Refractory materials may only make up a small part of total costs in the metal industry, but the right selection can significantly impact production efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. According to Betker’s Sales Manager, Mikael Nivala, successful material selection requires close collaboration, transparency, and a holistic understanding of the process.
Collaboration and Openness Are Key
The best results in refractory material purchasing are achieved when the customer and supplier work closely together.
“The more openly the customer shares process details, challenges, and requirements, the more accurately we can select the right material.”
In addition to the buyer and supplier, it’s beneficial to include key operational staff, such as production managers and process engineers, to ensure the selected material supports practical needs.
Focus on the Big Picture, Not Just Price
While the lowest unit price may seem attractive, choosing the wrong material can lead to production downtime, increased workload, and even safety risks.
“The material might be slightly more expensive, but if it performs better and lasts longer in the process, the overall cost will ultimately be lower,” Nivala emphasises.
Five key selection criteria:
- Safety: what substances the material contains and how it behaves in use.
- Process compatibility: how the material can withstand thermal, mechanical and chemical stresses.
- Environmental impact: the material’s carbon footprint and recyclability.
- Full-service offering: what the supplier provides beyond the product — delivery reliability, short lead times, technical support, installation ease, and storage solutions.
- Price: in relation to long-term benefits and total cost of ownership.
Competition Drives Development
Mikael Nivala points out that competition is not only healthy but also necessary for development: “It’s a good idea to test new materials from time to time. Often, that’s when development really happens.”
He also encourages customers to challenge their suppliers. Demanding better solutions and maintaining open dialogue pushes everyone forward.
“For us at Betker, it is a signal that the customer has ambition to develop their operations, and that motivates us to keep getting better,” Nivala says.
Betker’s Comprehensive Customer Support
Betker does not only offer refractory materials but also a comprehensive service that covers the entire life cycle of a product, from selection and installation to continuous improvement. For customers, this means reliability, predictability, and efficiency.
On-Site Technical Support
Betker’s experts regularly visit customers’ production facilities to monitor material behavior and gather user experiences. This enables continuous development, quick reaction to problems and even more precise material selection in the future.
Fast and Flexible Deliveries
With the fastest delivery times in the Nordics, the customer can reduce inventory levels and capital employed. If necessary, Betker also offers silo solutions where the need to fill materials is automatically identified and replenishment is handled effortlessly.
Installation Matters
The right material alone is not enough if the installation is slow or complicated. That is why Betker takes the installation method into account already in the development phase of the material. For example, self-flowing masses or the right kind of structures speed up installation.
Sustainable Solutions and Recycling
Betker also invests in environmentally sustainable solutions. More than 25 % of the raw materials used are recycled, and the customer can be offered the opportunity to recycle their own materials back into production. This reduces the carbon footprint and supports sustainable goals.
Working with Betker means more than just material delivery — it’s a long-term partnership built on technical excellence, financial efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
– let’s find the best solution together.
