In 1968, the Government of Tamilnadu started implementing the Government Tea Project in the Nilgiris. It was managed by the Forest Department as a scheme to rehabilitate the Sri Lanka Repatriates. In 1975 the Project was, brought under corporate management in the name of the Tamil Nadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited. This Corporation is under the administrative control of Environment & Forest Department of Government of Tamil Nadu.
OBJECTIVES/FUNCTIONS:To employ and resettle the repatriates from Sri Lanka in the Plantations Schemes and to acquire on lease from the Government of Tamilnadu the Tea Plantations established under Government auspices under the Master Plan for Rehabilitation of the above said repatriates in the Forest areas of Nilgiris District and other suitable areas in the State of Tamil Nadu by purchase, lease or otherwise for raising Tea Plantations and other suitable species as the company may think fit.
Sparkling clean waters, Fresh unpolluted air. Rich fertile soil, Verdant pastures. A temperate climate ¦ Nilgiris and Anamalais
Home to one of the world finest tea-TANTEA
TANTEA- Tamilnadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited (an undertaking of the State Government of Tamilnadu, India) A Vision that took root in 1968, to rehabilitate Sri Lankan repatriates trained in the fine art of tea culture. Since then the Company has grown manifold into a multi-million dollar industry and now reaching out to new markets at home and overseas.
TANTEA is one of the biggest Black Tea producer in India with high quality clonal tea plantations spread over nearly 4500 ha. in Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts of Tamilnadu and managed by 40 highly qualified professionals, more than 440 supporting staff and nearly 9000 workers.
TANTEA produces about 12 million kg of high grown clonal Tea in our eight state of art Tea Factories located within our plantations. About 80% of our production is of CTC Tea and the remaining is Orthodox. One of our orthodox factory has obtained ISO 9001 certification and the same is in process for other factories. ,. We produce OP, BOP, FBOP, BOPF grades among the Orthodox teas and BP, BOPF, BOP, BPSM, RD, PD and SRD grades in CTC teas in large quantities for export.
THE MISSIONRehabilitation of Indian Tamil families, repatriated from Sri Lanka under Shastri Srimavo Pact. Successfully rehabilitated more than 2500 families with 2 persons in each family given permanent employment.
THE JOURNEYDuring 1969-1984, an area of 2772.42 ha. was planted in Nilgiris in three phases under Srilankan Repatriates Rehabilitation Scheme. During 1990-1994, Phase IV planting was done over an area of 1653.50 ha.
DIVISION PHASE I | Total Planted area as on 31.03.2011 |
CHERAMBADY | 344.79 |
CHERANGODE | 381.85 |
NELLIYALAM | 360.22 |
COONOOR | 205.74 |
KOTAGIRI | 218.44 |
DEVELA | 353.63 |
PANDIAR | 566.05 |
NADUVATTAM (Including two ranges of Kolapalli | 568.00 |
LAWSON | 607.00 |
RYAN | 478.50 |
Year |
Yield of Green Tea Leaves( lakh Kg.) |
Made Tea(lakh Kg.) |
2005-2006 |
440.89 |
106.32 |
2006-2007 |
410.14 |
97.37 |
2007-2008 |
418.33 |
100.59 |
2008-2009 |
410.26 |
101.05 |
2009-2010 |
427.16 |
103.99 |
TANTEA believes that the most important ingredient is the corporation’s workforce and TANTEA is having 7000 permanent workers, of whom 5000 are repatriates from Sri Lanka. About 2000 permanent workers from Cinchona Department that was wound up, has been added to the roll of TANTEA.
