An East Coast manufacturer has purchased six new vacuum sintering furnaces to replace the 1980s-era sintering furnaces it has used for heat treating components.
SECO/VACUUM received the commission to transition the production line from nine 40-yr-old SECO/WARWICK sintering furnaces to the six Vector sintering vacuum furnaces with 2-bar gas cooling. The furnace hot zones will be 26″ wide, 30″ high, and 62″ deep (660 x 760 x 1575 mm), which are the same size as the retiring furnaces, allowing them to continue using their existing heat treat fixtures.
Sintering is a critical process used to fuse metals together without reaching melting temperature. It is generally used for fixing the strands of wire mesh in place, consolidating powder metals, or any application where the objective is fusing metals together while remaining below melting temperatures.
The press release is available in its original form here.
The Michigan expansion of a furnace manufacturer and heat treating company has advanced with the erection of the entire steel structure in one week. The new 20,000-sq-ft building for Solar Atmospheres of Michigan Inc. will not only house additional vacuum and air furnaces but will also serve as a new shipping and receiving space.
Solar Atmospheres, headquartered in Souderton, PA, relocated equipment to its Michigan facility in April, 2024, where the ten vacuum furnaces are fully operational. The expansion project, which began in July, 2024, will more than double the company’s current footprint in Chesterfield, MI, and is on track for completion by the end of 2024.
The press release is available in its original form here.
Follow the development of this story in the previous Heat TreatToday posts found here, here, and here.
Inductotherm Group, which provides thermal processing technologies, has announced a significant leadership transition as part of a planned succession strategy of the company. After 15 years as CEO and 38 years with the company, Gary Doyon has stepped down from his role as CEO, effective July 1, 2024, coinciding with Mick Nallen and Satyen Prabhu taking over as co‐leaders.
Although he is stepping down as CEO, Mr. Doyon will remain actively involved with the company. He will continue to serve as the only non family member on the parent company Board, assisting with specific operational needs of other businesses owned by the Rowan family and pursuing new business avenues and opportunities for the Inductotherm Group.
Gary Doyon retiring CEO Inductotherm Group
“We greatly appreciate and thank Gary Doyon for his exceptional leadership over the past 15 years,” said Virginia Rowan Smith, chairman of Inductotherm Group. “As we move forward with our succession plans, we are confident that the new leadership will continue to uphold the high standards and legacy that Gary has established.
“We are pleased to announce that Mick Nallen and Satyen Prabhu have been selected to be co‐leaders,” added Ms. Smith. “This management strategy fits perfectly with the fact that our business is large, growing fast, and becoming wider in product technologies around the world. Mick and Satyen have come up with strong business plans that meet our family’s goal of maintaining a stable, customer‐focused, and technology‐centric business. We have an exciting future ahead of us.”
The unique co-leadership arrangement of Mick Nallen and Satyen Prabhu is designed to leverage their complementary strengths and experiences. In their new roles, they will focus on thought leadership, market comprehension, and a deep understanding of the thermal processing industry’s various sectors. with a goal to preserve the core values and vision of the company’s founder, Henry Rowan.
Under Doyon’s tenure as CEO, Inductotherm Group, which offers advanced technology for the engineering, manufacturing and service of thermal processing equipment used in the melting, heating, heat treating, forging, galvanizing, coating, cutting and welding of metals, has diversified its product offerings. In addition, the company has expanded its global footprint, bringing together 40 companies with 38 manufacturing facilities located in 19 countries under the brands Inductotherm, Inductoheat, Thermatool, Radyne, Consarc, and others.
The press release is available in its original form here.
The SECO/WARWICK Group, the parent company of SECO/VACUUM Technologiesand SECO/WARWICK USA, has announced plans to bolster its production capacity in the U.S., increasing its footprint and workforce. The expansion will include relocating a portion of its manufacturing and a metallurgical lab for vacuum furnaces from its headquarters site in Poland to Crawford County, Pennsylvania.
