Acquisitions & Growth
Hennepin, Illinois
In 2001 Washington Mills acquired Exolon-ESK Company, which had produced abrasives products since its founding in 1914. Exolon-ESK operated a silicon carbide furnace plant in Hennepin, Illinois and a silicon carbide processing plant in Tonawanda, New York. Today the Hennepin plant remains as the only manufacturer of silicon carbide crude in North America.
Washington Mills AS
As a part of its acquisition of Exolon-ESK, Washington Mills acquired Exolon-ESK’s 50% interest in Exolon-ESK’s Norwegian silicon carbide subsidiary, now known as Washington Mills AS. Washington Mills AS began silicon carbide operations in Orkanger, Norway in 1962 where it continues to operate to this day. In 2004 Washington Mills purchased the remaining 50% interest in Washington Mills AS, thus making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of Washington Mills.
Silicon Carbide Manufacturing
Masterful manufacturing of high-quality silicon carbide grains and powders