The refractories plants in Bécancour and Burlington are to be made technology leaders in the Industry
One investment focus of RHI in the current financial year refers to the modernization of the two Canadian refractories production facilities in Bécancour and Burlington.
After RHI had to withdraw from production in the USA, these plants are gaining even more significance as a member of the RHI Group of Companies. The RHI Board Members Dr. Helmut Draxler and Dr. Andreas Meier recently visited the plants to see for themselves what modernization measures are necessary. At a meeting with the employees, they informed the staff of the investment plans and emphasized the support of RHI AG to the Canadian operations and Construction portion of the business. RHI Canada will continue to supply all of its Customers with a full line of the highest quality products, engineering, and installation services. Burlington will also serve as the headquarters for sales in North America, which includes sales by Veitsch-Radex America into the U.S.
Following this visit, RHI-CEO Draxler commented: “Canada is extremely important for our group. We will therefore make major investments in the two plants in the coming months to ensure state-of-the-art technology. The latest technology from our competence center in Leoben will be transferred and applied”. The objective is to tie the plants to the European production standards and structures of RHI to be able to offer customers tailor-made refractory products and solutions.
Bécancour, Quebec, became a member of the RHI group when Didier-Werke AG was acquired in 1994. The latest investment will make Bécancour the most cost effective, high quality producer of basic refractory bricks for the steel, nonferrous metals and cement industries. Burlington, Ontario, produces refractory mixes and mortars for special applications in different raw material industries.
RHI Canada currently employs 400 people and is the market leader for the industry in Canada.