SC HELIOS SA Astileu, originates from the factory "Hephaistos", founded in 1885, producing lime, red bricks and tiles.

In 1948, the factory goes in the state property, beginning manufacture of refractory bricks using clay from near area, drawn by their own means. Bricks were burned with two Hoffman kilns using inferior coal as fuel.

In 1958 are built the gas producers to produce gas, used for refractory bricks burning, replacing the coal. The Hoffman kilns, were properly adapted.

In 1963 are made upgrading works for the crushing lines - mixture preparation.

In 1969-1970 period is made a chamotte department, equipped with two rotary kilns, the department of bricks is improved and modernized by making crushed mixture, added four mechanical presses, a hydraulic press and builded a tunnel kiln.

In 1973 it diversified production structure through assimilation in manufacturing of insulating plates for ingot molds, on Hoffman II kiln.

In 1980 the factory assimilates in manufacturing the permeable silica plates for lining the dispensers from continuous casting of steel, and during 1980-1982 was developed and put into operation a new insulating plate manufacturing department.

In 1983 Hoffman no. 1 kiln is replaced with a tunnel kiln for burning refractory bricks and is put in operation the manufacturing department of coated sand and permeable silica plates.

In 1987-1988 period is put in operation the tunnel kiln no.3 and the department for manufacture of acid-proof materials.

After 1989, due to socio-economic conditions from the country, the company tries to reshape itself and to maintain the same level of production from the past.

In 1992-1993 period the burning is changed from gas to liquid fuel, heavy fuel oil, leading to cancellation of gas-producing.

In 1993 are assimilated in production the filled bricks for constructions by semi-dry process and the ceramic blocks, which due to market demand have a significant share among company products.

Since 1998 the company is privatized; the new management implement medium and long term growth strategies, based on production diversification, low manufacturing costs, entry into foreign markets - according to applicable principles of market economy.