HWI, a member of Calderys, Expands and Relocates Operations to Fulton, Missouri

CALLAWAY COUNTY – HWI (HarbisonWalker International), one of the leading suppliers of refractory products and services in the United States and member of the Calderys Group, has announced plans to expand its Fulton, Missouri operations with a $13.9 million investment in new construction. The company will build a lightweight monolithic manufacturing facility to relocate operations from one of its Ohio plants, closing in mid-2025. The project is expected to create up to 11 new jobs in addition to the 70 people HWI currently employs in Fulton.

The relocation and new construction effort is the result of a collaborative partnership between the Fulton Area Development Foundation (FADF), Callaway County, the Industrial Development Agency (IDA), and the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). These organizations worked closely with HWI leaders to develop an attractive package and facilitate discussions that brought this exciting project to fruition.

Kim Barnes, president of the Fulton Area Development Foundation, shared her excitement about the community-wide collaboration that made this possible: “This project represents a significant step forward for our community. It underscores the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in attracting high-quality investments that will benefit the residents of Callaway County for years to come.”

Building on Barnes’ remarks, Gary Jungermann, Callaway County Commissioner, emphasized the positive local impact of HWI’s relocation. “We are thrilled to see HWI’s additional growth in Callaway County. This expansion is a testament to the ongoing efforts of our community to attract and retain quality businesses. We look forward to seeing an even greater positive impact from HWI on the local workforce and economy.”

Tom Howard, IDA Board Member, highlighted the critical role cooperation played in securing the deal. “The collaboration between our local entities and state agencies was critical to making this happen. HWI’s decision to relocate here highlights the strength of our business environment, and we are excited to see this partnership grow.”

HWI’s investment in the region will contribute to the local workforce and enhance the area’s industrial development landscape, further solidifying Callaway County as a vital player in Missouri’s economic expansion.

“We’re proud of our company’s more than 100-year legacy in the Callaway County community, and we are thrilled to further expand operations here. The investment reinforces our industry leadership and is a testament to our confidence in our people and the community,” said Ross Wilkin, Senior Vice President of Americas for Calderys Group.”

The relocation and expansion are expected to be completed in July 2025, with job openings anticipated to be posted soon.

For more information, visit https://thinkhwi.com/ or contact Amy at marketing@callawaychamber.net

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 more than 150 years. It is part of Calderys and is the brand for the Americas region of the Group. HWI counts 25 manufacturing sites and 20 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.