About Duracast

Duracast, Inc. was formed in 1992 as a logical extension of J.W. Hicks, Incorporated, an industry quality leader in the manufacture of refactory special shapes. Duracast specializes in the production of castable refactories for use in both the ferrous and non-ferrous metals industries. Unshaped refactories represent the mainstream trend in refactory usage in recent years and the direction of expansion in the foreseeable future.

The following key elements are the fondation of Duracast's "quality first" approach:

"World Class"
Manufacturing Technology

- Duracast, Inc. has acquired leading edge technology by means of internal development activities, technical assistance from leading U.S. academic programs and by several manufacturing license agreements with Shinagawa Refactories Co., Ltd., Japan, a world renowned leader in high quality refractory production.

Superior Raw Materials

- High quality ingredients are paramount to the production of superior end products. We purchase raw materials from worlwide sources that meet our high standards and exactiong specifications.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

- We are committed to continuous improvement utilizing state-of-the-art test equipment, statistical process control, well defined operating practices and standards, and an effective overall quality system.

Facilities / Equipment

- Duracast's Knox, Indiana facility was constructed as a "greenfield" project incorporating state-of-the-art features. Planned expansion through the turn-of-the-century will continue to be an industry leader.

People

- Employees from "the heartland" bring fundamental character and work ethic to our quality oriented workplace.