ADVANCED REFRACTORY TECHNOLOGIES EXPANDS OPERATIONS

(January 1, 2007) --- Carnegie, PA-based Advanced Refractory Technologies (ART) has recently completed an expansion of its facility and, as a result, has added five full-time positions.   ART is affiliated with Woodings Industrial, a premier supplier of equipment to the metals producing industry.

The ART expansion project—which added approximately 7,500 sq. feet to the existing building—allows multiple refractory mixers to operate simultaneously, increasing operational efficiency and output.   As a result, ART expects to be able to provide quicker turnaround on order fulfillment and ensure an uninterrupted flow of critical supplies for steel industry refractory related applications.  

Acquired by Woodings last year, ART produces custom-formed refractory components for the hot metals industry, with Woodings utilizing about 70% of ART’s total output.

“Having this facility under our wing allows Woodings to more effectively control the supply and quality of refractory products used for the equipment we produce. Customer service, including turnaround time should also be even better, thanks to our operational flexibility.  It’s one of those situations that works out well for everybody.” stated Rob Woodings, president.

About Woodings Industrial Corp.
The only hot metal equipment supplier offering design, engineering, manufacturing and service from one source, Woodings Industrial Corp. is the oldest continuous family-operated business in North America’s steel industry. A worldwide leader in the manufacture of metals industry equipment, Woodings uses the most current technologies to design, engineer and manufacture an extensive line of traditional and not-so-traditional hot metal equipment, such as tap hole drills, clay guns, tuyere stocks, blast furnace valves and engineering specialty products for continuous casters. Woodings is the exclusive supplier of Grabe overlay components in North America and has plants at its headquarters in Mars and Harmony, Pa., along with offices in Detroit and Gary, Ind.