LABOUR WELFAREIn addition to salary/wages, the workers benefit welfare means ures like rent free accommodation, free water supply, free medical attendance, creche, primary education, maternity benefit, leave with wages, sickness benefit, holiday wages, supply of warm clothing, free supply of liquid tea at workspot, family planning incentives, bonus, incentive for tea leaf plucking and job differential to skilled workers. Nearly, 4100 rent free standard houses have been provided to all the workers. Protected water supply, electricity, street light, foot path and toilet facilities, etc. have been provided to all these quarters. Further, cable TV connections have also been provided through private agencies on payment basis. During the working hours, the children between the age limit of 1 to 5 years are being attended to by the trained crèche attendants and in these crèches, milk and whole some refreshments are being supplied to all Children. Contributions are made to approved Provident Funds by the Corporation. In respect of gratuity, the Corporation has adopted ‘Group Gratuity cash accumulation Scheme’ with the Life Insurance Corporation of India. TANTEA is currently running 6 primary schools and 1 middle school. In these schools, totally 1143 Children of the workers are studying in I Std. to VIII Std.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Garden Hospitals:As a statutory provision, the Corporation is having three Garden hospitals one in Kotagiri and another at Cherambadi to give medical care for its employees. The Government run Hospital at Cinchona near Valparai was taken over by TANTEA and it is managed to take care of the medical facilities of workers and staff of TANTEA and also the public in the erstwhile Cinchona area. Also, for the emergency treatment to the workers, totally 11 Ambulance vans are provided and in each Division, a dispensary is functioning with a qualified Pharmacist. Apart from this, at present, free health camps with the services of all the specilised Doctors are being conducted in co-ordination with the private corporate hospitals.
THE CUP THAT CHEERS1.5 million kilogram of Orthodox tea and 10.0 million kilogram of CTC tea are produced every year. The clonal character and the elevation makes TANTEA teas bright, brisk and round bodied.
Sl.No |
Name of the Factory |
Location & altitude(M above MSL) |
Type of Manufacture |
Installed Capacity made tea (million kg) |
Year of commissioning |
1 |
Cherangode |
Gudalur(970) |
CTC |
2.25 |
1978 |
2 |
Tigher Hill |
Coonoor(1970) |
ORTHODOX |
0.75 |
1980 |
3 |
Cherambady |
Gudalur(970) |
CTC |
2.25 |
1984 |
4 |
Pandiar |
Gudalur(910) |
CTC |
2.25 |
1988 |
5 |
Quinshola |
Kotagiri(1820) |
ORTHODOX |
0.75 |
1994 |
6 |
Nelliyalam |
Gudalur(970) |
CTC |
1.50 |
1995 |
7 |
Lawson |
Valparai(1200) |
CTC |
1.50 |
1996 |
8 |
Ryan |
Valparai(1200 |
CTC |
2.00 |
1999 |
TANTEA teas have been gaining popularity in the domestic market. While the major part of the production is sold through the tea auctions, efforts are on to make garden fresh tea available in packets and pouches to the domestic consumer. Impetus is being given to export Orthodox & CTC teas to major tea consuming countries worldwide.
THE COMMITMENT TO QUALITYQuality checks at each stage of production and right up to the point of shipment is part of the routine. Keeping pace with the changing world, TANTEA is determined to maintain quality standards and meet the market expectations despite the growth anticipated in the next millennium. One of the factory has already obtained ISO 9000 certification and the same is in process for other factories. TANTEA Orthodox & CTC teas have found a niche market abroad. To further expand its horizons in the global market, several quality control measures have been initiated.
TANTEA - A BIRDS EYEVIEW
CLONAL TEA PLANTATIONS
REGISTERED OFFICE LOCATED AT COONOOR THE NILGIRIS-TAMILNADU
The Board of this Corporation has delegated the administrative and financial powers to the Chief Executive of this Corporation. The Chief Executive has also sub delegated certain powers to his subordinate Officers. The powers vested with the Chief Executive/Managing Director of this Corporation is as follows:-
ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS:To sanction expenditure for participation in any exhibition, meeting demurrage, warfage upto Rs.1,00,000/- at a time. To declare assets as unserviceable or obsolete or write off their prices as well as the mode of disposal, write off, irrecoverable amount or losses due to theft or negligence or otherwise provided the aforesaid powers exercised, in respect of items of assets, whose value does not exceed Rs.50,000/- subject to a limit of Rs.3,00,000/- in a year.
