Refractories: Imerys acquires US’s Great Lakes Minerals
Imerys has concluded the acquisition of Great Lakes Minerals, a U.S.-based processor of specialty minerals serving the refractory and abrasives industry, strengthening its presence and mineral solutions offering in North America.
Founded in 1999 and based in Wurtland, Kentucky, Great Lakes Minerals has built recognized expertise in the sourcing, processing and distribution of refractory minerals. Now operating as Imerys Great Lakes, the business expands Imerys’ capabilities in a strategic market and supports the Group’s growth ambitions in Refractory, Abrasives & Construction solutions for industry.
Through this acquisition, Imerys expands its portfolio with complementary mineral solutions serving highly demanding refractory, abrasives, and construction applications, particularly:
- Calcined bauxite: a high-performance mineral valued for its alumina content, density, and durability in high-temperature environments, critical for refractory linings and heavy-duty industrial construction surfaces.
- Brown fused alumina: recognized for its hardness and thermal performance in refractory products and high-grade abrasive applications like blasting media, bonded and coated abrasives.
- Tabular alumina: a high-purity sintered alumina that offers excellent thermal shock resistance, mechanical strength, and wear resistance for high-end refractory and technical ceramic applications.
- White fused alumina: renowned for its hardness, high chemical stability, and high melting point, making it ideal for premium abrasives, high-temperature refractories, and wear-resistant applications.
These additions complement established Imerys product lines, including MULCOA®, TECO-SIL® and ALODUR®, broadening the Group’s ability to support customers with a wider range of mineral solutions tailored to their needs.
The acquisition also enhances Imerys’ local processing and warehousing capabilities in North America, supporting improved responsiveness, security of supply and additional value-added services for customers. By combining Great Lakes Minerals’ expertise with Imerys’ global minerals portfolio and technical know-how, Imerys is further strengthening its ability to support customers in high-temperature, high-wear, and construction industries with a reliable local supply and innovative, mineral-based solutions.
