a supplement to Internationa/ Commerce £B?sr A SUPPLEMENT TO International Commerce ... the weekly news magazine for world traders published by the Bureau of International Commerce and sold by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washing- ton, D.C. 20402, and by Department of Commerce Field Offices for $16 a year. Report of the 1964 Trade Mission to GERMANY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Luther H. Hodges Secretary Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr. Under Secretary Jack N. Behrman Assistant Secretary for Domestic and International Business Thomas G. Wyman Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic and International Business BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE Eugene M. Braderman Director For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402 Price 25 cents. Members of U.S. Building Supplies and Equipment Mission to Germany G. EDWARD BORST, Mission Director Assistant to Director Trade Missions Division Bureau of International Commerce U.S. Department of Commerce DANIEL HARVEY BROWN, JR. Manager, Applied Research Development Douglas Fir Plywood Association Tacoma, Wash. JULIAN KHEEL President Royal Meadow Homes Rochester, N.Y. GEORGE E. PRICE President National Homes Corporation Lafayette, Ind. HERMAN SARKOWSKY President United Homes Corporation Federal Way, Wash. ARTHUR J. REICHENBACH, Trade Development Officer Chief, Trade Disputes Section Commercial Intelligence Division Bureau of International Commerce U.S. Department of Commerce M lished by the Germ. Construction in Germany: A market appraisal By G. EDWARD BORST Director, U.S. Building Supplies and Equipment Mission to Germany Now is the time for U.S. manufac- turers of building materials and supplies to take a look at the German market. The U.S. Building Supplies and Equip- ment Mission — composed of a director, a trade development officer, and four U.S. businessmen experienced in con- struction — spent almost a month (Febru- ary 29-March 27) visiting sites in Ger- many's principal cities. The group held conferences with German and American Government officials, German business- men, engineers, architects, and contrac- tors, in an effort to learn why buirding costs are so much higher there than they are in the United States despite consider- ably lower money wage rates, and why it generally takes twice as long to complete a building project in Germany as it does in the United States. Mission members visited factories pro- ducing for the building industry and staffed a U.S. Business Information Cen- ter (BIC) for 10 days at the Building Materials Trade Show in Munich. They discussed at length, among themselves, the German housing and construction in- dustry. The following views were virtually unanimous among the members: The German housing and construction industry has available for its use, for the most part, a supply of up-to-date building materials and a supply of mod- ern tools and equipment. Also, the peo- ple in this industry are generally familiar with the latest methods and techniques. There is a philosophy in Germany that everything constructed must be built to last for many, many years. Along with this feeling goes the belief that for anything to be good it must be massive — thick and heavy. Building codes of the various cities and states go hand in glove with this philosophy. Investors and lending in- situations also foster this policy. No general contractor In the construction industry in Ger- many, with possibly few exceptions, there is no general contractor. The architect prepares plans and specifications and in addition assumes the role of the general contractor; this role is secondary. Ac- cordingly, there are practically no proj- ects for which the price is guaranteed at the start, and a project may take twice as long as it should. The architect receives a percentage fee, based on total cost. In the United States general standardi- zation within the industry permits manu- facturers to make their products in ac- cepted sizes. In Germany there is almost a complete lack of standardization in ma- jor components such as windows, doors, and kitchen units. No one knows ahead of time what sizes will be specified. This lack not only increases costs but delays delivery of materials. Finally, it is felt that this picture would be changed to some degree if business conditions in the industry should become really competitive. Presently there is more work than there are contractors to handle it, which leads to an indifference on the part of builders toward final costs. Some farsighted builders, seeing the handwriting on the wall, are directing their thinking toward ways and means to reduce costs. Federal Government agen- cies responsible for dealing with the in- sufficiency of suitable housing and the in- flationary situation in the building indus- try are keenly interested in ways and means of reducing costs and saving labor. It is quite evident that this effort by the Government and the movement un- derway among some builders offer a fer- tile ground for introduction at