An unexpected call from an old contact led to a trip at very short notice abroad. A new plant was having operating problems and our expertise in the particular product area was requested. Investigation of the plant design and the actual installations highlighted one key process step that was a substantial bottleneck. We have been commissioned to design and trial a solution. The ability to respond at short notice was vital to this assignment, as was the understanding of the culture in the client’s country, which enabled quick and thorough cooperation between the site staff and ourselves.