Strong customer partnerships are built over time through collaboration, trust, and a commitment to delivering value. That’s exactly what our teams at HWI and a leading US steel producer have achieved through a long-standing relationship that continues to grow and evolve.
Over the past several years, HWI’s sales and services teams have built a strong, collaborative relationship with a local team of a US steel producer, expanding support in ways that drive both operational efficiency and innovation. What began as a traditional refractory materials supply relationship has steadily evolved to include dedicated labor support and, most recently, a fully integrated partnership.
Today, that collaboration spans advanced technologies, equipment installation, and circular material solutions, reflecting a shared commitment to continuous improvement and long-term value creation.
2019–2021: Establishing the Foundation
The partnership gained momentum as HWI Services provided dedicated labor support to assist with key operational needs at their facility.
2022–2024: Expanding with Technology and Expertise
As the relationship grew, so did the scope of HWI’s involvement. In addition to continuing labor support, HWI Services took on a larger role by quoting, designing, installing, and commissioning Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) and ladle laser systems at the facility.
These projects demonstrated the strength of HWI’s integrated approach—combining technical expertise, engineering capabilities, and on-site service support to deliver solutions that enhance operational visibility and efficiency.
2025–Present: Advancing Sustainability with Closed-Loop Solutions
Today, the partnership continues to evolve with the introduction of a closed-loop mag-carbon reclaim program, further expanding the value HWI brings to the site. Alongside on-going labor and equipment support, this program reflects a shared commitment to maximizing resource efficiency and advancing more sustainable practices within steelmaking operations.
In parallel, HWI’s Modeling Services team is playing a key role in optimizing steelmaking processes. Advanced modeling work is supporting the development of a new ladle design, including the strategic placement of stir plugs to improve stirring efficiency and enhance yield through the implementation of a Max Yield ladle bottom. The customer team is currently phasing in these new ladle shells and designs, marking an important step forward in process optimization.
Additionally, modeling efforts are underway for the tundish to help minimize quality losses during grade changes. By integrating HWI’s JAWS impact pad and other flow control devices, early results from the study are highly promising, pointing to improved flow behavior and greater consistency in steel quality.
HWI is also implementing an automated mold flux feeding and data collection system to enhance steel quality and process consistency. In addition, a tundish flux system will be installed in the near future to further improve safety by removing operators from high-risk areas on the tundish car.
This success story represents collaboration across many of HWI’s Services teams, each playing a role in supporting the customer’s operation—from on-site labor and technical services to equipment solutions and materials management.
The continued growth of this relationship highlights what is possible when teams work together with a long-term mindset. By consistently delivering reliable service, innovative solutions, and operational support, HWI has strengthened its role as a trusted partner to this key customer.
About HWI, A member of Calderys
HWI is one of the leading suppliers of refractory products and services in the United States, with a history that spans 160 years. It is part of Calderys and is the brand for the Americas region of the Group. HWI operates an extensive network of manufacturing sites and distribution centers across the Americas, along with the largest refractory industry research facility in North America. Serving virtually every major industry that requires refractory solutions to enhance production and protect assets, HWI is consistently recognized for its talented experts, industry firsts, and intensely driven excellence.
For more information, visit https://thinkhwi.com