this time of cost and Iavor saving components de- veloped in the highly competitive build- ing industry in the United States. Now is the time, therefore, for U.S. manufacturers of building materials and supplies to take a look at the German market. A year or two from now may be too late. DISCOUNT HOUSES The discount house is a relative new- comer to the German retailing scene. From a total of three such establishments in 1956, the number multiplied rapidly and reached about 465 in March 1962, according to an unofficial survey. More than 85% of these firms deal only in groceries, confections, alcoholic beverages and textiles. Radio, television and household appliances began appear- ing in discount stores in April 1962. Light U.S. prefabs can replace cumbersome German models; should stress special features Germans overcoming prejudice against wooden construction; building codes vary greatly between individual cities By GEORGE E. PRICE President, National Homes Corp. Lafayette, Indiana There is tremendous interest in pre- fabricated housing as a possible solution to increasing housing production and re- ducing housing costs in Germany. With demand far in excess of new housing production, along with a sizeable shortage of labor, Germans interested in the construction industry hope to produce housing faster, with less labor and at lower cost. However, in Germany "prefabricated housing" is really a term for any method of construction different from conven- tional methods, which produces exactly the same housing with the same materials always used, but with less labor, faster and at less cost. Due to the shortage of land zoned for residential use, along with the tremen- dous volume of housing required, about 70% of the dwellings being constructed in the larger cities are concrete or block apartment buildings at least 4 stories high. The time required to build these apart- ment buildings, and complete them ready for occupancy, has been between 12 and 24 months. The main approach to prefabrication has been to use factory-built, reinforced concrete walls, floors, and ceiling com- ponents. These components are built in room-size widths with insulation in the panels, and windows and doors, wiring and heating pipes already installed. Their size and thickness (approxi- mately 10 inches) make them very heavy, and 5 to 6 trailer loads are required to deliver the average number of compon- ents required for one apartment. This limits the distance manufacturers can deliver their components to within 25 to 30 miles from the factory. The quality of the factory-produced components is much better than conven- tional apartment construction, and this method reduces construction time to 4'/2 to 5 months. However, German general contractors feel that the total direct cost of the concrete prefabricated apartment buildings are not competitive with the direct cost of the apartment buildings constructed in the conventional manner. In Berlin, in one instance, prefabri- cated concrete components for apartment buildings were being imported from Denmark by railway, and the city of Berlin was subsidizing the apartments by the cost of the transportation which amounted to $1,000 per dwelling unit. A large percentage of the apartments being built in Germany are for low-cost rentals and are government subsidized or stimulated by tax relief to non-profit ownership companies. On the rise Prefabricated wood houses account for. an increasing number of the single family residences, which constitute 30% of the new housing being built in the larger cities. Lumber is scarce in Germany, and most of the lumber used in home con- struction has to be imported. The Ger- man public also seems to feel that houses built of wood are not as sturdy, strong Mission to Germany A U.S. Building Supplies and Equipment Mission to Germany vis- ited 7 cities and 17 plants February 29-March 27. A total of 81 German firms ex- pressed definite interest in the 136 Business Proposals carried by the Mission from U.S. firms. These re- ferrals resulted in some 280 con- tacts between U.S. and German companies. Specific business opportunities were developed, as follows: For ex- port, 125; import, 13; licensing, 31; joint venture, 2; and services, 3. and durable as the concrete variety, and that wooden houses are a fire hazard. Up to recently, this caused a prejudice against wood houses, regardless of cost. However, there is a change taking place. A number of the medium to more ex- pensive houses being built in cities and in outlying areas are using wood in their construction. Many wood home manu- facturers, mostly small scale operations, have been started throughout Germany in the last few years. Wood prefabricated homes have also been imported from France, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Holland. New factories to produce aluminum and steel prefabricated single family homes have recently been introduced. The concrete prefabricated home man- ufacturers are also beginning to produce concrete single family homes. However, their total weight for a home of 1,000 square feet is between 