Global refractory manufacturer RHI Magnesita is expanding its capabilities in India, focusing on local research and development, technology, automation, recycling and supply chains as the country’s manufacturing sector continues to grow.
The company is strengthening its presence beyond manufacturing capacity by developing solutions locally for industries such as steel, cement, petrochemicals and glass.
Building local technology capabilities
The refractory industry plays an important role in high-temperature industrial processes, particularly in steelmaking. With India increasing its steel production and consumption, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on technology-driven solutions that can improve productivity, safety and efficiency.
RHI Magnesita India Managing Director and CEO Pankaj Malhan said the company is working to build capabilities across technology, supply chains, talent and innovation.
The company has been developing refractory products tailored to customer requirements through domestic R&D, technology transfers and circular-economy initiatives.
Focus on recycling
In June, RHI Magnesita announced a joint venture with Khemka Refractories to establish a greenfield recycling facility in Odisha.
The venture, named Minpro, will recover, process and reuse spent refractory materials. The initiative is aimed at increasing the availability of recycled raw materials and reducing dependence on virgin resources.
Robotic automation in steel operations
Automation is another area where the company is expanding its technology capabilities.
In 2025, RHI Magnesita deployed what it described as India’s first complete robotic solution for caster operations. The system is designed to handle tasks involving 350-tonne ladles, including ladle-shroud changes, powder feeding, temperature measurement and sampling.
Sensors and vision systems allow the system to monitor operations in real time while reducing workers’ exposure to molten metal and extreme temperatures.
Expanding manufacturing presence
RHI Magnesita India currently operates eight manufacturing plants, two mines, two mechanism units, three main offices and 35 site offices, along with a research and development centre in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan.
The company has also localised advanced refractory solutions for industries including steel, cement, petrochemicals and glass through technology transfers and product development.
Improving industrial efficiency
These initiatives are focused on helping customers reduce their overall operating costs by increasing refractory life, lowering material consumption and improving equipment uptime.
By combining local R&D, recycling, automation and technology development, RHI Magnesita is expanding its role from a refractory product supplier to a technology-focused solutions provider for India’s industrial sector.
