Swank Refractories, established in 1856, was the worlds oldest supplier of refractories for the iron and steel industry pioneering pouring refractories for the first Bessemer Convertor. During its long history Swank Refractories developed refractories for the electric, open hearth, and basic oxygen steel making processes. Swank refractories was a leader in the development of new materials and processes for refractories.

TYK Corporation, established in 1947, is known world wide for the development of new refractory materials and processes. TYK Corporation is located in Nagoya, Japan. TYK has developed (and is a recognized leader) in supplying special refractory compositions for bottom teeming, iron making, steel making, steel refining, and Continuous Casting. TYK Corporation was one of the principals in the development of the Nippon Rotary Valve for the steel ladles. Currently TYK Corporation operates directly or as subsidiaries over 10 plants in Japan and plants in the UK, Taiwan, and the United States.

The Akechi plant of TYK Corporation employs over 250 people in research, development, and production of Alumina Graphite Refractories for the continuous casting of steel. Akechi plant was one the first plants in the world to produce such refractories and continues to lead in their development. The Akechi plant is the preferred supplier to many Japanese steel companies and their customer list is world wide.

TYK AMERICA, INC. operates two plants in the United States. These plants, located at Large (near Pittsburgh), and Irvona (near Altoona), Pennsylvania are engaged in the manufacturing of Magnesia Graphite and Alumina Graphite Brick, Bulk Ultra Low Cement Castables, Precast Monolithic Refractories, Isostatically Pressed Magnesia Carbon Shapes (BOF Tapholes, EAF-EBT tapholes, etc) and Alumina Graphite Shapes for continuous casters. The company also develops various equipment for steel and aluminum industry.

TYK Corporation is expanding its production capacities worldwide by expanding those plants already established outside of Japan and is actively seeking to expand in other locations by either acquisition or construction.

TYK AMERICA, INC. has undergone a rapid expansion in production capabilities over the last ten years and will be expanding its operation further in the near future.

• TYK and its employees are aiming to build our company into the American refractories company with the highest technical competence.
• We aim to continue serving the steel industry as our primary customer. Our customer's interest will always come first.
• We recognize the trends and requirements of American steel makers to make both their continuous casting activities and their secondary steel making techniques more efficient.
• It is our intention to supply the refractories and related technology in support of the above trends and requirements of the American iron and steel industry.

Foundation date:

TYK AMERICA, INC. originally established in 1856 by Hiram Swank, is the world's oldest specialist in pouring refractories for the iron and steel industry. Swank pioneered the pouring refractories used for the first Bessemer Steel facility. Mr. Swank's successors followed, by developing the pouring refractories used in electric steel making and with the basic oxygen furnace. Similar refractories are now used at every modern steel mill.

The company has also been a leader in the processing of refractory materials. TYK was among the first to automate gas burning in kilns, and to fire kilns under pressure. The company also pioneered in the dry press process for producing fireclay shapes such as nozzles, sleeves, and bottom pour refractories.

Facilities:

TYK AMERICA, INC. is headquartered in Large, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. TYK AMERICA, INC. has two plants, both in Pennsylvania.

Capital:

US$ 17,000,000.00

Management:

	Chairman: Susumu Ushigome
	President: Kenichi Sasaki
	Executive Vice President, General Sales Manager: Andrew Elksnitis
	Vice President Technical Services: Mitsukazu Ogiso
	Vice President: James M. Huckaby
	Finance Department: James D. Susick
	Manager of Customer Services: Angela Whitacre