Strategic Raw Materials Prompt ANH Refractories Price Increases
08/13/2007 - The ANH Refractories family of companies will increase prices by 5 to 15% for the majority of its refractory products, based on product composition, for Magnesia and Bauxite-based products beginning on Oct. 1.
The ANH Refractories family of companies announced that it will increase prices by 5 to 15% for the majority of its refractory products based on product composition, beginning October 1, 2007 for Magnesia and Bauxite-based products.
The ANH Refractories family of companies—which comprises A.P. Green Refractories, North American Refractories, and Harbison Walker Refractories—has been working over the past several years to minimize the impact of skyrocketing fuel, energy, freight and raw material costs. According to the company, increased capital investments, improved productivity in its manufacturing facilities throughout North America, and re-engineered product portfolios have been highly successful in offsetting many of these cost increases.
However, recent changes in the Chinese Government's export policy position—including a marked reduction of Export Licenses, a newly instituted Export Tax for raw materials, reduced or eliminated Tax Rebates and subsidies for finished goods—have all contributed to significant raw material price increases for the ANH family of companies.
Guenter Karhut, ANH's CEO, stated, “[t]he regulatory events in China coupled with higher base costs particularly for Magnesia and Bauxite, higher ocean and inland freight costs have all contributed to increased costs and the need for the announced price increases.”
ANH Refractories is the largest and most diverse U.S.-based manufacturer of refractory-shaped (brick) and unshaped (monolithic) products for the iron & steel, non-ferrous metals, glass, minerals processing, EEC (environmental, energy & chemical) industries. ANH Refractories operates a Research Center in West Mifflin, Pa. and plans to continue to aggressively pursue manufacturing and process initiatives aimed at lowering refractory costs through total cost of ownership concepts and extended refractory performance.