80 and 100 tons, which will strictly limit their area of distribution. The Studiengemeinschaft fuer Fertig- bau, an association of approximately 100 wooden home manufacturers in Germany reports that 7,000 prefabricated wooden homes were manufactured and built in Germany during 1963, and predicts that between 10,000 and 11,000 prefabricated wooden homes will be manufactured and built in 1964. No prefab tailoff Despite an anticipated leveling off of housing construction within the next 2 or 3 years, future housing construction will feature an ever-increasing trend to- ward prefabricated units. The share of prefabricated units in the total number of dwelling units completed increased from 2.2% in 1962 to 4.2% in 1963. The Federal Housing Ministry fully backs efforts by the construction industry to increase production through prefabri- cation methods, and the Minister for Housing estimates an annual rate of pre- fabricated housing construction of 100,- 000 by 1965, as illustrated by the accom- panying chart. One of the biggest differences between the operations of home manufacturers in Germany and the U.S. is that the Ger- man manufacturer sells directly to the ultimate home owner, and handles all the field construction of every home that he manufactures. To build a home by the conventional method in Germany, an architect draws the plans, and handles the subcontracting of all the direct phases of construction required to build the home. The home builder, as we know him in the U.S., does not exist in Germany. Prefab construction spurts in Germany (in thousands of dwelling units) 4 * 4^4 / g PROJECTED Housing costs high Housing costs are high in Germany compared to the U.S. With the demand for housing in Germany larger than the supply, there has been no incentive to research and develop new materials and methods to provide better living in new housing at lower costs. In contrast, U.S. home builders are constantly striving to offer more attractive housing in order to compete for a larger share of the con- sumer dollar. As the German standard of living con- tinues to increase, the upgrading of hous- ing — a trend to more single family homes in outlying areas will take place. As this takes place, wooden prefabri- cated homes should account for a larger percentage of new home construction. High income families may buy wood homes because they feel they get better living accommodations for their money — and the attraction of better living at lower cost will outweigh traditional prejudices. Actually this has a'ready started to some degree, but it will increase more rapidly in the future. Will resemble U.S. As this transition in housing develops further, and the residential construction industry in Germany catches up with the huge demand, the entire industry will find itself in the situation which exists in the U.S. today: searching for new and better materials and methods to provide better living for less costs and capture a larger share of the German people's income. There is a good opportunity in Ger- many for U.S. home manufacturers with all of their technical and merchandising know-how. However, it is long range, and will continue to increase in volume over the years ahead, as some of the German wooden home manufacturers have already begun to experience. Problems There are many different building codes in Germany, which vary greatly among the different cities, and there are many housing requirements and desires of the German people which differ from the home buying public in- the U.S. U.S. firms should survey the market in Germany itself to determine these different requirements. They should ob- tain the services of German architectural firms to draw up housing plans, worked from the manufacturers' present plans, and using the metric system. At the same time the German architect should alter the plans to meet the Ger- man codes in the cities where the U.S. firm chooses to start distribution. For in- stance, ceiling heights in the U.S. are usually 8 feet, while the minimum we found in Germany was approximately 8 feet and 6 inches. The Mission also found gypsum wallboard on the interiors of wood frame houses, applied over one inch wooden sheathing. This was a code requirement in some areas, and in other cases was used to overcome any objection to the sturdiness of wooden houses. The codes require heavy roof framing, because the common practice is to use clay or concrete tile for the roofs. This requirement was the same where asphalt roofing was used, because of the possi- bility that the home owner may install a tile roof later. Roof trusses are not commonly used in Germany. The most common materials used on the exteriors of wood houses were ce- ment, asbestos, shingles and plaster. Transportation of wooden prefabri- cated homes in Germany is expensive and the rate is the same by railway as by truck. The legal truck size is smaller than in the U.S. Consideration will have to be given to truck sizes in designing the sizes of house components to be shipped. Although it is necessary to obtain a German architect to alter designs and