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RHI Magnesita inaugurates new tunnel kiln of the “Digital Flagship Plant Radenthein”

The completion of the new tunnel kiln in the Radenthein plant is another stage in the process of establishing the most modern production facility in the refractory industry. With an operating temperature of 1800 degrees Celsius and an uninterrupted service life of several decades, the tunnel kiln represents the heart of refractory production. RHI Magnesita is also investing 4.5 million euros in new presses that, thanks to the high performance of the new tunnel kiln, will increase the plant’s production capacities by 30 percent.

The world market leader in refractory products, systems and services RHI Magnesita is investing around 50 million euros in the modernization, automation and all-encompassing digitization of its plant in Radenthein. An additional 24.7 million euros are being invested in the construction of new infrastructure – centered around a new, powerful tunnel kiln in which products only acquire their refractory properties after a firing process lasting several days at 1800 °C.

The comprehensive expansion and digitization of the Radenthein plant is a clear strategic decision in favor of Austria as a business location. From this site, the steel, energy, chemical and glass industries in Europe will continue to be reliably supplied with products from RHI Magnesita in the future. Dr. Herbert Cordt, Chairman RHI Magnesita and Governor Peter Kaiser inaugurated the tunnel oven together in a firing ceremony.

“RHI Magnesita is the technology leader of the refractory industry. As driver of innovation we are investing around 50 million euros in the plant in Radenthein. With the firing of the tunnel kiln as another major milestone, we are taking a significant step closer to the most modern refractory plant in Europe”, said Herbert Cordt, Chairman RHI Magnesita, at the inauguration of the tunnel kiln.

Governor Peter Kaiser underlines the importance of RHI Magnesita for the region: “As an important factor in innovation and the economy, the RHI Magnesita plant in Radenthein not only makes a major contribution to the province of Carinthia, but is also fulfilling its major responsibilities – as an employer, a training center for new high-tech professions, and as a firmly anchored member of the community,” Governor Kaiser emphasized. “I am delighted that investments are still being made at the Radenthein location and that a sustainable showcase project in digitization, which is important for Austrian industry, has been built in the heart of Carinthia.”

According to Dr. Gerd Schubert, Chief Operations Officer RHI Magnesita, the new tunnel kiln and the additional investment of 4.5 million euros in new presses will increase the plant’s production capacity by 30 percent.

“The new tunnel kiln not only enables our technology experts in the refractory sector to increase efficiency and consequently increase production capacities, but also makes a significant contribution to the specialization of our digital flagship plant in Radenthein,” Dr. Schubert announced. “The tunnel kiln is a special firing unit that can burn high-quality, refractory high-tech products at up to 1800 °C, and allows RHI Magnesita to meet customer requirements in a more targeted manner with even higher quality.”

In addition to its high heat resistance, the tunnel kiln is also characterized by its long service life: After a start-up process of several weeks, the tunnel kiln will remain in operation at 1800 °C for around 30 years until the first maintenance. The tunnel kiln also contributes to a significant increase in the plant’s energy efficiency by using the excess heat from the tunnel kiln for internal processes such as drying the refractory products after impregnation.

Photos for free use on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/184898908@N05/albums/72157719104002482
(c) RHI Magnesita/Gleiss

About RHI Magnesita

RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are critical for high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200°C in a wide range of industries, including steel, cement, non-ferrous metals and glass. With a vertically integrated value chain, from raw materials to refractory products and full performance-based solutions, RHI Magnesita serves customers around the world, with around 12,000 employees in 28 main production sites and more than 70 sales offices. RHI Magnesita intends to build on its leadership in revenue, scale, product portfolio and diversified geographic presence to expand further in high growth markets.

The Group maintains a premium listing on the Official list of the London Stock Exchange (symbol: RHIM) and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index, with a secondary listing on the Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse). For more information please visit: www.rhimagnesita.com 

Contact information:

Lisa Fuchs
Head of Corporate Communications
+43 699 1870 6198
Lisa.Fuchs@RHIMagnesita.com

Maja Nizamov
Communications Manager Europe, CIS & Turkey

+43 699 1870 6444
Maja.Nizamov@RHIMagnesita.com