HarbisonWalker International – Fairfield, Alabama Plant
Fairfield, AL — November 5, 2019 — HarbisonWalker International (HWI), the largest supplier of refractory products and services in North America, announced that effective today, November 5, it will begin the closure of its manufacturing operations located at 2595 Ensley-Pleasant Grove Road in Fairfield, Alabama.
The closure of the facility is in direct response to the company’s entrepreneurial business decision to exit its Carbon Bake brick products used in carbon anode baking furnaces line of business. All other plants across the HWI network remain open.
The company cited the continuous decline of the aluminum carbon bake market in North America, coupled with increasing product production costs, as the reasons for exiting the market.
“We deeply value the loyalty and service of our Fairfield Plant employees and we are doing our utmost to help them through this transition,” said Carol Jackson, chairman and CEO, HWI.
Jackson added that, “This business decision was necessary for ensuring long-term economic success of our company. Closing the plant is not tied to, nor is it an indicator of, the overall performance of the company. HWI remains intensely committed to delivering quality refractory solutions for our customers and upholding our legacy as an industry leader for more than 150 years.”
CONTACT: Judy Weisseg, vice president, Human Resources, HWI; Phone: 412-375-6719; Email: jweisseg@thinkhwi.com
About HWI, A member of Calderys
HWI is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the United States, with a history that spans more than 150 years. Acquired in February 2023 by Platinum Equity, it is now part of Calderys and is the brand for the Americas region of the Group.
HWI has manufacturing sites and strategically placed distribution centers in the Americas, as well as 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