Aramith - Factory Visit to Saluc in Belgium

Aramith Pool and Snooker Balls - Factory Visit

Aramith Balls - The directors from Lifestyle Leisure www.pooltablesonline.co.uk were fortunate to visit the factory of Saluc in Belgium. Saluc manufacture the famous world renowned Aramith pool and snooker balls.

The Aramith factory and offices are based in a small Belgium town called Callenelle . We visited in winter in freezing conditions. Even the river which was a key reason for building the factory in this location was iced over.

Saluc has its own chemical plant, to produce the phenolic resin, which gives the exceptional characteristics to the finished products.

Today, Saluc produces and distributes billiard balls under the registered trademark Aramith in more than 85 countries, and has a market share of 80 % worldwide.

The company is also specialised in the production of industrial balls used in all kind of applications, as well as in 9 pin bowling balls and trackballs. Exports represent 98% of its activity.

Unfortunately it is no longer possible to take a tour of the factory to watch the Aramith balls being produced. This is mainly due to the fact that the production techniques are a closely guarded secret.

Phenolic resin is used to produce the Aramith balls, which requires vast expertise, knowledge and careful handling. Understandably Saluc do not wish to pass this information onto companies who currently produce inferior polyester ball sets.

One of our directors however was fortunate enough to be given a guided tour of the factory in 1992. However over the last 20 years very few people have been able to see the worlds best balls being made.

After an enjoyable meeting and a tour of the Saluc showrooms we made the short trip through Belgium to the town of Verviers to visit another World Famous name in the game of Billiards 'Iwan Simonis' producer of the Simonis billiard cloth.

In fact since our trip to visit these two billiard giants Iwan simonis has announced the acquisition of SALUC bringing these two great Belgium products together.

With a combined history of 421 years we are sure that this will be a great move.