Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories, through its Indian subsidiary Grindwell Norton Limited (GNO), announces the strengthening of its collaboration with Shinagawa Refra Co., Ltd. This strategic technology partnership is dedicated to offer Trough & Runner Castables for Blast Furnace Cast Houses serving the Indian steel industry.
The partnership will operate under the joint brand “Shinagawa Refra Group – Saint-Gobain.”
This partnership builds on an existing and successful collaboration between Saint-Gobain and Shinagawa, under which premium Tap Hole Clay solutions have already been supplied to major Blast Furnaces across India. The new phase expands the scope of operation to additional refractory applications, addressing evolving operational and performance requirements.
Under this collaboration, Shinagawa Refra Group contributes its proven refractory technology, design expertise and global know‑how, while Saint-Gobain brings its strong local industrial footprint in India, including manufacturing, sales and service, application engineering and R&D.
Trough & Runner Castables will be manufactured by Saint-Gobain in the manufacturing unit at Halol, India in accordance with Shinagawa‑approved technical expertise, processes and quality standards. This organization ensures consistent quality, industrial reliability and proximity to customers.
The partnership is designed to deliver high‑performance refractory solutions adapted to toughest operating conditions. By strengthening local manufacturing capabilities while leveraging advanced technology, Shinagawa and Saint-Gobain aim to support customers towards performance, reliability and operational continuity.
“This partnership represents a new milestone in our strategy to combine global technological leadership with strong local manufacturing and service capabilities to better serve the Indian steel industry.”
- Thiago Boscolo Costa, Vice President, Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories
“With this enhanced partnership with Shinagawa Refra Group, we will be able to leverage our strong local footprint and well entrenched sales & application engineering teams, to bring world-class refractory solutions to our customers in India”
- Vidosh Sarup, General Manager, Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories, India
“The alliance between SHINAGAWA REFRA Group and Saint-Gobain in India brings together cutting-edge technology and a strong local market presence. Our shared enthusiasm and commitment to innovation and sustainable development highlight the strength of this partnership. Together, SHINAGAWA REFRA and Saint-Gobain are very well positioned to help drive the Indian steel sector forward, creating lasting values for customers, business partners and communities”
- Heiki Miki, Representative Director, Managing Executive Officer - Overseas Business; SHINAGAWA REFRA CO., LTD.
This strategic technology partnership is fully aligned with Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories (PCR)’ ambition to be a full solution provider for the steel industry. Beyond delivering high‑performance refractory products, Saint‑Gobain PCR supports customers across the entire lifecycle of refractory solutions, from installation and on‑site services to monitoring and end‑of‑life management.
It reflects Saint‑Gobain’s long‑term commitment to innovation, operational excellence and customer‑centricity in support of the Indian steel industry’s performance and long‑term development.
Saint-Gobain Performance Ceramics & Refractories leads the industry in the design, development and production of engineered ceramics and refractory solutions for extreme operating conditions and high‑temperature applications.
With world‑class R&D centers, manufacturing plants, sales and application engineering teams strategically located across the globe, Saint-Gobain PCR delivers custom-made solutions designed to maximize performance, reliability and durability while minimizing environmental impact.
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