The 120,000-sq ft facility located in Meadville, PA, will house equipment for furnace production and serve the company’s North American customers through the addition of parts, service, and training capacity, resulting in an increase in its heat treat manufacturing workforce. an international furnace manufacturer
SECO/WARWICK Group announced that this expansion received support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through a $2 million package of matching fund grants from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) through its Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The primary use and intent of RACP funds is for reimbursement of eligible construction costs which SECO/WARWICK Group companies will match on a 1:1 basis. The Commonwealth will also provide an additional $69 thousand in matching funds for job training through the Workforce & Economic Development Network (WEDnet).
Employees of SECO/VACUUM Technologies and SECO/WARWICK at the announcement of the Meadville, PA, site expansion, held jointly by The SECO/WARWICK Group and the Commonwealth of PA Department of Community and Economic Development Source: Heat Treat Today
State, county and local officials as well as representatives from the international and US-based offices of the SECO/WARWICK Group were present at an event marking the expansion.
“Governor Shapiro is committed to making Pennsylvania an economic leader by investing in the growth of businesses like SECO/VACUUM and SECO/WARWICK,” stated the Commonwealth in the grant award letter. “In addition to the financing package outlined above, the Governor’s Action Team is prepared to provide both companies with any assistance that may be required throughout the application process, as well as to coordinate the involvement of all other state agencies in the project.”
“We look forward to working with our local partners including the City of Meadville, the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County (EPACC), the Workforce and Economic Development Network (WEDnet), and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to make this expansion happen!” said Piotr Zawistowski, president and managing director of SECO/VACUUM.
Pictured in feature image (L to R): Don Marteeny, vice president of engineering; Slawomir Wozniak, president and CEO, SECO/WARWICK Group; Piotr Zawistowski, president and managing director of SECO VACUUM Technologies
The press release is available in its original form here.
Asimco Shuanghuan Piston Ring Co., Ltd. has added a third nitriding system to its heat treating operations, enhancing piston ring production capabilities to serve a range of applications, including the automotive, commercial vehicle, construction machinery, and marine sectors. The compact furnace system was installed in line with two identical systems acquired in 2018 and 2021.
Nitrex installed the latest nitriding system in June, 2024, and Asimco began production in July with a goal to increase its annual production capacity of 180 million pieces and over 4,800 different varieties and specifications. Nitrex’s NITREG®-S stainless steel nitriding technology improves wear resistance, corrosion resistance, fatigue strength, surface hardness, and dimensional stability of piston rings, while reducing friction. These improvements result in better sealing, lower oil consumption, and overall enhanced engine efficiency and durability.
Nikola Dzepina Nitrex Regional Manager – Asia Source: NITREX
“The addition of the NXK-812 furnace aligns with Asimco Shuanghuan’s objectives to boost production volume and ensure precision and reliability in high-volume manufacturing,” said Tao Liu, sales manager at Nitrex China.
“By incorporating an additional Nitrex system into their operations, Asimco enhances its ability to produce stainless-steel piston rings with superior performance, durability, and reliability. This advanced treatment makes their products exceptionally suited for high-demand engine applications,” said Nikola Dzepina, account executive at Nitrex.
The press release is available in its original form here.
A U.K.-based thermal processing service provider announced it has begun production at its facility in Greenville, SC, where it recently expanded its hot isostatic pressing (HIP) services. The site houses heat treating operations, EDM, and other capabilities to serve the aerospace, defense, power generation, medical, and general industries.
HIP Product Fabrication – metal part from powder metal Source: Bodycote
The additional HIP capacity at Bodycote‘s Greenville location was commissioned to service the development and processing of advanced materials for industries situated within the Southeastern U.S. as well as other Bodycote facilities in the supply chain. With HIP capacity now in full production, Bodycote is able to meet the rising demand for highly reliable additive manufacturing post-processing. The company has more than HIP vessels of varying sizes in multiple locations. Processing capability can accommodate components nominally up to 6.5ft in diameter by 12ft high, and weighing over 30,000kg.
The press release is available in its original form here.
Featured photo: HIP furnace being lowered into place
A melting and holding furnace with a preheat hearth and a maximum temperature rating of 1,450°F (788°C) has been shipped to a manufacturer to increase capacity for processing aluminum parts.
