As demand grows for refractory solutions that improve thermal efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and support increasingly demanding operating environments, the ability to reliably manufacture and supply high-performance lightweight materials has become more important than ever. HWI is investing to meet that need.
In March 2026, HWI officially opened its new lightweight monolithics production facility at its Rotary Kiln complex in Fulton, Missouri. The greenfield facility represents a significant investment in HWI’s manufacturing capabilities and the Calderys Group’s continued growth strategy in the Americas. It increases HWI’s lightweight monolithics production capacity by nearly 60% while incorporating new technology, automation, and process improvements designed to strengthen supply reliability and better serve customers.
Built for Greater Capacity and Supply Reliability
The new Fulton facility was designed around a fundamental customer need: reliable access to high-quality refractory materials.
The expansion provides additional capacity for HWI’s GREENLITE® aggregate-containing products, including the GREENLITE®-45-L family of lightweight monolithics and GREENLITE® 115 AR brick.
By increasing production capacity by nearly 60%, HWI can support greater volumes while improving product availability and reducing lead times. The additional capacity also provides greater flexibility to support larger projects and changing customer requirements, helping customers plan with greater confidence around material availability.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Capacity is only part of the investment. The new facility incorporates technology designed to improve manufacturing efficiency, material handling, and consistency.
The facility also incorporates full robotic automation for packaging and material handling, along with upgraded packaging options and new bag sizes designed to better meet customer needs. Automation helps streamline production and material movement while supporting a more efficient manufacturing operation.
These improvements create a modern manufacturing environment designed not simply to produce more material, but to support consistent quality and dependable supply at scale.
Leveraging Local Resources
The Fulton facility also strengthens HWI’s vertical integration.
Located on existing HWI property, the facility has direct access to high-quality local clay reserves. This proximity provides an important raw material advantage, supporting greater supply security and consistency in the production of GREENLITE® aggregate-containing products.
For refractory customers, raw material consistency is a critical part of overall product performance. By strengthening control over the manufacturing process—from raw materials through finished product—HWI can support predictable material characteristics and reliable performance in demanding applications.
More Than a New Building
The Fulton facility represents more than an expansion of HWI’s manufacturing footprint. It is an investment in the capabilities, technology, and supply infrastructure needed to support the evolving needs of the refractory industry.
Increased capacity. Advanced automation. Greater raw material integration. Improved packaging. Stronger supply security.
Together, these investments strengthen HWI’s ability to deliver lightweight refractory solutions where and when customers need them.
And with HWI’s extensive North American distribution network, technical expertise, and Contractor/Installer (C/I) network supporting customers throughout the Americas, the value of the Fulton investment extends beyond the production floor. It connects manufacturing capability with the technical knowledge, logistics, and customer support required to turn refractory materials into complete solutions.
As industrial customers continue looking for ways to improve energy efficiency, optimize equipment performance, and operate more sustainably, lightweight refractory technologies will play an increasingly important role.
HWI’s investment in Fulton is designed to help meet that opportunity—with greater capacity, modern manufacturing technology, and the resources to support the next generation of refractory performance.
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