HWI, the US supplier of refractory products and services, celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art monolithic refractory manufacturing facility in South Point, Ohio.

HWI announced in February 2017 that it will invest $30 million to build a state-of-the-art refractory plant, which is the next step in its strategy to continuously improve performance and meet customer needs. The company said that the groundbreaking ceremony for the new plant broke ground on June 8, 2017. The plant began shipping in the spring of 2018 and opened within one year and within the planned timeline and budget.

“Our new factory in South Point will change the rules of the game. It is the most advanced refractory plant in North America and the world,” said Carol Jackson, Chairman and CEO of HarbisonWalker International. “It revolutionizes the way we produce and deliver quality, high-quality products. It represents the future of our company and in many respects represents the future of refractory manufacturing in the United States.”

According to HWI, the plant uses the latest processes and technologies and uses lean manufacturing techniques throughout the operation to maximize material flow efficiency and productivity. Under the leadership of plant manager Tom Roberts, 40 technicians and employees operate in a team-based environment. The plant also uses advanced packaging technology for forming, filling and sealing, which is reported to be a new technology in the North American refractory market. The new packaging improves product consistency, extends shelf life, increases storage efficiency, and makes operation easier and safer.