The overall objectives and frame work of rules and regulations of the Corporation is laid down in the memorandum and Articles of Association of the Corporation. Each divisions of the Corporation while discharging its functions, is guided by Staff Service Rules, standing instructions, circulars, manuals, policy and guidelines which are periodically reviewed by auditing and office inspection and updated. The terms/service conditions and conduct of the employees are regulated by the Staff Service Rules and standing orders. In addition, the Corporation follows the directions and guidelines issued by the Board and government on various matters. The operation of the Corporation is also guided by the Board of Directors.
Necessary policy proposals are evaluated and placed before the Board for its perusal and approval. In cases of any amendment to the Staff Service Rules approved by the Board have been addressed to the Government for its approval and incorporation in the staff service rules. As ordered by the Government / Board policies are implemented in this Corporation. Tamilnadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited, commercial organization on policies formulated by it relates to its internal management and therefore, there is no requirement for consultation with the members of the Public prior to formulation of its internal policies of the Corporation. The members of the public, who are dealing with the Corporation in its business transaction have any complaints/ grievances, they can approach through letters or in person for redressal.
The Corporation maintains various statutory documents, registers, books, licenses, manuals, agreements etc., for the business operation of the Corporation, as required under various statutes, rules and regulations as well as for the smooth functioning of the Corporation.
The Management of the Corporation is vested with the Board of Directors. In terms of the Articles of Association of the Corporation, the Board of Directors can have minimum three Directors and maximum ten Directors. The names of the Board of Directors, Standing Sub-Committee (Finance), & other Committees, and trustees of the various Trusts are as follows:-
Managing Director : Chairman - Administrator. Joint Managing Director : Trustee Chief Accounts officer : Trustee Senior Manager. (I.R). : Trustee
Name of the Public Authority Assistant Public Information Officer:
Sl. No |
Name |
Designation |
STD Code |
Ph.No. Office |
Home |
Fax |
|
Address |
1. |
Tmt. Seetha Lakshmi |
Administrative Officer(I/C) |
0423 |
0423- 2230419 |
0423- 2232229 |
tantea[dot]co[dot]in[at]gmail[dot]com |
Regd. Office, TANTEA Complex, Coonoor-643 101 |
Public Information Officer:
Sl. No. |
Name |
Designation |
STD Code |
Ph.No. Office |
Home |
Fax |
|
Address |
1. |
Tmt Seetha Lakshmi |
Administrative Officer(I/C) |
0423 |
0423- 2230419 |
0423- 2232229 |
tantea[dot]co[dot]in[at]gmail[dot]com |
Regd. Office, TANTEA Complex, Coonoor-643 101 |
First Appellate Authority:
Sl. No. |
Name |
Designation |
STD Code |
Ph.No. Office |
Home |
Fax |
|
Address |
1. |
Thiru T.K.ASHOKKUMAR, I.F.S., |
Deputy Conservator Forest & General Manger |
0423 |
2230419 |
0423- 2230246 |
0423- 2232229 |
tantea[dot]co[dot]in[at]gmail[dot]com |
Regd. Office, TANTEA Complex, Coonoor-643 101 |
Sl.No. |
Name |
Desig-nation |
STD Code |
Ph.No. Office |
Mobile |
Fax |
|
Address |
1. |
Tmt. Seetha Lakshmi |
Administrative Officer(I/C) |
0423 |
2230419 2231743 |
9943919170 |
0423- 2232229 |
tantea[dot]co[dot]in[at]gmail[dot]com |
Regd. Office, TANTEA Complex, Coonoor-643 101 |
The decisions are taken based on the Rules of the Government from time to time. The Board of Directors is the next authority below the Government involved in the decision making process. Managing Director is the Chief Executive who acts in accordance with the powers rested in him laid down in details under Chapter-3. The Joint Managing Director and other officials are required to provide professional advice to the Chief Executive and carry out and supervise the executive directions of the Chief Executive.
As per staff service rules of this corporation the employees of this corporation are classified into four cadres namely Management Cadre, Supervisory cadre, Staff Cadre and subordinate staff cadre. The total number of employees of this corporation is 248.
