Calderys Expands Odisha CAPES Facility with First Production Line and New Tap-Hole Clay Unit!
By Ashutosh Arora
Calderys has marked a major milestone in its growth journey with the commissioning of the first production line at its CAPES facility in Odisha, India. Dedicated to producing next-generation acidic monolithics, the new line is equipped with advanced mixers, automated batching systems, and precision-controlled processes, ensuring exceptional chemical resistance and thermal stability in its refractory products. Since beginning operations in May 2025, this line has been supplying customers across India with high-quality solutions for high-temperature, corrosive environments, supported by rigorous in-house testing and quality control measures.
In another significant development, Calderys announced the addition of a tap-hole clay line to the CAPES site. Built on an additional five-acre plot, this new unit will manufacture high-plasticity, high-performance clays designed for furnace operations, ensuring consistent tapping and long-lasting durability. This addition broadens the facility’s original scope and complements the five other advanced production lines under development, which will produce acidic and basic monolithics, bricks, ready-shaped products, and steel casting fluxes. Once fully operational, CAPES will boast six state-of-the-art lines capable of catering to the diverse and rapidly growing needs of India’s industrial sector.
Michel Cornelissen, President & CEO of Calderys, described the commissioning of the first line and the expansion plans as “landmark achievements for CAPES” that reaffirm the company’s commitment to supporting India’s high-temperature industrial sectors. Ish Mohan Garg, Senior Vice President, Asia Pacific, added that the project is ahead of schedule, with the second planned line for basic monolithics set to begin operations in August. He highlighted that advanced manufacturing technology, stringent quality standards, and a skilled workforce are central to enabling customers to operate smarter, cleaner, and more competitively.
Strategically located near major steel plants, the Odisha CAPES facility positions Calderys to better serve the eastern and southern regions of India by reducing lead times, streamlining supply chains, and enhancing customer support. When completed, the 45-acre site will be the world’s largest single-site greenfield facility for refractories and steel casting fluxes, significantly increasing the company’s capacity to meet domestic demand while aligning with India’s push for locally manufactured, high-quality industrial solutions.
Although full-scale operations are scheduled for the second half of 2026, Calderys has already begun production at the site with its first manufacturing line. The company views this as an important step in its global growth strategy, reinforcing its leadership in high-performance refractories and thermal protection solutions. Operating in over 30 countries with 50 manufacturing facilities worldwide, Calderys—headquartered in Paris, France—continues to deliver innovative products and services that support industries in their energy transition journey.
