What Does Harbison Walker Do?

HarbisonWalker International (HWI) is a leading supplier of thermal refractory products, services and solutions for the energy and industrial markets with an extensive global manufacturing and sales network. The company was founded in 1865 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where its headquarters remain today. HWI serves key industries like steel, aluminum, cement, petrochemical, and power generation.

HWI has provided custom-designed refractory solutions to meet the demanding conditions found across industries like steel, aluminum, cement, petrochemical, and power generation for over 150 years. With an extensive global manufacturing and sales network, HWI combines deep industry experience with advanced technologies to offer customized solutions for each customer’s unique needs.

Refractory Products

HarbisonWalker International (HWI) produces a wide range of refractory products for high-temperature applications in industries like steel, power generation, petrochemical, and more. Some of their key refractory products include:

• Firebrick – Fireclay bricks like CLIPPER® DP and high-alumina bricks like UFALA®, KRUZITE®-70, and KORUNDAL® A70. Used in applications like steel reheat furnaces, soaking pits, and power plant boilers.
• Monolithics – Castable, gunning mix, mortar, and ramming mix products. Used for things like boiler refractory linings, blast furnace repairs, and tundish maintenance.
• Precast Shapes – Prefabricated refractory shapes. Used in industries like steel, aluminum, copper, cement, and more.
• Insulation – Ceramic fiber, insulating firebrick, and microporous products. Provide thermal insulation in high-temp environments.

Refractory products from HarbisonWalker enable continuous high-temperature operation in critical equipment and vessels across various industries. With extensive manufacturing capabilities, they can supply specialized refractory materials made for specific applications and operating conditions.

Source: https://thinkhwi.com/industries/other-industries/

Services

HarbisonWalker provides a wide range of services to support its customers beyond simply supplying refractory products. These services include:

Installation Services – HarbisonWalker has an extensive network of affiliated installation crews that can install refractory products at customer sites. These experienced crews ensure proper installation according to specifications to maximize performance and longevity of the refractories.

Maintenance Services – To keep refractory linings performing optimally, HarbisonWalker offers maintenance services involving inspection, repair, and replacement of worn areas. Preventative maintenance is key for reducing unplanned downtime.

Engineering Services – HarbisonWalker’s engineers can provide recommendations on selecting the right refractories and proper installation methods for specific applications. They use computational modeling and analysis to optimize refractory design. The company also does custom R&D for customers.

By offering installation, maintenance, and engineering services beyond simply delivering refractory products, HarbisonWalker provides complete solutions for customers in demanding thermal environments.

Markets Served

HarbisonWalker International serves a wide variety of industries that require high heat refractory products and solutions. Some of the key markets include fossil fuel power generation, petrochemical, steel, cement, lime, non-ferrous metals, chemical processing, waste-to-energy, and other industries with high temperature processing needs.

Their refractory products and services are used in applications like boilers, kilns, furnaces, reactors, incinerators, and other high heat equipment. HWI provides tailored solutions across the full refractory life cycle, from new builds to maintenance and repairs.

Manufacturing Facilities

HarbisonWalker has an extensive network of manufacturing facilities located across North America. The company operates over 15 plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Some of HarbisonWalker’s key manufacturing locations include:

• Pennsylvania – Plants in Clairton, Falls Creek, West Mifflin
• Ohio – Plants in Paden City, Sugar Creek, Yorkville
• Indiana – Plants in Hammond, Logansport
• Texas – Plants in Gonzales, Tyler
• Mexico – Plant in Ramos Arizpe
• Canada – Plants in Edmonton, Redwater

Having plants strategically located across North America allows HarbisonWalker to efficiently supply refractory products and services to customers across diverse markets and industries.

The widespread manufacturing footprint provides logistics advantages and enables quick order fulfillment.

Technology and Innovation

HarbisonWalker is committed to developing innovative refractory products through ongoing research and development. The company operates several R&D facilities to test and improve refractory formulations. This allows HarbisonWalker to adapt to changing industry needs and introduce new solutions.