Lindberg/MPH announced the shipment of a gas-fired reverberatory aluminum melting and holding furnace with a total holding capacity of 85,000 lbs based on 155 lbs per cubic ft. of molten aluminum and a melt rate of 10,000 pounds per hour. A full width vertically rising air operated door provides access to load the preheat hearth and a full width cleanout door at the rear allows for unloading.
Kelley Shreve General Manager Lindberg/MPH Source: Lindberg/MPH
This melting furnace is designed with an elevated base and bottom mounted magnetic stirring mechanism. An air pressure pump well for dispensing molten aluminum provides the operator with greater ease of use and allows the unit to stand idle over long periods of time such as weekends without having a large temperature differential between the pumper and the furnace.
“This aluminum melting furnace design provides maximum melting efficiency and large capacity. The customer supplied magnetic stirring mechanism helps reduce damaging oxide growth,” said Kelley Shreve, general manager at Lindberg/MPH.
The press release is available in its original form here.
A Missouri-based furnace manufacturer for the foundry, die casting and metal forming industries recently announced plans to expand its footprint in the St. Louis area with a new facility. The $4M investment in O’Fallon, Missouri, will create 25 new jobs and result in the consolidation of operations located in two Missouri counties with room to grow.
“We’ve seen explosive growth over the past few years, which initiated an extensive search for a new location,” said Joe Slattery, president and COO of SINC Thermal. “Our new, consolidated facility in O’Fallon will allow us to successfully address the current needs of our customers and position us for future growth.”
Mike Parson Governor of Missouri Source: flickr
“It’s exciting to see yet another Missouri-made business like SINC Thermal thriving in the St. Louis region. We look forward to the company’s continued success in O’Fallon as it expands and strengthens the area’s vibrant manufacturing sector,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson.
Bill Hennessey Mayor O’Fallon, Missouri Source: www.ofallon.mo.us
For this expansion, SINC Thermal will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.
“We are thrilled that SINC Thermal has joined O’Fallon’s vast number of advanced manufacturers, and proud of the Select O’Fallon team’s work in making it happen,” said O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy. “I also wish to thank our county, regional, and state partners for their support of SINC Thermal and help in reaffirming O’Fallon as a place where businesses can succeed.”
SINC Thermal president and COO Joe Slatterly is a member ofHeat TreatToday‘s 40 Under 40 Class of 2020. Click here to learn more.
The press release is available in its original form here.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc, a major supplier of steel to the automotive industry with heat treat capabilities, has announced its acquisition of Stelco Holdings Inc, an integrated steelmaker with two operational sites in the province of Ontario. The $2.5B (USD) transaction will bring 1,800 workers into the Cleveland-based steelmaker’s current workforce of 18,000 employed across its facilities in the United States and Canada.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (Cliffs) recently released its definitive agreement to acquire Stelco Holdings Inc, increasing its steelmaking footprint and doubling the company’s exposure to the flat-rolled spot market, which includes raw materials, energy, and healthcare. Stelco adds capabilities that complement Cliffs’ existing operations, confirming the Cleveland-based steelmaker’s commitment and leadership in integrated steel production in North America.
Lourenco Goncalves Chairman, President and CEO Cleveland Cliffs
Stelco’s facilities consist of Lake Erie Works, a new integrated steelmaking facility in North America, and Hamilton Works, a downstream finishing and cokemaking facility, adding capabilities that complement Cliffs’ existing operations and product portfolio, while diversifying its market industries. Upon completion of the transaction, Cliffs shareholders will own approximately 95% and Stelco shareholders will own approximately 5% of the combined company, on a fully diluted basis.
“We did this deal the way it should be done, reaching a respectful agreement between the two parties that keeps national interests at the forefront and recognizes the importance of the workforce,” said Lourenco Goncalves, chairman, president and CEO of Cliffs. “The enterprise value of this transaction is significantly lower than the cost of building an equivalent replacement mill in the United States, and the cost structure is lower than what a new U.S. mill would provide us. Stelco is a company that respects the Union, treats their employees well, and leans into their cost advantages. With that, they are a perfect fit for Cleveland-Cliffs and our culture. We look forward to proving that our ownership of Stelco will be a net benefit for Canada, the province of Ontario, and the cities of Nanticoke and Hamilton.”
