Released on July 30, 2009

Magneco/Metrel Inc., Addison, Ill., announced that the world’s largest blast furnace has begun production following the installation of nearly 2,500 tons of its refractories.

The refractories provide lining for the new 5,500-cu.-meter working volume furnace, operated by Shougang Jing Tang United Iron and Steel Ltd., Caofeidan, Hebei Province, China, with a capacity of more than 5 million tons a year. A second identical furnace is currently under construction at the same location.

“We are very honored to contribute to these historic projects,” said Charles Connors Sr., chief executive officer of Magneco/Metrel.

Designed to produce up to 14,000 tons of iron per day, the stave-cooled furnace vessel is approximately 50 meters high with an internal hearth lining diameter of 15.5 meters and includes 42 tuyeres and four tapholes.

In addition to ironmaking processes, Magneco/Metrel’s refractories are used in aluminum, copper, nonferrous and ferrous metalcasting facilities and other industries.