Vesuvius plc is a British engineered ceramics company headquartered in London whose products are used by steelmakers and foundries as well as in the glass and solar energy industries.

The company was founded by Isaac Cookson in 1704 as a collection of metal and glass businesses on Tyneside.

[4] Sir Robert Malpas was Chairman of the Group from 1991 to 1998, simultaneously serving as Co-Chairman of Eurotunnel from 1996 to 1998.

[6] In 2005 the Cookson Group chose to focus on high technology products and emerging markets.

[8][9] The Company's operations are formed into four activities: Steel Flow Control, Foundry Technologies, Advanced Refractories and Precious Metals Processing.