Alan Kestenbaum Executive Chairman & CEO Stelco Holdings
“I am proud of what we have accomplished over the past seven years, and the value we have generated,” said Alan Kestenbaum, executive chairman and CEO of Stelco. “Most importantly, we have revitalized Stelco and restored it to its iconic status in Canada. I know thac Cliffs will continue to build upon the excellent work and life environment we have created for all of our employees and continue to be a reliable supplier to our valued customers, while maintaining Stelco’s stature and reputation in Canada and maintaining our Canadian national interests. One of the important drivers for this transaction was receiving a meaningful portion of the consideration in Cliffs shares. I have strong belief and optimism in the North American steel market. I believe that Lourenco and his team have created a winning platform, and I intend to remain an investor in Cliffs for a long time to come as he and his team continue to build out their platform and business.”
Pictured in featured image: Lourenco Goncalves
The press release is available in its original form here.
The heat treating industry is under pressure to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), and the response has been a noble effort to attain sustainability. In two previous articles in this continuing series, guest columnist Michael Mouilleseaux, general manager at Erie Steel, Ltd., discussed the U.S. Department of Energy’s initiative related to the decarbonization of industry and its potential impact on the heat treating industry.
The endeavor to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), albeit noble in intent, begs the question: Why is the heat treating industry being asked to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions?
Some background:
The United States’ GHGE account for approximately 14% of the total worldwide emissions.
According to the U.S. DOE, U.S. industry accounts for approximately 23% of the total U.S. GHGE.
According to the U.S. DOE, “process heating” accounts for approximately 43% of the total GHGE generated by U.S. industry.
According to the U.S. DOE, heat treating accounts for approximately 2.8% of the GHGE they have attributed to process heating.
In sum, heat treating accounts for 0.3% of the total U.S. GHGE (23% x 43% x 2.8%), and 0.04% of the worldwide GHGE (14% x 23% x 43% x 2.8%).
Why is the Department of Energy imposing natural gas restrictions on an industry that they have calculated to be responsible for 0.3% of the country’s total emissions?
Second, this administration has spent something between several hundred billion and a trillion U.S. dollars to incentivize power, transportation, and industrial sectors in their effort to stem global warming. Years from now, we will look back at this as one of the greatest capital reallocations in our history. If we can accept that the “past is a prologue,” we have a storied history of government failures to determine the future of the agricultural, aircraft, and financial sectors. This is already happening in Western Europe: Power is substantially more expensive, and industrial output has dropped nearly 6% for the past two years — the European Investment bank attributes the reduction in industrial output to “elevated energy costs.”
Perhaps it’s time for us to take notice and slow down this effort until such a time that we have the technology in place to accomplish decarbonization without eviscerating our industrial, transportation, and power industries. A greatly overused term today is “existential threat” — but our livelihood, our national security, and our way of life are, in fact, on the line.
Attend the SUMMIT to find out more about the DOE’s actions for the heat treat industry.
On www.heattreattoday.com/factsheetDOE, you can utilize the one-page resource to let governmental officials know what our industry is, who we are, who we employ, and the effect this effort has in regulating us out of business.
I want to thank Surface Combustion, Gasbarre, and Super Systems Inc. for the guidance they provided me with in navigating the technology of this subject matter.
Any errors contained herein are mine and mine alone.
About the Author:
Michael Mouilleseaux General Manager at Erie Steel, Ltd. Sourced from the author
Michael Mouilleseaux is general manager at Erie Steel, Ltd. He has been at Erie Steel in Toledo, OH since 2006 with previous metallurgical experience at New Process Gear in Syracuse, NY, and as the director of Technology in Marketing at FPM Heat Treating LLC in Elk Grove, IL. Michael attended the stakeholder meetings at the May 2023 symposium hosted by the U.S. DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.
