Purpose

People enjoy a romantic, open fire while being warmed by its flickering embers. Today more homes are constructed with a fireplace. Homeowners desire the ambiance, but not the inconvenience associated with traditional log burning fireplaces.

At SCI we recognized this situation and in 1990 became the first manufacturer in North America to vacuum form fireplace logs from refractory ceramic materials. This process revolutionized the gas fireplace industry, by transforming a decorative hearth component into an innovative heating appliance wanted by consumers.

Modest Beginnings

SCI was started modestly in 1990 by Ric Ludwig and Dick Wilk. They rented a small portion of an industrial plant in Ohio to develop their first ceramic Fiber logs using a lightweight, space age material. To this day, the founders cannot believe these first meager attempts revolutionized an industry.

SCI is constantly modernizing its plant to develop the product more quickly and efficiently. Currently the company can operate 50 tooling units in their forming area at once. SCI is the largest producer of ceramic Fiber log sets in North America. 

Customer Support

Hearth manufacturers from around the world come to SCI for assistance in producing aesthetically pleasing and cost effective hearth products. These companies provide the burners (or platform) along with the specifications. SCI then creates a log set prototype within these design parameters. This can be done in the Customer Development Laboratory with the combination of the customer's personnel and SCI's Development Team, or independently by SCI and submitted for input and approval to the customer.

Extensive experience, modern facilities, technological expertise and quality control culminate in SCI's dedication to our customers. SCI constantly supports the customer from conception of the project idea through production and distribution. The customer gains a wealth of experience and knowledge in the hearth industry that is supported by its: Customer Development Laboratory, Mold Making, Field Visits, and Established Performance Criteria.

SCI/OEM Working Partnership

SCI has a strict policy of working only with OEM customers. They value and respect the relationships they have developed with the OEMs in the industry and are committed to assisting in the success of their customers.

Improved Return on Investment

By using SCI products, the customer has a better Return On Investment. At SCI, making hearth products is our only business. As an SCI customer, you reap the benefits of the most advanced hearth products on the market. SCI is constantly researching new materials, designs and components to present customers with the latest developments. This translates into a better value and price points on the retail floor.