In June, HarbisonWalker International (HWI) broke ground on a monolithic refractories manufacturing plant that will be one of the most technologically advanced of its kind in the United States. HWI’s $30 million state-of-the-art facility will consist of a team of approximately 40 highly trained and skilled technicians, and staff in the Lawrence County Village of South Point.

Monolithic refractories (those which can be molded or shaped for a variety of requirements) pose one of the strongest product growth categories for both HWI and the industry. For HWI, the new state-of-the-art plant will enable the company to further elevate product quality and consistency, and it illustrates the company’s forward-thinking strategy to harness new technology and invest for future growth.

“All the features of this plant, including its unique location, state-of-the-art equipment and processes, and highly skilled workforce represent the future of the refractory industry in North America,” said Carol Jackson, chairman and CEO.

Initial capacity at the site will be approximately 80,000 metric tons per year. It will feature cutting-edge automation and technology and will maximize material flow efficiency and production throughout its operations. HWI plans to introduce advanced packaging technologies that are new to North America.

The South Point location along the Ohio River provides unique transportation, logistics and business amenities. The intermodal transportation features at the site will encourage long-term partnerships in the area by ensuring efficient delivery of raw materials from nearby suppliers and finished products to customers.

Jackson says, “The new South Point plant reinforces our leadership position in refractories through significant investments in our people, processes and products.”

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 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. Serving virtually every major industry that requires refractory solutions to enhance production and protect assets, HWI is consistently recognized for its talented experts, industry firsts and intensely driven excellence.

HWI International has created many of the refractory industry’s most significant technologies. Refractories are used to line furnaces for the production of steel and glass.