HarbisonWalker International will invest $30 million to construct a new, state-of-the-art monolithic refractories manufacturing facility along the Ohio River Valley in the northern Kentucky/southern Ohio region of the U.S. The plant, which will be fully operational by early 2018, will feature a high degree of automation and technology and will utilize lean techniques throughout its operations to maximize material flow efficiency and production. Capacity is expected to be 80,000 metric tons per year.

The facility, which will employ highly-trained technicians and staff in a team-based environment, will introduce advanced packaging technologies that are new to the North American market. Its strategic location is a critical feature that will provide distribution and logistics advantages. Its close proximity to accessible river, rail and highway transportation options will ensure efficient delivery of raw materials from nearby suppliers and finished products to customers.