Thrislington quarry opened during 1954 after an extensive geological and
borehole survey to locate a higher quality dolomite required to manufacture
higher quality products at Hartlepool. Dolomite from Hawthorn quarry
was superior but low reserves and a short operational life made this stone
less attractive commercially. Thus Thrislington with its geographical location
to Hartlepool and good rail links was the best option
Thrislington Works was opened in 1956 based
on a single quarry and rotary kiln (T1) operation.
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No shaft
kilns were built at Thrislington after the success of the rotary kiln
built at Coxhoe following early development work and trials at Hartlepool.
As demand for burnt products increased a further two rotary kilns
were built - T2 in 1962, and T3 in 1979. |
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On the 19th June 1979
the erection of T3 rotary kiln and ancillary plant started using a
600 tonne crane. Commissioned during the last quarter of 1978 the
new kiln almost matched the capacity of the two smaller F.L. Schmidt
units. To handle the increased tonnages a new transport system and
new storage bunker was built so that trains could be loaded at the
rate of 1000 tonnes per hour for the Hartlepool Magnnesia Works. |
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