The Directory of Management Cadre officers is furnished below :-
Sl. No. |
Name |
Designation |
Address |
1 |
DR. P SENTHILKUMAR, I.A.S., |
Principal Secretary to Government Environment, Climate Change & Forest Department & Chairman, TANTEA |
Secretariat, Chennai-9 |
2 |
Thiru. D. VENKATESH, IFS., |
Managing Director |
TANTEA Regd. Office, Coonoor-643 101. |
3 |
Thiru. T.K.ASHOKKUMAR, IFS., |
General Manager |
TANTEA Regd. Office, Coonoor-643 101. |
Sl No. |
Name |
Designation |
Address |
1. |
B. Sivananthan, ACS |
Company Secretary/Chief Finance Officer (I/C) & Markering Manager (I/C) |
TANTEA Regd. Office, Coonoor. |
2. |
Tmt. Seetha Lakshmi |
Administrative Officer(I/C) |
TANTEA Regd. Office, Coonoor. |
3. |
Thiru. J. Beno |
Divisional Manager (I/C) |
TANTEA Coonoor Tea Division, Coonoor. |
4. |
Thiru. Sreenivasan, ACF., |
Divisional Manager (I/C) |
TANTEA Kotagiri Tea Division, Kotagiri. |
5. |
Thiru. Sreenivasan, ACF., |
Divisional Manager |
Naduvattam, Tea Division The Nilgiris. |
6. |
Thiru.Kommu Omkaram, ACF., |
Divisional Manager |
TANTEA, Nelliyalam Tea Division, The Nilgiris. |
7. |
J Beno |
Divisional Manager |
TANTEA Pandiar Tea Division, The Nilgiris. |
8. |
T. Bushparani (AM) |
Divisional Manager (I/C) |
Cherangode Tea Division The Nilgiris. |
9. |
Sivakumar |
Divisional Manager (I/C) |
Cherambady, Tea Division The Nilgiris. |
10. |
Thiru. Vadivelu, ACF., |
Divisional Manager (I/C) |
Lawson, Tea Division Valparai. |
11. |
Dr. S. Saravanakumar |
Asst. Surgeon |
TANTEA Lawson Garden Hospital, Cinchona Post, Valparai, Coimbatore. |
12. |
Dr. P. Vanitha |
Asst. Surgeon |
TANTEA Kotagiri Garden Hospital, Quinshola Post, Kotagiri. |
The monthly remuneration of the Officers and employees of this Corporation consists of Basic Pay, Dearness Allowance, Hill Allowance and other allowances. The Fixed Travelling and Tour Travelling Allowance to the employees are being paid as per rules and as their eligibility. The scale of pay received by the Officers and employees of this Corporation are as follows:-
Sl.No. |
Designation |
Scale of Pay. |
1. |
Managing Director/ Addl. PCCF |
IFS Cadre. Rs. 67000-79000 |
2. |
Joint Managing Director/ CCF |
IFS Cadre Rs. 37400-67000 (+) G.P.10,000. |
3. |
General Managers/ CF |
IFS Cadre Rs.37400- 67000 (+) G.P.8,000. |
4. |
Senior Managers |
Rs. 15600-39100 (+) G.P. 7600 |
5. |
Chief Personnel Officer |
Rs. 15600-39100 (+) G.P. 6600 |
6. |
Chief Accounts Officer |
Rs. 15600-39100 (+) G.P. 6600 |
7. |
Group Engineer |
Rs. 15600-39100-(+) G.P.6600 |
8. |
Chief Medical Officer |
Rs. 15600-39100-(+) G.P.7600 |
9. |
Divisional/ Factory Manager. |
Rs. 15600-39100 (+) G.P.5700 |
10. |
Tea Maker. |
Rs. 15600-39100 (+) G.P.5700 |
11. |
Company Secretary. |
Rs. 15600-39100 (+) G.P.5400 |
12. |
Asst. Surgeon. |
Rs. 15600-39100 (+) G.P.5400 |
13. |
Asst. Manager. |
Rs. 15600-39100 (+) G.P.5400 |
14. |
Asst. Accounts Officer |
Rs. 9300-34800 (+) G.P.4600 |
15. |
Draughtsman Grade I |
Rs. 9300-34800 (+) G.P.4700 |
16. |
Field Conductor |
Rs. 9300-34800 (+) G.P.4700 |
17. |
Jr. Engineer (Mech & Elec) |
Rs. 9300-34800 (+) G.P.4400 |
18. |
Draughtsman Grade II |
Rs. 9300-34800 (+) G.P.4400 |
19. |
Electrical Supervisor |
Rs. 9300-34800 (+) G.P.4400 |
20. |
Superintendent |
Rs. 9300-34800 (+) G.P.4800 |
21. |
Personal/ Private Secretary |
Rs. 9300-34800 (+) G.P.4300 |
22. |
Computer Programmer |
Rs. 9300-34800 (+) G.P.4300 |
23. |
Tea Marketing Assistant |
Rs. 9300-34800 (+) G.P.4300 |
24. |
Nurse |
Rs. 5200-34800 (+) G.P.4200 |
25. |
Assistant Tea Maker |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2800 |
26. |