plans to make them acceptable in Ger- many, U.S. manufacturers should in- clude in their house plans all of the feature items that give their homes sales appeal in the U.S. Include all materials used in the U.S. which make the homes more competitive in Germany. For instance, there is little or no stan- dardization of window sizes in Germany as we know it in the U.S. Architects specify the window sizes, and all windows PREFABRICATED CEMENT HOUSING: Mi Bayerische Fertigbau plant at Garching n i. Reinforced concrete walls ore widely used. are custom manufactured. As a result windows are expensive. The U.S. manu- facturer should use his standard window sizes to maintain the competitive advan- tage. The same is true regarding truss roof, plywood, fiberboard sheathing, gypsum wallboard, prefinished aluminum wher- ever used on exteriors, asphalt roofing, cabinets, medicine cabinets, closets and closet doors, prefinished ready hung ex- terior and interior doors, prefabricated plumbing, prefabricated chimneys and every cost saving item that the U.S. man- ufacturer has in his present production. Many German people interested in procuring prefabricated homes from the U.S. prefer medium to larger houses of contemporary architectural design, and strong consideration should be given to this by any U.S. firm entering the Ger- man housing market. A Hamburg wooden home manufac- turer who has made several trips to the U.S. and studied U.S. plans, materials and merchandising, has done a very good job of producing a line of homes which he called "Amerikanische Komfort-Bun- ga'.ows." He used such typical U.S. fea- tures as asphalt roofing, aluminum hori- zontal sliding windows, gypsum interiors, closets, medicine cabinets, central heat- ing, and cement asbestos sidings with exterior appearance of U.S. housing. His merchandising consisted of 3 fur- nished model homes: a 2-bedroom, 1- bath home with attached garage with a living area of approximately 900 sq. ft.; a 3-bedroom, 1 Vi bath home with at- tached garage with living area of approx- imately 1,050 sq. ft.; and a 4-bedroom, 2-bath home with attached garage with a living area of approximately 1,200 sq. ft. The prices of these 3 homes, without land, ranged from $16,250 to $25,000, which was the lowest-priced single fam- ily home in the area. In 1963 this manu- facturer sold 300 of these homes. Thus wooden homes of U.S. manufac- ture will be competitive and will sell in the German housing market. The installation of utilities — plumbing, heating, and electrical — is very slow and expensive. Any U.S. home manufacturer would have a big advantage with a me- chanical core — a unit prefabrication in- cluding the floor and walls containing the bathrooms, heating room and kitchen cabinet installation with all plumbing, heating and electrical equipment com- pletely installed so the cubicle could be set on the foundation ready to connect. One concrete home manufacturer of single family homes operating in Berlin and Frankfurt was purchasing such a unit from Sweden with concrete floors and walls and having it delivered to Germany. The unit contains IV2 baths. The unit is being delivered to Berlin and Frankfurt for $3,000, which in- cludes duty of $450 and freight of $250. A washing machine and drying room could be included for $750. Mortgage money is available for pri- vate financing of home purchasing in Germany. Organizing for the market The opportunity for U.S. home manu- facturers in Germany will have to be considered as a long range program in order to be successful and profitable. Once houses are adapted to meet Ger- man requirements, it would be very worthwhile for a U.S. manufacturer to secure a German firm as a partner in the distribution of homes. The partner should have a good business reputation and be strong financially. Many German firms showed strong interest in this type of arrangement, and are anxious to make connections with reputable U.S. firms which have "know- how" and experience in producing and merchandising prefabricated homes. U.S. techniques should be instituted in the merchandising of homes in Ger- many. The "home builder," who does not exist in Germany today, should be de- veloped to perform the same functions he performs in the U.S. The profit oppor- tunity for the newly-developed home- builder in Germany would increase the market potential immeasurably and as- sure the U.S. firm of expanding with the German housing market. The U.S. firm should locate an ex- perienced sales representative to manage its German operation and establish and develop this new merchandising concept for the German housing market. An educational program should be instituted to acquaint lending institu- tions, Government building officials and Federal Housing authorities with this totally new concept of housing; to show them the quality of construction, with all its benefits and advantages; and the line of homes offered with all their attractive features; and acquaint them with the totally new merchandising concept. . The first housing components could be exported from the U.S. to prove the