Business Details
42 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Industrial Construction Specialists Since 1984
Western Refractory has been a leader in industrial construction since 1984, specializing in refractory solutions for petrochemical, smelting, power generation, and other heavy industries. Our team combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver complex projects and emergency outages nationwide. We prioritize safety as a core value, maintaining an exceptional safety record while executing projects with precision and efficiency. Our expertise spans boiler repairs, structural steel erection, fireproofing, and modular construction, supported by API-certified inspectors and NBIC R-Stamp welders. With over 20,000 completed projects, we emphasize quality craftsmanship, competitive pricing, and client satisfaction through tailored solutions.Our commitment to innovation includes remote-controlled demolition robotics and advanced refractory materials to minimize downtime for clients. As a family-owned business, we treat clients and employees as extended family, ensuring transparent communication and accountability throughout every project lifecycle. Our Salt Lake City precast facility enables rapid production of custom refractory components, enhancing project timelines. We provide 24/7 emergency response services nationwide, mobilizing teams within 24 hours to minimize operational disruptions. Continuous improvement drives our processes, from project management using Primavera software to detailed as-built documentation for long-term asset maintenance.
Services
Refractory Construction
Boiler Repairs
Fireproofing
Structural Steel Erection
Emergency Response
Precast Refractory
Pipeline Welding
Demolition Services
Pressure Vessel Repair
Concrete Foundations
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of specialized experience in industrial refractory construction
- 20,000+ successfully completed projects across multiple industries
- API 936 certified refractory inspection professionals on staff
- 24/7 emergency response available nationwide with 24-hour mobilization
- Industry-leading safety record with dedicated 'Safety First Initiative'
Associations and certifications
- API 936
- NBIC R-Stamp
What people say
20,000+ finished projects
35+ years experience
Excellent safety record
World class team
Emergency response
Services
Refractory Construction
Western Refractory's specialized construction services address high-temperature industrial applications requiring durable refractory materials. Our team installs castables, brickwork, and precast components in challenging environments like petrochemical plants and power generation facilities. With API-certified inspectors and advanced materials, we ensure structural integrity and thermal efficiency while minimizing maintenance cycles for clients.
Boiler Repairs
Our boiler repair specialists address refractory issues caused by extreme temperatures and mechanical stress. Using rapid assessment protocols and pre-engineered solutions, we restore operational capacity for industrial boilers. The team employs advanced castables and refractory coatings to extend equipment lifespan while maintaining OSHA compliance during critical maintenance periods.
Structural Steel Erection
Western Refractory's steel erection division handles complex structural projects from pipe support racks to complete building frameworks. With 30+ years of experience, our certified welders and riggers execute installations using modern modular techniques. This approach reduces on-site construction time while maintaining precise tolerances for industrial processing equipment.
Emergency Response
Our rapid response teams mobilize within 24 hours to address unplanned outages nationwide. Specialized crews equipped with remote-controlled demolition robots and mobile welding units restore operations at petrochemical plants and manufacturing facilities. This service includes temporary repairs and full system recommissioning to minimize revenue loss for clients.
Precast Refractory
The Salt Lake City precast facility produces custom refractory shapes including burner rings and tap-out blocks. With on-site drying ovens, we manufacture components to exact specifications while maintaining material integrity. This service reduces field installation time by up to 40% through precision manufacturing and quality-controlled curing processes.
People
Tom Gillis
CEO
Tom Gillis leads Western Refractory's culture of excellence, driving client-focused solutions through strategic vision and operational oversight. With decades of industry experience, he maintains the company's founding principles of safety, integrity, and technical innovation while expanding service capabilities to meet evolving market demands.
Questions
What industries does Western Refractory serve?
We specialize in petrochemical, power generation, cement production, smelting, and industrial manufacturing facilities requiring high-temperature construction solutions.
Do you handle emergency repairs?
Yes, our 24/7 emergency response teams mobilize within 24 hours nationwide for unplanned outages and critical repairs.
Are your welders certified?
Our welders hold ASME Section I, B31.1, B31.3, and R-Stamp certifications through the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
Can you handle large-scale projects?
With 20,000+ completed projects and modular construction capabilities, we execute complex assignments including multi-acre industrial facilities and process unit expansions.
What safety measures do you implement?
Our 'Safety First Initiative' includes API-certified inspectors, OSHA-compliant protocols, and proprietary risk assessment systems developed over 35 years of operations.
Do you offer design-build solutions?
Yes, our team provides turnkey design-build services integrating engineering, procurement, and construction management for complete project delivery.
