Step by step, the pictures and text below describe TMI’s activities with the rammed earth block machine in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. TMI plans to replicate all or some combination of these activities in other regions.

1. TMI trained an enterprise in Lhasa on machine manufacture

[Workers at the Lhasa Township Agricultural Repair Factory]

By giving the ability to manufacture and sell this technology to a local operation, TMI’s machine becomes a vehicle for creation of economic opportunity and jobs. Specifically, our local machine shop partner in Tibet can benefit from the: - Opportunity to increase profits; - Potential for expansion of employment and increased wages; and - Transfer of key manufacturing skills.

2. TMI assists the enterprise with marketing and business development issues

The relationship built during training for machine manufacture also allows TMI to address other critical issues related to business development. TMI has worked with the machine shop in Lhasa to: - Build new sales contacts; - Establish an identifiable brand; - Solve on-going technical and marketing issues; and - Provide other necessary support.

[Machine inventor Jim Underwood with machine shop employee.]

3. TMI trained builders and laborers in machine operation

[Training with a machine prototype in Shigatse.]

TMI staff and consultants work directly with building crews to transfer technical knowledge on machine use. TMI also has produced technical manuals on machine use, maintenance and building that are now available in English, Chinese and Tibetan.

4. TMI trained builders and laborers in earth block building

Training for construction occurs in tandem with training for machine use. Transfer of these key skills: - Creates an attractive pool of employees; - Puts builders in a position to potentially increase their profits; and - Builder Opportunity seeds the market for sales from the machine shop.

[Trainees frame a guest cottage in Shigatse.]

5. TMI has arranged for the creation of new facilities with this machine

[Dairy in Medrogongar, outside of Lhasa.]

As with the Dairy operation shown at left and the guest cottage in Shigatse (shown above), which is part of an additional program for sustainable job creation, TMI incorporates its REB machine activities in other program work where possible. This expands training and sales opportunities for our partners.