The roots of Walter Coke can be traced back to 1882 when Sloss-Sheffield Steel and Iron Company first began producing pig iron in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1920, the company built two modern coke oven batteries, at the time considered state-of-the-art, to serve its own blast furnace needs as well as those of other customers. As Birmingham's steel industry grew, so did the need for blast furnace coke, which prompted the construction of three more batteries during the 1950s and production levels soared.

As American industry evolved in the ensuing years, so did Sloss Industries and its Coke Division. Today, as part of Walter Energy, Inc., Walter Coke is a highly efficient, technologically advanced operation serving a variety of customers in the blast furnace and foundry markets.

The operation now consists of three batteries with a total of 120 coke ovens which produce approximately 460,000 tons of coke each year. The oven equipment includes two complete sets of oven machines with enclosed cabs. A land-based pushing emissions control system serves to capture the emissions generated during a push, and a modern biological treatment facility treats the plant's wastewater.

Following a rigorous coal selection, handling, and blending process, which utilizes the most advanced equipment and processes, properly blended coals are transported to a top house for storage prior to being charged into the coke ovens. Once in the oven, the coal charge requires proper flue temperature control and rigid adherence to a prescribed pushing schedule.

Walter Coke uses the latest high-tech optical pyrometers to determine flue temperatures, and a combustion control system to adjust the temperatures as required. A highly experienced operating staff provides assurance of adherence to strict operating standards.