A Family-Owned Global Refractory Supplier
For more than 35 years, McKeown International has worked as a global refractory supplier and technical resource for the steel, iron, foundry, aluminum, glass, cement, and lime industries. We're still family-owned, and we're still run on the promise our founder made at the start.
From Steel Industry Roots to a Worldwide Network
McKeown International was founded by Patrick McKeown, whose career in the steel industry now spans more than 45 years. What began as a U.S. business built on his technical knowledge and industry relationships has grown into a supplier serving customers across North America, South America, Europe, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa.
The company is wholly owned by the McKeown family as part of the McKeown Group of companies, and Patrick McKeown remains closely involved in its leadership. Some of our product lines and customer relationships go back more than 40 years.
Founded
Patrick McKeown starts McKeown International in the United States. [Founding year to be confirmed]
1989
First supplier quality program trains refractory manufacturers in statistical process control.
Today
Offices in Princeton, Illinois and Austin, Texas coordinate manufacturing and joint-venture partners across partners across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
A Merchandising and Technical-Resource Company
We don't run our own manufacturing plants, and we don't need to. Our value is industry knowledge: we understand your process well enough to identify the real requirement, recommend the right solution, and source it through manufacturing partners whose technical capabilities fit the job. That independence lets us put the right product in front of you instead of the one a single factory happens to make.
Our Mission
"We will honor, to the full satisfaction of the client, every commitment made in respect to the products we supply, services we offer, in the market sectors we serve."
That standard shapes every decision we make. We would rather commit to less and deliver all of it than promise more and fall short.
Portrait to come
Patrick McKeown, awaiting client photo
A Letter From Patrick McKeown
Having worked in the steel industry for over 45 years, I realize the best way to build confidence and a lasting relationship with a client is to make a commitment and then to honor that commitment.
McKeown International prides itself on accepting a challenge and meeting it with a successful and cost-effective solution.
We look forward to your challenge!
Patrick McKeown, Founder and President
What Customers Can Expect From Us
Expect us to take the time to understand your operation before we recommend anything. Expect a recommendation based on what fits your process, not on what's in stock, and pricing that accounts for the total cost of ownership. Above all, expect us to follow through. Integrity, quality, and technical problem-solving are how McKeown has built customer relationships that last for decades.
Work With a Partner Who Follows Through
Tell us what you're trying to solve. We'll tell you honestly what we can do and when.