History
Calderys was born in 2005 from the merger between Plibrico International and Lafarge Refractories. Through the combination of these two giants of the refractory industry, our expertise stretches back over 100 years to the very first monolithic refractories. Today, Calderys is part of Imerys' High Temperature Solutions business area.
Click on the timeline or the arrows below to explore the evolution of Calderys:
1900s - 1910s
The Beginnings
Lafarge invents and patents aluminous cement with refractory qualities, the precursor to monolithic refractories.
In the US, William A.L. Schaefer develops the first monolithic refractory and creates the Pliable Firebrick Company, also known as Plibrico.
1920s - 1960s
European expansion
Plibrico registers in London and begins European expansion.
Plibrico opens for business in Sweden, launching Plibrico Scandinavia AB.
Lafarge creates a subsidiary wholly devoted to the marketing of refractories, later known as Sécar (Société d’étude et de conseil pour appareillage réfractaire - Refractory equipment studies and consultancy).
Founding of Plibrico Netherlands.
Launch of Plibrico’s first European production site in Neuwied, Germany.
Plibrico enters the Austrian market, a subsidiary later renamed Plibrico G.m.b.H.
1970s - 1990s
Global expansion begins
Lafarge continues expansion on the refractories market, including acquisition of shares in two of its competitors, Prost and Schlumberger.
Official creation of “Lafarge Réfractaires” in France.
Setup of Lafarge Refractories’ first Asian production facility in Taiwan.
Plibrico International joins the Imerys group.
Lafarge Refractories acquires Svenska Höganas AB, opening up business in both Scandinavia and Japan.
Plibrico acquires the Valle family’s refractories production plant in South Africa.
2000s
Calderys is born!
Lafarge Refractories enters the Australian market with the purchase of Hanlon Refractory.
Plibrico International & Lafarge Refractories merge under the Imerys group: Calderys is born!
Calderys acquires ACE Refractories, the leading Indian monolithic refractory manufacturer.
Calderys opens its first plant in China in Zhangjiagang.
Acquisition of Svenska Silikaverken AB, a monolithic company active in Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
2010s
Global growth accelerates
Asian expansion continues: Joint Venture with PT Indoporlen of Indonesia and acquisition of Tokai Ceramics of Japan.
Acquisition of Finland’s Termorak to increase service offering for projects in Petrochemical and Power (Boiler & Incinerator) industries.
Calderys cements its presence in the USA by acquiring SPAR Inc., a monolithic refractory manufacturer based in Alabama.
Calderys continues to invest in the Nordic market: opening of first office in Norway as well as acquisition of Fagersta Eldfasta AB, a refractory installation company based in Höganäs, Sweden.
Acquisition of N.G. Johnson Northern in the UK and SetLinings in Germany: refractory design, installation and engineering services companies.
Creation of Imerys High Temperature Solution business area, of which Calderys is part.
Calderys presence established in Brazil.
2020s
Calderys global growth continues!
Acquisition of Hysil, the leading Indian producer of calcium silicate boards used for thermal insulation projects in industries such as cement, metallurgical, oil refinery, petro-chemical and power plants
Acquisition of a majority stake of 60% of Haznedar Durer Refractories (http://www.haznedardurer.com), a Turkish-based high-grade monolithic refractories and refractory bricks manufacturer, serving iron & steel, cement and petrochemical segments