Calderys

What Calderys does

Calderys is a global provider of refractory products and services for industrial customers operating in high-temperature conditions. The business is organized around three core segments — Iron & Steel (including ironmaking, DRI, steelmaking, continuous casting, and reheat furnaces), Foundry (melting and molding solutions), and Thermal Industries (aluminum and non-ferrous, cement, energy and environment, chemicals engineering and petrochemicals, glass, copper, and industrial minerals). The company sells a broad portfolio spanning monolithic refractories, bricks, precast shapes, metallurgical fluxes, and molding sand additives under proprietary brands including CALDE®, ALKON®, ENVIBOND®, IKOBOND®, IKOQUICK®, and AZTECH-S. Notable technical assets include CALDE® SILICA MIX, a high-performance dry vibrating mix produced from Calderys' own micro-crystalline quartzite quarry in Åmål, Sweden; specialized refractory solutions for hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI); and digital tools CALDE® e-Supply (automated silo stock monitoring with ERP-integrated ordering) and CALDE® Smart Lens (smart glasses-based remote technical assistance).

The business operates 50 manufacturing plants across 5 continents, runs operations in 30+ countries, and sells into 100+ countries through direct enterprise field sales, regional sales offices, and on-site technical staff. Revenue is generated primarily through quote-based one-time product sales and professional services (project management, installation, technical support, furnace inspection, and equipment relining), supplemented by subscription revenue from CALDE® e-Supply. Customers are predominantly heavy industrial enterprises — steel mills, ferrous and non-ferrous foundries, petrochemical operators, aluminum producers, glass manufacturers, and cement kilns — with named reference customers including SABIC and automotive suppliers Miele & Cie. KG and Olsberg GmbH.

In February 2023, Calderys combined with HarbisonWalker International (HWI), at the time the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the United States, creating a combined organization with 160 years of refractory heritage and 5,000+ employees worldwide. Most recently, in April 2026, the company inaugurated a 45-acre, ₹800 crore greenfield manufacturing facility in Odisha, India, described as the largest single-site refractory and steel casting flux plant globally, alongside a new Innovation Center in Neuwied, Germany (December 2025). The company is privately held under CALDERYS France S.A.S., with no publicly disclosed parent or institutional ownership.

Name

Calderys

Legal name

CALDERYS France S.A.S.

Website

https://calderys.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1865

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Calderys is a global provider of refractory products and services for high-temperature industrial applications across Iron & Steel, Foundry, and Thermal Industries, operating 50 plants in 30+ countries after its 2023 combination with HarbisonWalker International.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Refractories & High-Temperature Materials

NAICS

Clay Building Material and Refractories Manufacturing (32712), Clay Product and Refractory Manufacturing (3271)

SIC

Abrasive, Asbestos & Misc Nonmetallic Mineral Prods (3290), Structural Clay Products (3250)

akta.pro primary industry

Refractory Bricks & Firebricks (IMADABAG)

Keywords

• Refractory products manufacturing
• High temperature industrial solutions
• Monolithic refractories and bricks
• Metallurgical fluxes and molding
• Foundry and steelmaking materials

Headquarters

HQ city

Issy-les-moulineaux

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices24 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Refractory Products: Sale of refractory products including monolithic refractories, bricks, and precast shapes for high-temperature industrial applications. Products are sold directly to customers through global sales network.
2. Metallurgical Fluxes and Molding Solutions: Advanced solutions for steel casting, metallurgical fluxes, and molding processes. Includes products like CALDE® SILICA MIX and bentonite-based molding sand additives.
3. Technical Services and Support: 24/7 technical support both on-site and via remote assistance tools. Includes material selection, project management, installation, and commissioning services.
4. Project Management Services: End-to-end project management including engineering, planning, delivery scheduling, site management, installation, dry-out and commissioning. Also offers robotics combined with digital equipment.
5. Service Facilities (Foundry Equipment Relining): Off-site relining services for foundry equipment including ladles and pouring furnaces. Complete process from pick-up to delivery of fully refurbished equipment.
6. Digital Solutions - CALDE® e-Supply: Subscription-based digital stock management service using smart sensors and web-based platform for automated inventory monitoring and ordering.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Calderys manufactures and supplies refractory products (monolithic refractories, bricks, precast shapes) and advanced solutions for steel casting, metallurgical fluxes and molding processes used in iron and steel, foundry, and thermal industries operating under high-temperature conditions. The portfolio is sold under proprietary brands (CALDE®, ALKON®, ENVIBOND®, IKOBOND®, IKOQUICK®, AZTECH-S) and complemented by digital tools (CALDE® e-Supply, CALDE® Smart Lens) and a full suite of technical services including material selection, project management, installation, dry-out, commissioning and 24/7 technical support.

