ENG-1988 — Page 102

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INDUSTRY AND TRADE

centre and polypropylene composite plant, a factory for the production of photoconductive drums (the central component in photocopying machines), and an advanced electronics plant which will produce high-quality semiconductors using the latest computer-aided technologies.

The Quality Services Division studied the possibility of meeting growing demand for the services of the Product Standards Information Bureau by developing a computer-based system, linked to local and overseas databases, for storage and retrieval of product standards information. The Standards and Calibration Laboratory began to extend its coverage of measurement standards to include force, pressure and precision mechanical measurements. HOKLAS continued to develop its range of services and by the end of the year had accredited 14 laboratories in various testing disciplines. The scope of the accreditation scheme was widened to include environmental testing facilities. HOKLAS also discussed with several major overseas accreditation authorities the possibility of reaching bilateral recognition agreements, whereby laboratory test data and certificates would become mutually acceptable. The division also employed consultants to draw up proposals for an overall quality strategy for Hong Kong, in preparation for a sustained quality drive planned by the government.

Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council was established by statute in 1967 to promote the increased productivity of industry in Hong Kong. It is financed by an annual government subvention and by fees earned from its services. The council consists of a chairman and 20 members appointed by the Governor. Its membership is drawn from the management, labour, academic and professional fields and from government departments.

The council has over 370 staff members with expertise in a wide range of disciplines. It provides a variety of training programmes, industrial and management consultancies and technological support services, using resources available in its nine operational divisions: Computer Services, Electronics Services, Engineering Services, Metals Development, Industrial Consultancy, Training, Environmental Management, Information Services and Administration.

Its facilities include five training centres

in its Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters, To Kwa

Wan, Tai Kok Tsui, Mong Kok and Central District - electronic data processing facilities; microprocessor application, industrial chemistry, metal finishing, heat treatment, die cast- ing and environmental control laboratories; a computer-aided design service centre and computer-aided manufacturing workshop; a technical reference library and an on-line information retrieval service.

The council implemented the third year of a three-year programme to strengthen the various technical branches by providing an integrated industrial automation service and an enhanced metals development service. Funds were also provided by government for the introduction of new productivity enhancement services. The programme included setting up a surface mount technology laboratory, a radio frequency and digital communication laboratory, and a new textiles and apparel division; developing capabilities in photo- chemical machining, sheet metal working, and enhancing capability in advanced produc- tion management techniques; and undertaking studies of new technologies with potential for industrial applications.

There was sustained demand for the consultancy and technical support services from both local and overseas companies. The council completed 823 consultancy projects,