Dale DeSanto, our founder, developed a superior mineral blend for the EBT that is considered by many of America’s top steel mills to be one of the best in the industry. When the product performed beyond expectations, we achieved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Dale DeSanto understands the refractory and steel making business, because he has worked in the industry for over three and one half decades. After a commission in the United States Air Force followed by seven years at North American Aviation Company, Dale took his first position in the refractory business in 1967 working for Pryor Giggey Refractory Company. His position was in sales, calling on steel foundries and steel mills.

During that time, Electric Arc EBT furnaces were gaining popularity and were brought in from Europe. Olivine was used for the EBT, because it was inexpensive and readily available from Norway. There was only one problem; the Olivine didn’t always produce free openings.

Dale’s customers experienced this problem, so he sought a solution. Dale discovered that silica delivered the free openings his steel customers were seeking. But there was another problem; the silica could erode the well block. Dale went back to the drawing board and discovered that blending Olivine with the silica allowed for the free openings while not rapidly wearing out the well. His customers loved the product.

Since 1979 Dale has been modifying and perfecting refractory materials for the Electric Arc Furnaces. After holding several sales positions for four refractory companies from 1967-1989, Dale left his last position to work full-time on his own products and company, Kem-Bonds, Inc.

Dale’s integrity and vast experience of listening to his customers flow through the products he creates. KBI’s products are of the highest quality and perform consistently time after time. That is why many of America’s top producing steel mills rely on KBI’s EZ-POR products to keep their steel flowing. Read how it works.