Product overview

Calderys is a leading global provider of refractory solutions for industries operating in high temperature conditions. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio organized around three core segments: Iron & Steel (including DRI, steel making, continuous casting, reheat furnaces), Foundry (melting and molding solutions), and Thermal (aluminum, cement, energy, chemicals/petrochemicals, glass, copper). The product portfolio centers on CALDE®-branded refractory products including CALDE® SILICA MIX (quarry-to-furnace silica-based dry vibrating mix from Sweden), CALDE® MICA (coil protection sheets), CALDE® GUARD (turnkey foundry solution), CALDE® CAST/FLOW/GUN (castables and gunning materials), ALKON® FD (fast-dry monolithics for aluminum), and IKOBOND®/ENVIBOND®/IKOQUICK® (molding sand additives). Digital offerings include CALDE® e-Supply (automated bentonite stock management) and CALDE® Smart Lens (remote technical assistance via smart glasses). Services span material selection, project management, technical support, furnace inspection, installation, and service facilities. In February 2023, Calderys combined with HarbisonWalker International (HWI), the largest U.S. refractory supplier.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CALDE® SOL: Cast technology for incinerators with quicker dry-out reducing commissioning time by around 50% and increasing lifetime.
• CALDE® e-Supply
• CALDE® Smart Lens
• ALKON® FD
• ENVIBOND®
• IKOBOND®
• CALDE® GUARD
• CALDE® SILICA MIX
• AZTECH-S

Products and services

• Refractory Products (Monolithics, Bricks, Precast Shapes) Comprehensive range of refractory products (monolithic refractories, bricks and precast shapes) providing thermal protection for industrial equipment in iron and steel, foundry and thermal industries operating at high temperature.
• CALDE® SILICA MIX High-performance silica-based dry vibrating mix (DVM) made from Calderys' own Swedish micro-crystalline quartzite, providing thermal stability, chemical resistance and ultra-low porosity for coreless and channel induction furnaces.
• CALDE® MICA Protective sheet installed between the induction coil and refractory lining, providing electrical insulation and acting as a barrier against zinc and carbon deposition, while functioning as a slip plane for easier relining.
• CALDE® GUARD Turnkey foundry solution combining SILICA MIX Q BF refractory products, a precast top ring and a specialized installation method to provide mechanical strength, fast installation and improved lining performance for coreless induction furnaces.
• CALDE® CAST Range Castable refractory products for ladles, cupolas, pouring and holding furnaces, offering high abrasion, alkali, oxidation and corrosion resistance with quick-drying and good insulation properties.
• CALDE® FLOW Self-flowing castable refractory products for foundry applications including ladles, cupolas, pouring and holding furnaces.
• CALDE® GUN Refractory product developed for gunning application in foundry operations.
• CALDE® PATCH Patching refractory products for small repairs in foundry furnace linings.
• CALDE® TROWEL Trowelling refractory products for surface finishing and repairs in foundry applications.
• CALDE® MAG Neutral and basic dry vibrating mix for foundry furnace applications, complementing the acidic CALDE® SILICA MIX range.
• Refractory Bricks Refractory bricks used for backup lining, safety lining, channel holders, big ladles, and copper melting and holding furnaces.
• ALKON® FD (Fast Dry) Fast-dry cement-bonded monolithic refractories engineered for aluminum furnace linings, removing free water efficiently without extra equipment and improving safety and uptime.
• CALDE® FD Monolithics Hydraulic-bonded monolithic refractory allowing furnace operators to save up to 72 hours reaching 1,200°C, saving energy in aluminum furnaces, rotary kilns and reheat furnaces.
• IKOBOND® Clay technology for molding strength delivering superior durability in high-density molding with a special bentonite blend that improves thermal expansion and reduces bentonite burn-out.
• ENVIBOND® Sustainable molding sand additive for greener foundry operations, reducing sea coal usage 30-90%, cutting emissions and odors up to 95%, lowering binder consumption, increasing sand recyclability and improving casting surface quality.
• IKOQUICK® Molding sand additive range improving casting surface quality, reducing emissions and enhancing sand recyclability in foundry operations.
• CALDE® SHIELD Melt shop additive that forms an impervious layer during sintering to repel vapor ingress, preventing oven damage caused by zinc and increasing robustness of hot-face linings.
• Slag Coagulants & Coating Materials Low-dust perlite slag coagulants that reduce heat loss and attract slag in iron, steel or copper during melting, helping avoid dross and surface defects prior to filtration and mold filling.
• CALDE® CAST MW 180 CO Insulating monolithic refractory for intermediate layers in secondary reformers, engineered for exceptional efficiency in petrochemical service.
• CALDE® GUN MW 170 CO Insulating monolithic for gunning application in secondary reformers, designed for intermediate-layer efficiency.
• Precast Catalyst Support Dome Precast refractory shapes for secondary reformers that maintain performance and provide structural support.
• CALDE® CAST XL Series Lightweight, insulating refractory products engineered for thermal efficiency in FCCUs, sulfur recovery units and primary/secondary reformers.
• DRI Refractory Solutions Specialized refractory solutions for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) production using hydrogen and natural gas, designed to handle high H2 diffusivity and silica reactivity at high temperatures.
• AZTECH-S Next-generation refractory solution for glass furnace superstructures using premium sintered alumina-zirconia-silica (AZS) composition, delivering enhanced resistance to corrosion, volatilization and alkali attack.
• CALDE® e-Supply Subscription-based digital stock management system using smart sensors in silos to monitor bentonite and bulk material consumption and automatically trigger orders through Calderys' ERP system.
• CALDE® Smart Lens Remote technical assistance solution using smart glasses linked to a secure web-based platform for real-time exchange of on-site drawings and pictures between customers and Calderys experts.
• Technical Support Services 24/7 technical support for refractories, steel casting and metalcasting operations, delivered both on-site and via remote-assistance tools such as CALDE® Smart Lens.
• Project Management Services End-to-end project management covering engineering, material selection, delivery scheduling, site and subcontractor management, installation, dry-out and commissioning, including robotics combined with digital equipment.
• Material Selection Services Expert engineering services to identify the best refractory products in terms of performance, lifetime and cost, reducing downtime, decreasing manpower needs and extending product life.
• Furnace Inspection Services Assessment services using specialized checklists and thermal imaging to verify refractory lining performance, enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Foundry Service Facilities (Off-site Relining) Off-site relining services for foundry equipment including ladles and pouring furnaces, handling the entire process from pick-up to delivery of fully refurbished equipment.
• Casting Defect Consulting Consulting services to avoid molding sand-related casting defects, achieving more reliable production, optimized casting quality and zero defects.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35% faster installation compared to standard shotcreting, 70% faster than regular casting solutions
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Acetarc LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2023Partnership between Calderys and Acetarc Limited to deliver complete ready-to-use ladles, designed, built, and refractory lined for maximum performance. Brings together Acetarc's ladle manufacturing excellence and Calderys' refractory expertise, helping foundries across Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway improve efficiency and reliability.
• HarbisonWalker International (HWI)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2023In February 2023, Calderys joined forces with HarbisonWalker International, the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the United States. This combination created additional scale and increased value for customers, bringing together 160 years of combined experience.
• World Refractories Association (WRA)minorOthers · 1 January 2021Zhangjiagang plant received safety certificate from the World Refractories Association in 2021, recognizing excellence in workplace safety practices.
• D.A.V. College Managing Committee (DAV CMC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Calderys partners with DAV CMC, a renowned educational organization in India overseeing more than 900 schools, 75 colleges and one university. The partnership has established schools in Katni (since 1995) and Wankaner (since 2020) providing quality education to children of employees and local communities.
• Tokai Ceramics Co., Ltd. (formerly Toshiba Ceramics)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2013In 2013, Calderys expanded its refractory capabilities by integrating Tokai Ceramics Co., Ltd. (formerly Toshiba Ceramics Co., Ltd.) into the Group, enhancing its service offering in Japan.
• PT IndoporlencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013In 2013, PT Indoporlen joined Calderys, strengthening its capabilities and service offering in Indonesia. Originally founded as a sole agent in 1975, PT Indoporlen evolved into a comprehensive refractory partner offering engineering, installation services, and high-quality refractory products.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• RHI Magnesita: Global market leader in refractories with the broadest product portfolio and geographic reach. Direct competitor across monolithic and brick refractories serving steel, cement, glass, and non-ferrous metals; Calderys' main head-to-head rival in Iron & Steel and Foundry segments.
• Vesuvius plc: London-listed global refractories and engineered ceramics supplier. Directly competes with Calderys in steel, foundry, and glass refractories, with overlapping product lines in monolithic products, flow control, and feeding systems for steelmakers.
• Saint-Gobain (Performance Ceramics & Refractories): French multinational with refractory operations overlapping Calderys' product range in high-temperature ceramics and monolithic products. Wider portfolio across construction materials provides financial flexibility and global distribution.
• Morgan Advanced Materials: UK-listed specialist in advanced ceramics and high-temperature materials. Overlaps with Calderys in non-ferrous, glass, and petrochemical refractory segments; serves similar industrial customers with comparable thermal-protection products.