potential, with the ultimate goal being the establishment of several manufactur- ing plants throughout Germany, to cut down on transportation costs. U.S. ma- terials that are more competitive than those in Germany should also be ex- ported. The opportunity is here — problems yes, but not insurmountable; after all, prob- lems are the price of progress, and the ultimate results should be very fruitful. German residential construction offers many sales chances to U.S. Housing shortage expected to last at least another 2 to 3 years; traditional tastes hinder introduction of new and untried goods By HERMAN SARKOWSKY President, United Homes Corp. Federal Way, Wash. The residential construction industry of the Federal Republic of Germany ap- pears to offer a good potential market for U.S. building products. The industry, which accounts for al- most $6 billion of business annually, has had remarkabfe growth since 1948, but is still not producing the necessary volume to properly house all German families. Government sources indicate that it will be 2 or 3 years before adequate housing has been provided for those now in need of shelter. Single family residences, although now constituting only 30% of the total mar- ket, promise much growth in years to come, and should prove a fertile area for many U.S. products. Before any U.S. businessman attempts to penetrate the German market with his building products and equipment he should study a number of features of the German residential construction in- dustry. The average German considers any house or apartment he purchases as the one and only dwelling he will acquire during his entire lifetime. This manifests itself in massive, costly building products and expensive meth- ods of construction. The Germans pear reluctant to accept less costly prod- ucts, if they do not visually give the im- pression of long life. The thickness walls, both wood and masonry, are ex- cessive for their designed use. The obvious result of such a tradition has been high housing costs, which elimi- nate many middle income families from the housing market. There appears to be some weakening, however, in this tradi- tional outlook and many German con- struction executives are ready to innovate. The shortage of both skilled and un- skilled labor in Germany must be recog- nized and evaluated. There are 1 million foreign workers, mostly unskilled, em- ployed in Germany. Many of thei l are being utilized in the construction i, Jus- try. According to Government sources there is no relief in sight, and almct all German industries are still actively re- cruiting foreign labor. Therefore, a need exists for all types of labor saving devices. Products which can be assembled, installed or applied with unskilled or semi-skilled labor are of great importance since in the con- ventionally-built structure 38% of the total cost is for labor. Although total construction costs have risen 83% since 1950, labor costs have increased by 173% during the same period. The construction industry in the Fed- eral Republic is extremely well organ- ized. There are 21 principal trade asso- ciations each having numerous regional chapters. There are 5 important major as- sociations for architects and engineers. Producers, wholesalers and retailers of construction supplies and associations ap- pear to exert tremendous influence, not only upon their own members, but also on all forces directly or indirectly con- nected with the industry. The acceptance of any new product, and its ultimate suc- cessful distribution could depend in part on the evaluations of these trade asso- ciations. The role of the architect in the Ger- man construction industry is somewhat different than his counterparts in the U.S. Not only does he have primary re- sponsibility for the design of the struc- ture, but he handles the selection of all materials and products, selects the con- tractor, all sub-contractors, and finally assumes the task of organizing and ex- pediting the physical construction. This system does not lend itself to cost savings or the economies of stand- ardization. Quite the reverse is true, since the architect does not appear to encourage the use of standard components or cost saving systems. There are, of course, exceptions. How- ever, it must be noted that the archi- tect's role in the selection of products is of primary importance, and the ac- ceptance of new materials and products depend somewhat on how well he is sold. Finally, the role of Federal, State (Laender) or local government must be considered. Of the three, the regulatory BDSA booklet An analysis by the U.S. Embassy in Bonn, of the German construc- tion industry in 1963 and the out- look for the future is available on loan to U.S. firms from BDSA's Trade Opportunities Staff. The main body of this report sets forth a brief analysis of the con- struction industry. There are 2 ap- pendices, the first of which deals with the legal basis of land utiliza- tion and zoning in the Federal Re- public. Appendix 2 briefly sketches the problem of building codes. Address requests to the Trade Opportunities