Some key innovations include:

• Proprietary bonding technology that enhances refractory durability and performance in demanding applications
• Advanced installation materials that simplify repairs and reduce downtime
• Refractory products specifically engineered for waste-to-energy facilities, cement plants, and other niche markets
• New monolithic refractories featuring lower cement content for reduced environmental impact

Additionally, HarbisonWalker utilizes state-of-the-art quality control technology during manufacturing. This includes X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers to ensure consistent chemistries and digital image analysis to evaluate grain sizing and distribution.

With continued investments in R&D and a focus on bringing new solutions to market, HarbisonWalker aims to maintain its reputation as an innovation leader in the refractories industry. The company’s commitment to advancing refractory technology allows it to better serve its diverse customer base.

Sustainability

HarbisonWalker is committed to building a sustainable future, as outlined on their website (https://thinkhwi.com/sustainability/). As a member of the Calderys group, their approach to sustainability focuses on three key pillars: helping customers with their energy transition needs, improving environmental footprint through operational excellence, and embedding sustainability into culture.

Some of their main sustainability efforts include reducing energy usage and emissions in manufacturing, increasing recycled content in products, and developing sustainable solutions. For example, they have developed low-cement and low-carbon refractory products that help customers lower their environmental impact (https://thinkhwi.com/featured/sustainable-strength-innovation/).

HarbisonWalker aims to improve sustainability across operations by targeting reduced energy consumption, zero waste to landfill, and efficient water usage. They also prioritize eco-design principles for new products and embedding sustainability into their culture through training and engagement.

Leadership

The executive leadership team at HarbisonWalker International (HWI) has extensive experience in the refractory industry. The CEO is Carol R. Jackson, who previously served as the VP and GM of HWI’s Global Refractory Products Division before taking on the CEO role in 2018 (Leadership Team – HWI).

Other key members of the leadership team include Mike Werner, SVP Commercial, who focuses on sales, marketing, and international growth (Staff Archive – HWI); Keith Howe, SVP and CFO, who oversees financial operations; and Ross Wilkin, SVP Americas, who heads HWI’s operations in the Americas (HarbisonWalker International CEO and Executives).

The executive team brings deep expertise in the refractory industry and has helped guide HWI’s growth as a leading global provider of refractory products and services.

Financial Performance

HarbisonWalker International generates the majority of its revenue from refractory products and services in the power, petrochemical, and other industrial markets. According to Zippia, the company had an estimated revenue of $71 million in 2023. This represents significant growth, as HarbisonWalker International had just 50 employees and revenue per employee of $1.42 million.

Other sources indicate strong financial performance as well. D&B Hoovers notes the company has seen increasing demand for its refractory products and services, especially from the power and petrochemical industries. This demand has driven revenue growth.

According to CB Insights, HarbisonWalker International has been able to raise significant funding from investors, indicating confidence in the company’s financial strength and growth prospects. With strong revenue growth and increasing demand from key industrial markets, HarbisonWalker International appears well-positioned for continued financial success.

Conclusion

In summary, HarbisonWalker International is a leading supplier of refractory products, services, and solutions to the steel, power generation, petrochemical, and other industries. With over 150 years of experience, HWI has a strong legacy of innovation and expertise in high-temperature applications. The company operates multiple manufacturing facilities with cutting-edge technologies across North America and Europe. HWI offers a comprehensive portfolio of refractory materials as well as value-added services. The company serves diverse end markets across several key industries that require heat-resistant products. Under the leadership of new CEO Carol Jackson, HWI aims to continue growing through strategic acquisitions while upholding its commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Moving forward, HWI is positioned to remain an industry leader by leveraging its technical capabilities, supply chain expertise, and strong customer relationships. The company’s focus will remain on safety, quality, and helping customers achieve success through providing innovative refractory solutions. With a sound strategy and financial discipline, HWI is poised for further growth and success in the years ahead.