EI Ceramics, in partnership with the City of Middletown, Pepper Construction, O'Rourke Wrecking, and Patriot Engineering & Environmental, broke ground on Jan. 24, 2025 on its $18 million renovation of the former Armco/AK Steel Research Facility on Curtis St.
EI Ceramics will be moving their operations in Sharonville and Fairfield to Middletown – all under one roof. The art deco-style building on Curtis St. in Middletown will be completely renovated to accommodate the manufacturing and operational needs of EI Ceramics.
The former Armco/AK Steel Research Building first opened in 1937. It was a critical piece in the operation and sustainability of the steel industry in Middletown – which took off with the founding of the American Rolling Mill Company (known as Armco) in 1899, who built the now-famous steel mill in Middletown. That mill is now operated by Cleveland-Cliffs.