Producer
Koppers Holdings Inc.
Largest provider of creosote-treated railroad crossties to North American Class I railroads (~35% market share); operates 9+ pressure treatment facilities nationally. Owns the creosote supply chain through KMG Chemicals acquisition — controls coal tar distillation (converting steel mill coal tar byproduct into creosote oil) AND the treatment plants that pressure-impregnate hardwood ties. Entered long-term coal tar supply agreements with ArcelorMittal USA (3 coke plants) through 2026 to stabilize creosote supply. Koppers is also a major supplier of carbon pitch and naphthalene for aluminum smelting anodes — the same coal tar chemistry that preserves railroad ties also enables aluminum smelting. As integrated steel mills (using coke ovens) decline and electric arc furnaces grow, Koppers faces a structural long-term coal tar supply contraction.
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Railroad Crossties (Creosote Treatment)
50%Carbon Materials (Aluminum Anodes)
25%Utility Poles
20%Carbon Black
5%
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Did you know2024
Koppers Holdings processes coal tar from coke ovens into two entirely unrelated products: (1) creosote oil — the carcinogenic wood preservative mandated for railroad ties; and (2) coal tar pitch and naphthalene — the binder used to make carbon anodes for aluminum smelting. Every aluminum can, automotive engine block, and aircraft fuselage contains aluminum produced using anodes made from the same coal tar that Koppers uses to preserve railroad ties. When ArcelorMittal's coke ovens produce coal tar, Koppers buys it and simultaneously supplies the US railroad maintenance-of-way market AND the global aluminum smelting industry. The supply chain for railroad track maintenance and the supply chain for aluminum production share the same carbon-chemistry feedstock, processed by the same Pittsburgh-based company.
Koppers Inc. ↗