Oct. 31, 2024 - HWI, a member of Calderys, one of the leading suppliers of refractory products and services in the United States, today announced plans to construct a new lightweight monolithics production facility at its Fulton, Missouri, Rotary Kiln complex. The state-of-the-art plant represents an important investment in Calderys Group’s growth strategy for the Americas region and is scheduled to open in mid-2025.

The new greenfield facility will increase HWI’s lightweight monolithics production capacity by approximately 60 percent, enhancing product availability and improving customer lead times.  It will feature cutting-edge technology and process automation advancements, including a new furnace and automated robotic packaging and material handling systems.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to meeting our customers’ evolving needs and reinforcing our market leadership position,” said Michel Cornelissen, President and CEO of Calderys.

“By expanding our lightweight monolithic capacity and leveraging our extensive distribution network, we’re positioning ourselves to better serve our customers across the Americas.  The project is also an opportunity to further strengthen our presence and positive impact in Missouri, where we have been operating for over 100 years”, added Ross Wilkin, Senior Vice President of the Americas region of Calderys Group.”

The new plant will absorb Greenlite aggregate production from HWI’s Minerva facility, which will cease operations in July 2025.  The new site provides access to local, high-quality clay reserves, allowing HWI to increase the production of its Greenlite aggregate-containing products, including the GREENLITE®-45-L family of monolithics and GREENLITE® 115 AR brick.

The products are used extensively in numerous applications such as petrochemical, power generation, and other heater linings.  Their unique strength-to-density ratios optimize thermal insulation with minimal structural bulk, which reduces energy consumption in support of customers’ ESG goals.

The new construction effort is supported by a collaborative partnership between the Fulton Area Development Foundation (FADF), Callaway County, the Industrial Development Agency (IDA), and the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).  These organizations worked closely with HWI to develop an attractive package and facilitate discussions to bring the project to fruition.

“HWI is a valued member of our business community, and we are excited to see the Company’s further expansion in Callaway County.  We look forward to a continued relationship to help this global company grow,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The expansion is expected to create approximately 11 new jobs in Fulton over the next 12 months, further strengthening HWI’s commitment to the region.