Initially established in 1917 at the Mellon Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Center was run by The Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio, from 1965 to 1990. The Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation assumed responsibility for the Refractory Research Center (RRC) in 1990.

Orton's testing staff includes technicians with strong education and experience for research and testing. With over 20 years of experience in research and testing of ceramic and refractory materials, , manages the Center's activities.

Joe Atria	Lab Manager
Ken Kovach	Senior Ceramic Technician
Greg Williams	Ceramic Technician
Jim Baldwin	Electronics Technician
Sergio Medina	Computer Technician
Brian Rayner	Materials Engineer
Larry Ulrey	Ceramic Technician
Iris Ailin-Pyzik	Compliance Coordinator