1. Product Description: Metal surfaces generally get faded on exposure to air-atmosphere. By application of metal polish which contain finer grade of abrasives, the metal surface regains its shine. Metal polishes have become items of every day use. Polishes not only improve the outward appearance of the article on which they are applied, but also increase their life.
2. Market Potential: Metal polishes have become popular for car paints. Most cars, when painted for the second or more time, use metal polish for their painting. In addition there are other products with metal covers which extensively use metal polish. All metal polishes used in the country are imported. As imports of vehicles will increase in the future, the demand for metal polishes will also increase. They will also replace chemical paints.
3. Source of Raw Materials: The raw materials for making metal polish include Tripoli powder, silica powder, mineral oil, oleic acid and liquor ammonia. All these will be imported.
4. Process and Technology: A mixture of mineral oil and abrasive material are mixed and emulsified preferably with ammonium oleate soap containing some amount of ammonia. In the case of paste polish the percentage of abrasive material is increased to a considerable extent and then passed through homogenizer. The material is then packed and marketed in metal containers. Plant and machinery needed include jacketed vessel complete with heating arrangement and stirrer, homogenizer, miscellaneous equipment such as mild steel pans, aluminum vessels, enameled mugs, weighing scales, testing equipment, etc.
5. Estimated Investment: For a small plant which will produce 300 cans of 35-40 gms of metal polish per day, the investment requirement will be the following:-
§ Building/Shade 150m2 at Birr 1500/m2 = Birr 225,000
§ Plant and Machinery = Birr 150,000
§ Working Capital = Birr 80,000
455,000
6. Benefits: Saves foreign exchange and regional financial resources, promotes self-sufficiency in industrial production, and introduces new skills and technology.
7. Location: Combolcha, Bahir Dar, Debre Birhan.