Koch Knight, LLC, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of ceramic mass transfer and acid proof equipment, is marking its 100th anniversary this month. “Today, our corrosion-proof products, many with their roots in 1910, are used throughout the chemical industry,” said Michael R. Graeff, president of Koch Knight. “We are excited about reaching this milestone and are dedicated to continuing to grow our business and developing new customer relationships. Koch Knight has sold products in 40-plus countries and has booked our largest order in history in 2010.”In the early 1900s, the Maurice A. Knight Company began producing KNIGHT-WAREr Ceramic in Akron, Ohio.
“Until Mr. Knight bought a local pottery and began producing ceramics, the only place the American chemical industry could find chemical ceramics that would meet their needs was in Europe,” Graeff said. “The Knight-Ware product was made with vitreous ceramic, which did not depend upon a glaze for acid resistance, and had the strength to be formed into large pieces.”
Assets of the Maurice A. Knight Company were acquired by subsidiaries of Koch Industries, Inc. in 1981.
“Koch Knight has been an important part of the North East Ohio business community for the past 100 years,” said Dennis P. Saunier, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud that the company calls Canton, Ohio, home and congratulates the entire workforce on their success. The company’s longevity is a testament to the outstanding workforce, the quality of its products and superb customer service. ”
Koch Knight markets ceramic products as well as industry-leading components for wastewater treatment plants and thermal oxidation systems, including selling into the hydrometallurgical business. Customers include those in the mining, chemical processing and environmental industries.
“Our customers include those who are working to improve their own environmental performance,” Graeff said. “Koch Knight products allow plants to burn volatile organic chemicals at the end of their processes to reduce emissions.”
“Koch Knight has expanded its local operations over the past decade to include additional manufacturing capacity and capability in East Canton,” Graeff said.
In addition to the 72-person local workforce, Koch Knight has sales offices in Australia and Brazil. The company also has a fabrication shop in Baytown, Texas.
Employees and invited guests will celebrate the centennial of Knight-Ware this week.