History

Gmip Ltd. the only producer of kaolinite clay in Georgia was founded in February 2006 starting operations with opening kaolinite clay quarry in the village – Makvaneti, Guria region. Clay being rich of kaolin attracted interest of investors in light of growing demand on this material on the international markets.

Within the distance of 12 km from Makvaneti in the village - Dvabzu, GmiP built the clay processing plant, launching of which at full capacity is planned from January 2008.

Quarry as well as processing plant is located in the picturesque area of inner Guria surrounded with mountains and just 25 km away of the Black Sea giving to the region tender climatic conditions.

Cimpany Quarry

Makvaneti quarry kaolinite clay debit is estimated around 260,000 tons, while in the radius of 20 km including village – Gonebiskari clay debit is estimated 2-3 million tons, which creates favorable conditions for installing additional processing capacities in the short run (2-3 years) and entering into the finished ceramics goods business in the longer run (4-5 years).

      Plant

Clay processing plant installed capacity amounts to 60,000 tons annually, although the real capacity will not surpass 45,000 tons. Raw materials storage capacity is 3,000 tons, while finished goods can be stored only 2,000 tons.

Gmip being one of the biggest employers in the Ozurgeti District provides employment opportunities to more than 70 professionals in economically depressed Guria region.

      Products

Clay processing plant produces 5 types of kaolinite rich clay with different dispersity, which serves for additive to the kaolinite meager clay for further application in ceramic goods production.

In the future GmiP plans to produce also readymade clay for ceramic goods production for household as well as industrial applications.

      GMIP Strategy

GmiP enjoys access to the vast resources of the inexpensive and high quality raw materials – kaolinite rich clay as well as normal clay for ceramics business development. Company has two-stage development strategy:

 Short-term strategy

Expanding clay extraction by means of new quarries opening and consequently increasing processing capacities for satisfying growing demand on kaolinite clay from the already interested buyers.

 Long-term strategy

Building the first in Georgia factory of ceramics goods of various uses started from household commodities up to the products of special industrial application.

     Markets

Georgian kaolinite clay will be marketed at the beginning on the Turkish market supplying to the Turkish ceramic goods producers.