RATH and REFRATECHNIK form technology alliance

The two refractory manufacturers will cooperate in the development and production of refractory products for glass melting plants in the glass industry

RATH and REFRATECHNIK – both renowned and internationally active refractory manufacturers – announced the launch of a long-term technology alliance today, November 19, 2024. The goal of the ambitious partnership is close collaboration in the development and manufacture of refractory products for glass melting plants in the glass industry.

As part of the technology alliance, both companies will contribute their respective know-how in glass manufacturing and refractory production to combine it into a unique technology solution. The two companies will be operating under the name “R² – THE GLASS FURNACE ALLIANCE.” RATH will be the main point of contact for customers seeking the best mix of RATH and REFRATECHNIK products for glass melting furnaces.

The alliance enables RATH to expand its technological expertise, as products manufactured by REFRATECHNIK will be developed in close collaboration with the research and development departments of both companies. REFRATECHNIK will contribute its production know-how, including newly developed formulations and high-precision tolerance ranges for end products.

The glass industry will benefit from the technology alliance in several ways: It can now obtain the refractory solutions needed for each production step from a single source. For example, RATH can now offer a complete concept for regenerators, including magnesia and zircon magnesia regenerator bricks, alumina wall bricks, and 1000x500x200 mm bottom blocks, etc. Another advantage of the new partnership is that thanks to flexible production capacities, availability can be tailored to customer requirements.

“I am pleased that with this technology alliance for the glass industry, we and REFRATECHNIK have created a real alternative to existing mass manufacturers. Our two companies combine innovative strength and economic stability with uncompromising quality standards – and in future, this will be coupled with even more flexibility,” says Andreas Pfneiszl, Speaker of the Executive Board, RATH Group.

“REFRATECHNIK and RATH complement each other perfectly, and together we are bringing a breath of fresh air to the refractory industry. For the first time, two industry giants have joined forces to incorporate technology and industry know-how into a concept that is both proven and state-of-the- art,” says Rainer Gaebel, Managing Director of REFRATECHNIK Holding.

With this technology alliance, RATH and REFRATECHNIK are forming a counterweight to established refractory suppliers. “Our promise to the glass industry is to be a partner at eye level, who acts quickly, flexibly, individually and in a needs-oriented manner,” Andreas Pfneiszl and Rainer Gaebel summarize.

RATH: Refractory supplier with industry know-how

RATH has been developing and producing high-quality refractory materials for more than 130 years. In the last few decades, RATH has, among other things, specialized in the production of refractory materials for the glass industry, and offers refractory solutions especially for the container glass industry, but also for flat glass, E-glass, C-glass, tableware, art glass and special glass manufacturers around the world.

REFRATECHNIK: Intelligent refractory technology and industrial minerals for global markets

The REFRATECHNIK Group has been developing, producing and installing innovative, high-quality refractory materials for more than 70 years. Its group-wide production volume of more than 1 million tons of refractory products and industrial minerals enable it to reliably serve customers with refractory needs worldwide. As a global market leader for the cement industry and a strong technology partner for the steel, non-ferrous metal and ceramics industries, REFRATECHNIK is also continuously expanding its portfolio for other high-temperature industries.

20.11.2024, Rath AG