Others

• Imerys (High Temperature Solutions heritage): Calderys' former parent and historical owner of the High Temperature Solutions business. Although Calderys is now independent (PE-owned), Imerys retains adjacent specialty minerals businesses and brand legacy in refractory raw materials.
• Platinum Equity (Calderys ownership): Private equity owner of Calderys following the 2022 carve-out from Imerys. Not a peer in products, but directly shapes strategy, capital allocation, and exit timing for Calderys and any future M&A activity.

Direct peers

• HarbisonWalker International (HWI): Now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Calderys (acquired Feb 2023), but operates as a distinct U.S. brand serving the same iron & steel, foundry, and glass end-markets with overlapping brick and monolithic refractory products; pre-merger competitor profile.
• Pyrotek: Privately held specialist in high-temperature materials for aluminum, glass, and foundry. Direct overlap with Calderys' Thermal Industries segment (aluminum & non-ferrous, glass, foundry molding solutions).
• Resco Products: U.S.-based manufacturer of refractories and monolithics serving steel, aluminum, and foundry. Comparable product mix (monolithic, brick, precast shapes) and direct competitor in North American iron & steel and foundry accounts.

Emerging players

• Refratechnik Holding: Privately held German refractory manufacturer with strong position in magnesia-based products and steel-industry customers. Comparable to Calderys in iron & steel and non-ferrous refractories; more regional than global.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/calderys

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Calderys