Staff, Business and Defense Services Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C., 20230, or tele- phone WO 7-4674. functions of the State and local authori- ties are most important to the U.S. busi- nessmen. These can be compared to "Local Building Codes" in the U.S. and set specifications, standards and other regulatory requirements for residential construction. The Mission was given many examples of code requirements. Work to bring them up to date could be completed be- fore the end of 1964. The important thing for U.S. business- men to recognize is the absolute need to obtain approval from these governmental agencies prior to making any large scale commitments. It is in this capacity that a well respected and competent German Trade Association could be of great value to an U.S. manufacturer. Many of the larger firms in the whole- saling and distribution field have highly competent technical staffs and could as- sist in obtaining government approvals. Mission members feel that the excep- tional adherence to tradition constitutes the major problem for new and untried products in the German housing market. However, the 135 interviews conducted by the Mission resulted in many requests for distribution of U.S. goods. Products which appear to have good market possi- bilities are: k Sliding aluminum windows. Almost all windows used in residential construc- tion are made of wood. The wood is generally imported either from Africa or one of the Scandinavian countries. Build- ers claim that these units are up to 50% cheaper than any aluminum units they could purchase. The aluminum units be- ing sold on the German market have ex- tremely heavy extrusions and seem better suited for office buildings than homes. Aluminum windows suitable for use in cold, damp climates should find a good market. k Sliding aluminum patio doors. These doors do not only have an applica- tion in single family homes, but could find a large market in the apartment field. Almost all new apartment units being constructed in Germany feature individ- ual balconies for each unit. The patio door is generally recognized as the most economical method of providing both egress and light. These doors should be suitable for the installation of an insulat- ing type glass, and have heavier than average locking devices. k Small portable power tools. Such items as pneumatic nailers, electric pow- ered saws, drills, routers and planers are beginning to be used in quantity. •k Insulation. Certain types of roof insulation seem much in demand, both the type which can be blown into attic areas, and the sheet type suitable for flat or low pitched roofs. ■k Under-counter dishwashers. Even in single family dwellings costing more than $50,000, only portable dishwashers are being utilized. Builders generally agree that they would prefer the under-counter type but seem unable to buy them at what they considered a reasonable price. There were a number of inquiries about such a product. k Asphalt roofing shingles. Much of this type of roofing now being used in the Federal Republic is imported from England. The price paid for such ma- terial appears quite high. A great many- builders commented on this and repre- sentatives of distribution outlets requested the names of U.S. manufacturers. Vr Maintenance items. There appears to be a need for additional rust pre- ventives, and other such items suitable for the maintenance of metals and ma- chinery. In addition, cleaning compounds Bigger, better houses in Germany* MORE ROOMS (IN % OF UNITS COMPLETED) MORE FLOOR SPACE (IN SQ. FT. PER DWELLING) 7.6 srhl & Co., GmbH., Schiersteiner Str. 19-21, Wiesbaden. WTD 6/10/63. I.R. 16. Agency for earth moving equipment, cranes, concrete mixers and shovels. Baumaschinen Koenicke, Kaiserin-Augusta Allee 100, Ber- lin NW 21. I.R. 118. Agency for construction machinery, equip- ment. Firm presently sells cranes, hoists, ex- cavators, road building equipment. Peter Gries K.G. Nordallee 10, 5420 Oberlahnstein/Rh. I.R. 111. Agency for small construction machinery and equipment in the $2500 range with special interest in street building equipment. Wilhelm Nobis, Brauweiler Weg 28, 5 Koeln- Muengersdorf. I.R. 131. 355 Special Industry Machinery Used machinery for production of consum- ers' small goods. Complete plants desired for use in developing countries. Impex Handels- gesellschaft, Rembertistrasse 108, 28 Bremen. WTD 3/18/63. I.R. 26. Machinery for manufacture, installation, maintenance of bituminous surfacing. Roho Werk, Industriegelaende, Eichstaett/Bayern. NCIA. I.R. 55. Machinery for laying of saturated asphalt felt; applying of, etc. H. Pfeil, Heidestrasse 54, Frankfurt/Main, I.R. 23. Tools and equipment for taping gypsum wall- board. Ernst Winde, Stilfserjoch Strasse 44, Munich. I.R. 40. 356 General Industrial Machinery Agency for water pumps. Baumaschinen Koenicke, Kaiserin-Augusta Allee 100, Ber- lin NW 21. I.R. 118. Water pumping equipment. Impex Handels- gesellschaft, Rembertistrasse 108, 28 Bremen. WTD 3/18/63. I.R. 25. 