Foreman |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2800 |
27. |
Pharmacist |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2800 |
28. |
Draughtsman Gr.III |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2800 |
29. |
Junior Accountant/ Assistant s |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2400 |
30. |
Asst. Field Conductor |
Rs. 9300-39100 (+) G.P.4200 |
31. |
Lab. Technician Grade II |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2400 |
32. |
Secondary Grade Teacher. |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2800 |
33. |
Technician and Wireless Operator |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2400 |
34. |
Steno-Typist |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2400 |
35. |
Jr. Asst./ Jr. Asst.-cum-Typist |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2000 |
36. |
Typist |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2000 |
37. |
General Mechanic. |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2000 |
38. |
Road Roller Driver |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2000 |
39. |
Tractor Driver |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2000 |
40. |
Lorry Driver |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2000 |
41. |
Jeep Driver |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2000 |
42. |
Van/ Staff Car Driver |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2000 |
43. |
Auxillary Nursing Midwife. |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.2000 |
44 |
Care Taker (Rest House) Grade.I |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.1900 |
45. |
Factory Supervisor |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.1800 |
46. |
Mechanic-Automobile. |
Rs. 52 |
47. |
Electrician |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.1800 |
48. |
Plumber |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.1800 |
49. |
Turner |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.1800 |
50. |
Fitter |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.1800 |
51. |
Blacksmith |
Rs. 5200-20200 (+) G.P.1800 |
52. |
Oilman |
Rs. 4800-10000 (+) G.P.1800 |
53. |
Record Clerk |
Rs. 4800-10000 (+) G.P.1650 |
54. |
Nursing Assistant (Male/ Female) |
Rs. 4800-10000 (+) G.P.1300 |
55. |
Creche Attendant |
Rs. 4800-10000 (+) G.P.1300 |
56. |
Watcher-cum-Cook |
Rs. 4800-10000 (+) G.P.1300 |
57. |
Cook- Hospital. |
Rs. 4800-10000 (+) G.P.1300 |
(PARTICULARS OF ALL PLANS, PROPOSED EXPENDITURE AND REPORTS ON DISBURSEMENT MADE.)
The Revenue budget of the Corporation is prepared based on the Income & Expenditure of the Corporation received from the respective units. As regards capital budget, it is prepared based on the plans, projects, etc., collected from the respective units.
No subsidy programmes are available in Tamilnadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited. However, 20% commission is being allowed as Agent’s commission to the agents for Packet/ Private sale of Tea. In case of Self Help Groups, 25% commission is being allowed as agent’s commission for sale of packet tea.
Tamilnadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited does not grant any concessions, permits or authorization other than the concessions/ amenities provided as per the Plantation Labour Act & other statutes.
Basic wage | Rs. 230.00 |
Dearness Allowance | Rs. 228.68 |
Total | Rs. 458.68 (Per day) |
In addition to that, the following job differentials are being allowed to the following category of workers.
In the Tea Factory the workmen who are working during the night shift (i.e.) 10.00 pm to 6.00a.m. are entitled to Night Shift Allowance of Rs.1.50 per day.
