our manufacturing capabilities to meet increased demand and allow further product development. In powder production we have installed a second Niro Spray Drier to allow us to work on developing new materials and composites. In green machining we have installed another new XYZ 4-axis CNC turning centre while in grinding we have installed a new Andmar Surface Grinder. To cope with the increased demand and complexity of parts we invested in a new Mitutoyo CNC Co-ordinate Measuring Machine at the end of last year which is now fully commissioned. We are continually making significant investments in new equipment to ensure the company can meet the increased demand while maintaining acceptable delivery times.

Working closely with the manufacturer Delapena Honing Equipment Limited, we have now installed an additional honing machine, which increases both our capacity and capability to machine bores to tight tolerances. The E2000 model offers a cost efficient solution across our material range to improve the honing process.

The Board are pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Ben Melrose as a Development Engineer with immediate effect. Ben is a double materials science graduate from Birmingham University. He graduated in 2008 with a BSc Honours in Sports and Materials Engineering and followed this in 2011 by graduating with an MRes in Science and Engineering of Materials. Ben joined us at Christmas and in the short period since then has proved himself to be a very capable and enthusiastic member of the R&D team. He will be responsible for the continued development of new grades of Syalon and developing novel processing techniques.

Chairman Tony Mitchell says "Ben has been a very dynamic addition to the R&D team and the appointment demonstrates the Company's intention to maintain R&D at the forefront of our business."

International Syalons (Newcastle) Limited is the UK's leading manufacturer of advanced nitride ceramics. We are a fast–growing, long–established manufacturing company supplying advanced ceramics to industries such as oil and gas, automotive and molten metal handling.

To help us keep our leading position in materials manufacturing, we are continuously seeking enthusiastic, self–motivated Scientists and Engineers to strengthen our research and development team, to help us develop new materials, applications and processes.

We welcome unsolicited applications and would be interested to hear from anyone who can demonstrate some of the following skills:

• Experience and knowledge of ceramics, especially non-oxide ceramics.
• Experience and knowledge of advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Be willing to do hands on practical work (essential).
• Have excellent interpersonal skills, including excellent written and spoken English (essential).
• Have an understanding of the requirements of advanced ceramics in industry.
• Have a knowledge of materials testing and analysis techniques, such as XRD, mechanical testing etc.
• Project management experience.

At ISN we promote personal initiative and value people who can work independently. For the right candidate we can offer a position with some of the following responsibilities:

• Materials development including nitrides, oxides and ceramic composites.
• Process development including advanced casting, pressing and moulding techniques.
• Developing advanced nitride powders.
• Materials testing and analysis.
• Liaison with customers.

We offer permanent positions with a competitive salary and the opportunity to work for a rapidly growing, ambitious company with a challenging but attractive career path.

Should this opportunity be of interest to you or for more information please contact our Technical Director, Nick Fecitt (nick.fecitt@syalons.com).

Tony Mitchell joined the Company in August 2001 and this month marks his first 10 years of service. He expressed his pride in the progress of the Company over this period and praised the staff and the management team, particularly Operations Director Ian Denton and Technical Director Nick Fecitt.

Tony says "This management team have focussed on customer service, quality and innovation. These are the building blocks of a great business and we are well on the way to achieving greater things. We have an expert workforce who take pride in solving customer problems, no matter how great the challenge, and seek to delight the customer with our service. Quality is their ethos as we strive to excede customer expectations. We all believe in teamwork, in sharing problem-solving, in innovation and learning and we share the benefits as we build the Company. It is a great pleasure and privilege to be part of this team."

Ian Denton adds "Tony has consistently stressed the need to grow the business through customer service, quality and innovation and has guided the Company forward and continues with our ambitious plans for the future. The strength of the Company lies in our sense of teamwork and focus."

Nick Fecitt also says "Tony continually presses for more investment in R&D and product and process innovation. We face many challenges with determination and our staff enjoy rising to the challenge."

The Board have announced the retirement of Jim Rising as Director and Company Secretary. Jim was a founder member of the Company in its present form, seventeen years ago, when he was invited to join the Company by the late Chairman, Dr Ralph Iley. Jim now feels ready to spend more time with his family and to enjoy his travel and gardening interests and follow Newcastle United.

Jim says "I have enjoyed very much my long service with the Company and have appreciated the opportunity to work with such an outstanding management team. I am particularly proud of the progress and growth of the Company in recent years and delighted that, as I leave, the Company has just recorded its highest ever sales figures, has invested heavily in new equipment and now employs more staff than ever. I shall enjoy my retirement all the more knowing that the Company is heading in the right direction".

Chairman Tony Mitchell says "All staff members have benefitted considerably from Jim's skilful management, wisdom and diplomacy over the years and he will be a hard act to follow. He has constantly emphasised the total commitment to customer satisfaction and his guidance has been greatly valued".

Christine Mitchell has been appointed as Company Secretary with immediate effect.

The last 16 months has seen International Syalons turnover reach record levels. This has been due to demand from existing customers and the development of new and exciting business opportunities in a range of markets such as wear, molten metal handling, chemical and process and aerospace. In order to meet this increased demand ISN has invested in additional personnel and equipment. Last year we increased our staff by around 20% and so far this year we have recruited an additional 20% with more to come.

There has already been a substantial investment in critical equipment with recent purchases including a large capacity sintering furnace and iso-static press. Significantly within the past 3 months we have installed a new 4 axis CNC turning centre, a specialised centreless grinder and a laser particle size analyser. We are increasing capacity in our machine shops with additional machines. This investment in equipment and personnel will ensure we are prepared for the challenges ahead.

The Board are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Bell as Works Manager with immediate effect. Michael, who has been employed by the Company for 16 years, will be responsible for all aspects of production. He will focus on improvements to quality, efficiency and scheduling in order to provide a world-class service to our customers.

Chairman Tony Mitchell says "Michael is a top talent and is eager to delight our customers with an even better service than we have achieved so far. He has the total confidence of the Board and will be fully supported in the changes to be made. He has demonstrated his commitment to the Company by investing in its shares and, through his years of service with the Company, has demonstrated his drive for quality and performance. We are excited by the changes to be made."

The Board are pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Mitchell as Chairman of the Company with immediate effect. He will retain his role of Managing Director.

Mr Mitchell has a chartered accountancy background and spent over twenty years with Cookson Group in a range of senior roles, including a development role with advanced technology subsidiaries and as the Ceramics Division Finance Director and Corporate Development Manager.

Mr Mitchell says "My dear friend and predecessor, Dr Ralph Iley, has set us a mission to grow the business through innovation and customer service. As the effects of the recession ease, we shall redouble our efforts in research and development, in providing solutions to our customers' problems and in further improving the quality and timeliness of our service to all our customers. This is our way forward."

It is with great sadness that the Board of Directors announces the death of our Chairman and Founder, Dr. Ralph Iley, after a long illness.

Ralph has been a strong supporter of our technology from the outset and his mission to grow the business through customer service and innovation has driven the Company forward. We honour his passing by re–affirming our commitment to all customers, suppliers and staff to work ceaselessly to pursue his mission.