From our first fire bricks in 1865 to today’s global presence, HWI’s journey spans 160 years of innovation, people, and progress.
Every milestone in our history reflects our commitment to excellence, our strong customer relationships, and our drive to meet the evolving needs of the modern world. From 1865 to today, our journey has been shaped by people, technology, and expertise across industries. Our drive has always been the same: providing industrial solutions for industries evolving in extreme conditions.
To celebrate 160 years of innovation, excellence, and progress, we are launching a special video series retracing HWI’s story — how our legacy was forged, and how excellence continues to shape the industries we serve today. Each episode highlights key moments in our history and connects them to the world we live in.
Discover our story as we retrace key moments that shaped our legacy, and see our path that continues to expand through our brand as the Americas region of Calderys.
160 Years of Legacy
2025 marks a very special milestone: HWI celebrates 160 years of legacy. From the first firebricks in Pennsylvania in 1865, to becoming a global leader in high temperature solutions as a member of Calderys, our story is one of innovation, resilience, and the people who helped shape industries across the world.
1865 – 1905 – The Foundation
In 1865, as America began to rebuild after the Civil War, Harbison-Walker Refractories was already driving industrial progress with its very first firebricks.
1905 – 1945 – Defining the Modern Era
Throughout the Second Industrial Revolution and into World War II, the world experienced remarkable technological progress, during which our roots and foundations grew stronger and more expansive.
1945 – 1985 – Supporting Industrial Expansion
During this period, Harbison Walker Refractories made substantial investments in expansion, including the creation of an advanced research center that remains one of the largest refractory R&D facilities in the world today.
1985 – 2025 – Globalization
A new chapter began as the Calderys brand absorbed the full High Temperature Solutions business and was acquired by a privately owned company. Shortly thereafter, Calderys combined with HarbisonWalker International to form the Calderys Group as it is today, together forming a premier, world-class provider of comprehensive high temperature solutions.
