HarbisonWalker International (HWI), a leading supplier of refractory products and services in the United States and a member of the Calderys Group, has announced plans for expansion in Fulton. The $13.9 million investment is expected to create 11 new jobs, boosting local employment and contributing to the area’s economic growth.
Governor Mike Parson expressed his support for the expansion, stating, “We’re excited to see an innovative and world-class company like HWI continuing to invest in Fulton. From day one, our administration remained committed to improving infrastructure and strengthening our workforce to ensure a thriving economy. As a result, more and more quality employers like HWI are growing and improving the lives of Missourians and their families.”
The expansion will involve the construction of a state-of-the-art, lightweight monolithic refractories manufacturing facility. This facility will enhance production capacity by approximately 60 percent and improve product availability. It will incorporate cutting-edge technology and process automation advancements, including a new furnace and robotic systems for packaging and material handling. HWI currently employs over 70 individuals at its existing location in Fulton.
Ross Wilkin, Senior Vice President of Americas for Calderys Group, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the expansion, saying, “We’re proud of our company’s more than 100-year legacy in the Callaway County community, and we are thrilled to further expand operations here. Our growth in Fulton is a testament to our confidence in our people and the community.”
The new plant will leverage access to high-quality local clay reserves, boosting the production of Greenlite aggregate-containing products, such as the GREENLITE®-45-L family of Monolithics and GREENLITE® 115 AR brick. These products play a crucial role in applications like petrochemical and power generation heater linings. Their unique strength-to-density ratios help optimize thermal insulation while minimizing structural bulk, which reduces energy consumption and supports customer efficiency goals. The new facility is projected to be completed by July 2025.
Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development, highlighted the significance of HWI’s investment, stating, “HWI’s expansion in Fulton is another exciting example of the rapid growth of our state’s manufacturing industry. We’re pleased to support HWI as it continues to build on its long history of helping Missourians prosper in Callaway County.”
The jobs created as part of this expansion will offer wages above the county average, contributing to the economic vitality of the community.
HWI will benefit from the Missouri Works program, designed to support company growth and employee retention through access to capital via withholdings or tax credits for job creation.
HWI, part of Calderys, has a history spanning more than 150 years. The company is recognized as one of the leading suppliers of refractory products and services in the Americas, with 25 manufacturing sites and 20 distribution centers across the region. It also operates the largest refractory industry research facility in North America, serving numerous major industries with advanced refractory solutions.
For more information, visit the HWI website.
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