363 Household Appliances Used, reconditioned refrigerators, air con- ditioners in quantity, for use in developing countries. Impex Handelsgesellschaft, Rem- bertistrasse 108, 28 Bremen. WTD 3/18/64. I.R. 26. 382 Instruments for Measuring, Controlling, Indicating Physical Characteristics Water flow meters and controls for home and industrial use. Lutz Schneider, 14 Prinzregen- tenplatz, Munich. I.R. 42. Fuel oil flow meters for home and industrial use. Lutz Schneider, 14 Prinzregentenplatz, Munich. I.R. 42. 394 Toys, Amusement, Sporting Goods Plastic swimming pools for home use. Beh- rens, Glogner & Co., Buergerweide 10 B, Ham- burg 26. I.R. 7. Leads for Importers 282 Synthetic Materials PVC product has application as a roofin material; also PVC liner suitable for linin of metal storage tanks to prevent corrosioi Ursania Bautenschutz, Heme in Westfaler I.R. 70. 289 Chemical Products Silicon fluoride base additive providing high resistance to sulphates, carbon-dioxide con- taining waters, salts, frost action. Martha- huette G.m.b.H. 8590 Marktredwitz. I.R. 72. 323 Glass Products Cast glass door knobs and pushers for glass doors. Seleger Co., Theaterstr. 12, Zurich, Switzerland. NCIA. I.R. 102. 328 Cut Stone, Products Ceramic tile of special design and composi- tion. Stroeher GmbH, 634 Dillenburg, Post- fach 73. I.R. 107. 342 Cutlery, Hand Tools, General Hardware Fasteners for construction industry, bolts, nails, fasteners, conventionally or cartridge- fired fasteners. Otto Kettling KG, 5996 Altrog- genrahmede. I.R. 98. 344 Fabricated Structural Metal Products Steel scaffolding for residential and com- mercial buildings. Stahlgeruestbau "Ossa" GmbH, Praunheimer Landstrasse 80, Frank- furt/M.-Hausen. I.R. 27. 355 Special Industry Machinery German manufacturer of tower cranes, concrete mixers, block making machinery, other complementary equipment is interested in exporting these products to the U.S. Wil- helm Reich Maschinenfabrik, Elisabethen- strasse 14, 7900 Ulm/Donau. I.R. 34. 381 Engineering, Laboratory, Scientific, Research Instruments Complete line of builders and surveyors leveling instruments. Theis & Co. K.G. 16 Wolzhausen ueber Biedenkopf, Hessen. WTD 6/2/58. I.R. 20. Investment Opportunities Additional information, when avail- able, and the identities of the German manufacturers offering licenses for U.S. production may be obtained from the Bu- reau of International Commerce, Office of International Investment, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC. by refer- ring to the file number following each opportunity. Licenses offered Manufacturer of roofing materials in- terested in obtaining U.S. licensee to pro- duce its PVC roofing material primarily for industrial use. Firm also offers license for U.S. production of its PVC liner suit- able for lining metal storage tanks to prevent corrosion. File 1223. License offered for production of tower cranes, concrete mixers, block making machinery, equipment. One of firm's con- crete mixers is automatic heavy-duty type which is small, compact. Designed as a one axle trailer mixer, it has pneumatic tires and four retractable stabilizing jacks ensuring stable operation on location. Ar- rangement of buckets in mixing drum is patented and calculated for thorough mixing action and rapid discharge within a minimum time. Drum is powered by special electric gear motor controlled by push buttons neatly arranged on switch panel. File 1224. Manufacturer of construction machin- ery, hydraulic equipment offers manufac- turing rights under license for air-pow- ered boring machine capable of penetrat- ing depths of 330 ft. Ramming device is retracted by means of hydraulic hoist. Machine can be mounted on two-wheel trailer or flat bed truck. File 1225. Firm specializing in hydraulic pump- ing equipment for concrete wants to li- cense U.S. firm to produce its products for U.S. market. U.S. firm must be able to service equipment on nationwide basis. File 1226. Manufacturer of complete line of climb- ing and tower cranes for building indus- try seeks U.S. firm to produce its equip- ment under license. File 1227. American licensee sought for produc- tion of phenolic resin insulating board. Roof insulating board with ventilative effects reported to have distinctive fea- tures such as foolproof method of pro- ducing reliable network of unbroken ventilation ports. U.S. patent has been applied for this roofing material that offers ventilation, vapor sealing, thermal insulation, weatherproofing all in one op- eration. File 1228. Manufacturer of rotary tower cranes offers license for U.S. production of its cranes. Firm reports outstanding tech- nical features of cranes makes possible •use of cranes to erect all conventional building superstructures up to a maxi- mum height of 425 ft. On its longest radius of 98 ft., the crane has a lifting power of over 3,000 lb. Some features of rotary tower cranes are simple and sturdy construction, remote control, tele- scopic slewing mast, convenient size for road transport, easy, quick assembling. Manufacturer has more than 60 yrs. ex- perience in crane construction. File 1229. Manufacturer specializing in plaster, mortar mixing machinery material han- dling equipment including small hydraul- ically-operated shovels interested in li- censing U.S. manufacturer to produce its machinery. Also interested in being li- censed to produce U.S. construction equipment for German market. File 1230. LICENSES SOUGHT 151 Concrete construction Construction firm wants to be licensed for use of lift slab multi-story concrete building construction. Ingenieurbau Josef Moebius GmbH, Altonaer Bahnhofstrasse 78, Hamburg-Altona. 