RHI, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-grade ceramic refractory products and services, has increased its production capacity in China by more than 20%, taking it to 270,000 tonnes.
In late September 2010, a third tunnel kiln was successfully commissioned at its plant in Dalian, situated in North East China’s Liaoning Province.
The company invested approximately €13 million, in a bid to continue its growth strategy in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China).
“With this capacity expansion we are strengthening our position in the cement, glass, non-ferrous metals and steel segments,” said Manfred Hödl, Chief Operating Officer of RHI’s industrial division. “We are cutting delivery times and increasing flexibility in production,” he added.
At its Dalian and Bayuquan plants, RHI produces fired basic bricks, basic mixes and isostatically pressed products, as well as magnesia carbon bricks and prefab components. Both plants are supplied with raw materials from the company’s Aoding site to a large extent.
Aside from the 156 metre-long tunnel kiln, the new plant in Dalian comprises crushers, mixers, two presses, packaging plants and warehouses. The kiln was completed two months ahead of schedule and is equipped with specially developed heat management.
The entire plant was planned and built internally by a team of 100 RHI staff. The first products are expected to be delivered by November 2010.
