In today’s News from Abroad installment, we highlight several major global developments — from strategic expansions to advanced furnace and CAB line upgrades — reflecting continued investment in greener steelmaking, more efficient thermal processing, and enhanced aluminum heat treating capabilities worldwide.
Heat Treat Today partners with two international publications to deliver the latest news, tech tips, and cutting-edge articles that will serve our audience — manufacturers with in-house heat treat. Furnaces International, a Quartz Business Media publication, primarily serves the English-speaking globe, and heat processing, a Vulkan-Verlag GmbH publication, serves mostly the European and Asian heat treat markets.
UK Pilot Furnace Accelerates Green Steel Innovation
“The seven-tonne furnace is the only research facility of its kind in the UK and plays a role in developing the technologies and processes that will enable the next generation of green steel production.”
“The upgraded EAF will provide a facility for developing, testing, and refining green steel technologies under realistic industrial conditions.”
“By bridging the gap between laboratory research and full-scale production, it will support the transition to scalable, sustainable, low-carbon steelmaking backed by existing secondary refining and casting capability to make almost any steel.”
Read more: “Materials Processing Institute set to start on furnace upgrade” at furnaces-international.com.
New Reheating Furnace Advances Steel Thermal Processing
“Rugui Squares & Special Profiles and Fives have commissioned a new walking hearth reheating furnace designed to significantly improve energy efficiency and product quality. The first hot billet was produced at Rugui Squares & Special Profiles’ plant in Azkoitia, Spain, on 27 November 2025.”
“The new furnace will replace its existing reheating furnace, which had operated for more than 40 years and could no longer meet evolving production and quality requirements. The company manufactures high-value billets for demanding applications, including shipbuilding, farming machinery, and construction, where consistently premium product quality is essential.”
Read more: “Fives’ high-efficiency reheating furnace” at furnaces-international.com.
Asia Expansion Marks Strategic Industry Growth
“AICHELIN UNITHERM manufactures all atmospheric furnace types of the Group in India, supplying customers from the automotive industry, bearing manufacturing, and contract heat treatment providers. In recent years, the company has steadily grown to become a market leader in India. The new facility supports the company’s ambitious strategic goals to consolidate its market leadership in India and continue increasing revenue. Furthermore, the development of new heat treatment segments — starting with aluminum heat treatment — will be advanced, and export activities will be strengthened.”
Read more: “Aichelin Group Drives Expansion in Asia: Groundbreaking for New Site in India, New Headquarters in China“ at heat processing.
Advanced CAB Line Upgrade Enhances Aluminum Heat Treating
“This is the second order from this partner, and the first to be executed directly by the SECO/WARWICK Group’s Chinese subsidiary. The new brazing line features a 1,600 mm wide belt and includes a preheating chamber, a radiant-heated brazing furnace, an air-cooled chamber, a final cooling chamber, and a control system.”
“’This is a very important project, not only due to the renewed trust from our Partner, but also because the new line will replace a solution that has been operating in this plant since 2005. The current investment is a step towards increasing production efficiency, improving energy efficiency, and implementing modern cooling solutions. It also proves that our equipment is durable, reliable and evolves with the needs of the electromobility market,’ says Piotr Skarbiński, vice president of the Aluminum and CAB Products Segment at SECO/WARWICK Group.”
Read more: “SECO/WARWICK selected again by Chinese Partner for Advanced CAB Line Upgrade” at heat processing.