281 Industrial chemicals Manufacturer of chemicals for building, textile industries interested in licensing agreement to produce chemical auxiliaries for use in cement, concrete, asphalt road paving materials. Bayosan-Werk GmbH, Sigmundstrasse 58, 8500 Nuernberg. 295 Paving, roofing materials Roofing materials manufacturer seeks li- cense to make bituminous roofing, paving materials, new sealants used in roof and road construction. VEDAG — Vereinigte Dachpappen Fabriken AG. Boschetsrieder- str. 129, Munich. 307 Plastic products Manufacturer of plastic products for building industry wants license to produce U.S. plastic items with particular interest in newly developed plastic products for building trade. Dyna-Plastik-Werk GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach (Koeln). 343 Heating equipment Designer, manufacturer of chemical and mechanical equipment desires license from U.S. firm for production of oil, gas burners and low and high pressure boilers. Pintsch Bamag AG, 1 Berlin 21. 353 Construction equipment License sought to manufacture mobile (wheel) hydraulic-powered shovels with Vi to 2 cu. m. capacity, other heavy equip- ment such as graders, scrapers. Fritz Jahn- Baumaschinen, 50 Stendelweg, Berlin 19. 355 Railroad equipment Manufacturer of diversified industrial products seeks license to make machinery for construction, repair, maintenance of rail- way beds. Firm also interested in manu- facturing rights for new equipment for align- ment of railroad tracks. Fried. Krupp Mas- chinenfabriken Essen, 103 Altendorferstr, Essen. 356 Air purifying equipment Seeks license to manufacture air cleaning, purifying equipment, materials such as filters. Interest is in equipment for large scale use in purifying air for cities, industry smoke- stacks, factories. Heinrich Wassermann Bauunternehmung, Ossendorferstr. 308, Koeln. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE— FIELD OFFICES ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, 99501, Rm. 306, Loussac- Sogn Building. Phone: BR 2-9611. ATLANTA, GA., 30303, 75 Forsyth St., N.W. Phone: JAckson 2-4121. BOSTON, MASS., 02110, Room 230, 80 Federal St. Phone: CApitol 3-2312. BUFFALO, N.Y., 14203, 504 Federal Bldg., 117 Ellicott St. Phone: TL 3-4216. CHARLESTON, S. C, 29401, Suite 201, Marcus Bldg., 6 Broad St. Phone: 722-6551. CHARLESTON, W. VA., 25301, 3002 New Federal Office Bldg., 500 Quarrier St. Phone:343-6196. CHEYENNE, WY0., 82001, 207 Majestic Bldg., 16th & Capitol Ave. Phone: 634-2731. CHICAGO, ILL, 60606, Room 1302, 226 W. Jack- son Blvd. Phone: 828-4400. CINCINNATI, OHIO, 45202, 809 Fifth Third Bank Bldg., 36 E. Fourth St. Phone: 381-2200. CLEVELAND, OHIO, 44101, 4th Floor, Federal Re- serve Bank Bldg., East 6th St. & Superior Ave. Phone: 241-7900. DETROIT, MICH., 48226, 445 Federal Bldg. Phone: 226-6088. GREENSBORO, N. C, 27402, Room 407, U.S. Post Office Bldg. Phone: 273-8234. HARTFORD, CONN., 06103, 18 Asylum St. Phone: 244-3530. HONOLULU, HAWAII, 96813, 202 International Sav- ings Bldg., 1022 Bethel St. Phone: 58831. JACKSONVILLE, FLA., 32202, 512 Greenleaf Bldg., 204 Laura St. Phone: ELgin 4-7111. KANSAS CITY, MO., 64106, Room 2011, 911 Wal- nut St. Phone: BAItimore 1-7000. LOS ANGELES, CALIF., 90015, Room 450, Western Pacific Bldg., 1031 S. Broadway. Phone: 688-2830. MEMPHIS, TENN., 38103, 345 Federal Office Bldg., 167 N. Main St. Phone: 534-3214. MIAMI, FLA., 33132, 408 Ainsley Bldg., 14 N. E. First Ave. Phone: FRanklin 7-2581. MILWAUKEE, WIS., 53203, Straus Bldg., 238 W. Wisconsin Ave. Phone: BR 2-8600. MINNEAPOLIS, MINN., 55401, Room 304, Federal Bldg. 110 S. Fourth St. Phone: 334-2133. NEW ORLEANS, LA., 70130, 1508 Masonic Temple Bldg., 333 St. Charles Ave. Phone: 527-6546. NEW YORK, N.Y., 10001, 61st FL, Empire State Bldg., 350 Fifth Ave. Phone: LOngacre 3-3377. PORTLAND, OREG., 97204, 217 Old U.S. Court- house, 520 S. W. Morrison St. Phone: 226-3361 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF., 94102, Room 9453, Fed- eral Building, 450 Golden Gate Ave., Phone: 556-5868 SAVANNAH, GA., 31402, 235 U.S. Courthouse and Post Office Bldg., 125-29 Bull St. Phone: ADams 2-4755. SEATTLE, WASH., 98104, 809 Federal Office Bldg., 909 First Ave. Phone: MUtual 2-3300. U.S. TRADE MISSIONS PROGRAM need to km rfcouf- iiitfr Overseas Business Reports give timely, authentic information on these topics— and many others. The De- partment of Commerce publishes approximately 150 of them each year. Many of the nation's export leaders sub- scribe to this valuable business service. JOIN THEM! 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