HarbisonWalker announces new refractories plant

The new facility, which will be operational by early 2018, will be one of the most technologically advanced refractories plants to be built in the US. Capacity is expected to be 80 000 tpy and the plant will employ highly-trained technicians and staff in a team-based environment. The plant will feature a high degree of automation and technology, as well as using lean techniques throughout its operations to maximise material flow efficiency and production. The facility will also introduce advanced packaging technologies that are new to he North American market.

The facility’s strategic location is key to providing unparalleled distribution and logistics advantages. Its close proximity to an accessible river, rail and highway transportation options will provide efficient delivery of raw materials from nearby suppliers as well as finished products to customers.

“We are a U.S.-based company and have a strong US-based manufacturing network. We have already made significant investments in individual plants, in locations such as South Shore, Kentucky and White Cloud, Michigan, as part of our plans to improve our manufacturing performance across the company. This new plant, with its state-of-the-art technological advancements, is the next step in our strategy to improve performance and better meet the needs of our customers,” said Douglas Hall, Senior Vice President, Integrated Supply Chain, HarbisonWalker International.

“Monolithics are a growth area, and the new plant will enable us to further elevate product quality and consistency. From a broader perspective, the new plant represents an overall strategy to reinforce our leadership position in refractories through significant investments in our people, processes and products,” added Carol Jackson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, HarbisonWalker International.

“Leveraging new technologies and processes in the new plant will allow us to successfully address growing demand for monolithics by being a cost-effective producer of the highest quality products. These attributes – combined with the largest distribution network in North America, a total-solution product portfolio, and a reinvigorated approach to innovation – further strengthen our position as a leader in North American refractories,” noted Jackson.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/17022017/harbisonwalker-announces-new-refractories-plant/