Steel Products Prices North America
Refractory Plant Expanding for Steel Industry
Written by Sandy Williams
August 13, 2019
HarbisonWalker International, a manufacturer of refractory products for the steel industry, announced completion of the first phase of a $9 million investment in its manufacturing plants in North America.
Phase one increased warehouse space by 35 percent at the White Cloud, Mich., facility, using American-made steel. Additional manufacturing space will house new production technologies, including a new hydraulic brick press and packaging line and manufacturing technologies that improve production efficiency and worker safety.
The HWI investments are in tandem with domestic steel mill investments to increase production, quality and performance. In 2019, HWI plans to expand capacity by 25 percent at its key steel refractory facilities. Most of the $9 million investment is ear-marked for the White Cloud facility that manufactures refractory products for steel mills. It is the latest in a series of capital investments at White Cloud, including one completed in 2018.
“The improvements will further optimize production, product quality and delivery efficiencies for our steel customers,” said CEO Carol Jackson during the initial announcement in May. “The new press and warehouse increase our capacity to supply our industry-leading products including mag carbon brick for steel ladles, electric arc furnaces (EAFs), and basic oxygen furnaces (BOFs). The new packaging line allows for increased handling safety and provides quality control benefits associated with our product.”
The 110,000-square-foot facility at White Cloud currently employs approximately 140 people and produces brick and monolithic refractories.
HarbisonWalker International (HWI) is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the United States. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., the company’s international network spans North America, Europe, and Asia, with 19 manufacturing plants, 30 global sourcing centers and technology facilities in both the United States and China.
Sandy Williams
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