Technical Paper
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DSF REFRACTORIES & MINERALS 1892-2017, 125 YEARS OF INNOVATION
Contributing authors:- Mr Neale Parkin Managing Director, Mr Trevor Wilson Area Sales Manager, Mr Paul Hutchinson Sales & Marketing Director
Compiled by:- Mr Chris Windle Technical Director Introduction
DSF (Derbyshire Silica Fireclay) was established in 1892 by John West to manufacture town gas retort shapes from locally sourced silica and siliceous sands. Eighteen years prior to this in 1874, John West had established the West Gas Improvement Company and chose the Friden location in what is now the heart of the Peak National Park to take advantage of the local silica deposits and the High Peak Railway which ran adjacent to the site.
Over the decades DSF has evolved to meet market demands and ensure a thriving viable business; a characteristic which distinguishes the company as one of the few successful refractory manufacturers in the UK today.
The ability to change and react to market conditions is amply illustrated by the DSF customer base. In the 50’s approximately 70% of turnover went to town gas applications; by 1967 this accounted for only 5%. By 1977 supply to steel industry had risen to 70% of turnover and this was maintained until the decline of the steel industry in the 80’s.
In 1986 a change of ownership (BHF group) heralded a new era of both product development and investment; specifically refractories for the glass industry and the addition of a modern mineral processing plant which not only supplied the requirements of refractory manufacture but also provided much needed capacity for the fledgling processed mineral sales to grow and which now accounts for 35% of turnover.
A management buyout in 2003 triggered a dynamic period of investment and growth with supply of refractories to the glass industry now accounting for 85% of refractory turnover.
The story of DSF is one of change; adapting to market demands; thriving and growing; a considerable accomplishment for an independent company in a very rural location.
The Past
Established in 1892 by John West; the factory buildings for the Derbyshire Silica
Firebrick Company were actually (BB=building brick) manufactured on site. constructed from DSF BB
Why John West chose Friden is described in a story that he was walking in the area and with devine providence just happened to push his walking stick into material which looked interesting and promptly identified it as suitable for refractory manufacture. The less interesting but probable account is that a geological survey was available; material identified; tests conducted and naturally the proximity of the High Peak Railway.
Figure 1: Friden site during construction 20
Figure 2: Friden sand pit 1920’s) ENGINEER THE REFRACTORIES September 2017 Issue
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