TOWA Refractory Engineering Visit

We were honored to welcome the TOWA Refractory Engineering team, our trusted partner from Japan, to SILICON. During the visit, we had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Monobe, TOWA’s Deputy Sales Manager, about what makes this partnership so impactful and how collaboration drives leadership.

SILICON: TOWA now holds over 60% of the Japanese refinery anchoring market, and this is a remarkable achievement. How did you achieve this?

Mr. Monobe: Refinery maintenance is complex. It involves coordinating refractory repairs and hardware support under tight deadlines. Hex mesh installation, in particular, demands exceptional welding accuracy, something many contractors struggle with. Until recently, we had only one trusted partner for this work, which limited our ability to take on overlapping turnaround projects.

He continues:“That changed when SILICON introduced SpeedHex® 3 installation capabilities. This technology allowed us to manage multiple projects for different clients, even when schedules collided.”

SILICON: How was your experience working with us?

Mr. Monobe: To be honest, we were skeptical at first. Turnaround projects are demanding. Multiple contractors, shifting conditions, and tight timelines. We worried about SILICON’s ability to coordinate and deliver. But those concerns disappeared as we worked together. SILICON team always focuses on the best way to achieve the goal. You don’t just promise, you deliver. And that has satisfied not only our clients but also us.

SILICON: What advice would you give to companies considering SILICON?

Mr. Monobe: Introducing new technology is never easy. When we first promoted SILICON’s solutions to end users, gaining approval was challenging, especially for internal components where safety, quality, and cost matter. But even when starting small, the results speak for themselves. First, you notice the quality. Then, you experience efficiency. Just as we did, you’ll find SILICON delivers beyond expectations.