AustLit

'A Shutdown in Ammonia continues the adventure… The best laid plans of mice and men, and indeed of engineers and managers, do often go askew, thus, as the story of the Muddy River Bay Ammonia Factory continues we find the engineer wants to concentrate on preparing for the total shutdown for their first all-over, complete, maintenance overhaul and inspection, and he throws the planning job to his junior engineers. But his manager needs to have work done which will increase sales, hence revenue and take them closer to profitability, so the juniors have to be shifted to that urgent work. And the manager’s life is troubled by absence of two important staff, can he expect the Production Manager and the Marketing manager will return? The unions are also contributing a share of concerns, fussing about safety with a large temporary workforce coming in for the shutdown. Directors continue in their merry way, enjoying morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. The Marketing Director has a bright idea and promotes it, some of his associates like it, one doesn’t. Who will win this contest? Will there be any progress towards the Chief’s aim of getting new blood into Head Office?' (publication blurb).