Abstract: A process for the production of articles consisting of ceramic material comprises the steps of: extruding a starting material which is of a plastic consistency and contains clay to form a string having at least one longitudinal channel; drying, firing and cooling the string; passing a gaseous medium, for example air, through said at least one longitudinal channel of the string or sections thereof; and subsequently dividing the string or sections thereof into individual articles. There is also provided an apparatus for carrying out the process.