Sl.No | Division | Division Workers | Factory Workers | Factory Supervisors |
1 | Coonoor | 350 | 57 | 14 |
2 | KOLAPALLI | 250 | 51 | 7 |
3 | NEDUVATTAM | 443 | 0 | 14 |
4 | CHERAMBADY | 446 | 66 | 12 |
5 | CHERANGODE | 489 | 62 | 19 |
6 | KOLAPPLI | 662 | 0 | 38 |
7 | NELLIYALAM | 510 | 59 | 26 |
8 | DEVALA | 381 | 0 | 18 |
9 | PANDIAR | 672 | 61 | 35 |
10 | LAWSON | 699 | 27 | 24 |
11 | RYAN | 555 | 54 | 14 |
10 | TOTAL | 5457 | 437 | 221 |
Statutory Benefits:
Other Benefits:
The main function of this Corporation is to pluck and supply quality green tea leaf to the factory and to produce good quality tea and to get better price in the Market. The base output norms fixed for the pluckers is 22 kgs . To motivate the pluckers, plucking incentives are allowed to the pluckers.
We have developed sucessful website with Multilungil language both English and Tamil. Any information required regarding TANTEA may be mailed to tantea[dot]co[dot]in[at]gmail[dot]com. WEBSITE INFORMATION MANAGER Name: R.Venkatesh, Designation: Computer Programmer, Address: Tantea Complex, Convent Road, Coonoor, The Nilgiris - 643 101, Phone : +910423-2234300, Fax : +910423-2232229 E-mail : tantea[dot]co[dot]in[at]gmail[dot]com. Frequently Tenders are floted in this web site. The dealership form is also available in the Products Page.
web site : www.tantea.co.in & tantea.nic.in & www.thetamilnaduteaplantation.in
The information to public are facilitated by placing notice Boards in all the Divisions and Registered Office. In addition to that, they can approach the Office of the Managing Director/ Senior Managers /Divisional Managers and get the required information. Regarding sales, purchase and other tenders are published in the leading dailies (Tamil & English).
Tamilnadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited is one of the biggest Black Tea producer in India with high quality clonal tea plantations spread over nearly 4500 ha. in Nilgiris and Coimbatore districts of Tamilnadu We produce about 12 million kg of high grown clonal Tea in our eight state of art Tea Factories located within our plantations. About 80% of our production is of CTC Tea and the remaining is Orthodox. One of our orthodox factory has obtained ISO 9001 certification and the same is in process for other factories We produce OP, BOP, FBOP, BOPF grades among the Orthodox teas and BP, BOPF, BOP, BPSM, RD, PD and SRD grades in CTC teas in large quantities for export. Most of our teas are sold in weekly public auctions at Cochin, Coonoor and Coimbatore. Part of teas are sold through retail market with attractive pouch and carton packings. Other than clonal tea, Tamilnadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited produces Cardamom, Pepper, Cinfresh and Eucalyptus Oil and same are being supplied to various Government Departments.
SUCH OTHER INFORMATIONS AS THEY MAY BE PRESCRIBED AND THEREAFTER UPDATE THESE PUBLICATIONS EVERY YEAR.The Annual Reports are published every year. This contains the information on the Board of Directors, Notice of the Shareholders, Report of the Directors, Comments of Comptroller and Accountant General of India, Review of annual accounts of Tamilnadu Tea Plantation Corporation Limited, Auditors Report to the shareholders and Profit and Loss Account.
PUBLISH ALL RELEVANT FACTS WHILE FORMULATING IMPORTANT POLICIES OR ANNOUNCING THE DECISIONS WHICH AFFECT THE PUBLIC.Ensure consistently good quality teas.
Monitor the Auction Sales effectively.
Improve the quantity sold through this highly profitable channel.
Examine the scope of reviving the direct export of our teas.
Increase the sale through C&FA.
Examine the scope of reviving consignment sale through local agent once tax problem is sorted out.
Encourage direct bulk sale to reduce the quantity offered in auction sales. Ensure quick response to enquiries received and formulate clear procedure to hasten the delivery of material.