Japan’s largest refractories producer, Shinagawa Refractories Co. Ltd, has a future vision for its development in order to compete in the fast-evolving refractories market.
Just prior to the UNITECR conference held in Kyoto 30 October-3 November 2011, IM met with, Hirokazu Nakata, senior executive vice president, of Shinagawa Refractories.
Nakata underlined that the dominant challenges of today’s refractory manufacturers are in keeping up with the demands of new steelmaking technology while ensuring security of supply of refractory raw materials.
Nakata told IM: “We see the biggest difference between Japan’s refractories market, and those of Europe and North America, is that we [Japanese refractory manufacturers] are cooperating with the steel industry, and growing with them.”
“We are very proud of this, and being able to make Japanese steel stronger.” Nakata added.
The steel market accounts for about 80% of Shinagawa’s refractory...