Calderys to combine with HarbisonWalker International

Michel Cornelissen, currently President and CEO of Calderys, is appointed Global CEO of the combined company, effective immediately.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to bring together the best of both companies to create a high-growth, customer-centric refractories provider with global scale.” He said. “Our goal is to be the best partner for our customers anywhere in the world, to support them in their energy transition needs, and to set a new benchmark for the industry.”

HWI’s headquarters will remain in Pittsburgh as the headquarters of the combined company’s Americas region operations. Calderys’ headquarters will remain in Paris for the rest of the combined Group.

“The HarbisonWalker brand is highly respected and vital to the long-term success of the combined company,” said Platinum Equity Partner Louis Samson. “We will continue investing in its growth and expansion in the Americas.”

“By bringing Calderys and HWI together, Platinum Equity shows its goal is to support the development and growth of the combined business. The refractories industry is highly fragmented and this combination will create a global platform with meaningful opportunities to further expand” added Michel Cornelissen. “HWI’s presence in North America complements Calderys’ business in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. Our product portfolios are complementary and will create a comprehensive offering of high temperature solutions for a customer base worldwide.”

Platinum Equity said it will seek additional opportunities to help the combined company grow.

“Joining forces will create additional scale and provide both businesses access to new technologies, increasing the value proposition for customers,” said Platinum Equity Managing Director Malik Vorderwuelbecke. “It will also create a global platform with new opportunities for growth, both organically and through additional acquisitions in key product areas and geographies.”