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Each year, the 40 Under 40 initiative at Heat Treat Todayrecognizes 40 rising young leaders (ages 40 and younger) in heat treat who are going above and beyond in the industry.
To learn more about what makes someone a quality candidate for this honor, read below to hear from the individuals themselves — alumni of Heat Treat Today’s40 Under 40 — as they share personal updates and industry insights.
Click this link to nominate yourself, or someone you know, by June 26, 2026.
Olivia Ivone Pánuco Valdés
Since being recognized as a 2024 Heat Treat Today40 Under 40 honoree, Olivia Ivone Pánuco Valdés has expanded her role at General Motors from day-to-day metallurgical support into broader process validation, capacity analysis, and manufacturing strategy. Today, as senior process engineer for gears and shafts in metallurgy, she supports heat treatment validation, material quality, and supplier technical reviews for automotive components.
As her responsibilities have grown, so has the importance of collaboration. While technical expertise remains central to her work, Pánuco Valdés says some of her greatest professional growth has come from learning how to influence decisions across teams and organizations. “Technical expertise creates real impact only when it is combined with collaboration and clear communication,” she notes. She has found that even the best technical solutions only deliver results when suppliers, plant personnel, and business stakeholders are aligned behind a common objective. That mindset has also shaped her work as CQI-9 leader in Mexico, where she focuses on distortion control, recipe development, and scrap reduction initiatives.
One project challenge that stands out involved coordinating multiple teams while improving heat treatment processes and addressing quality concerns. Manufacturing decisions, she notes, rarely happen in isolation and often require balancing metallurgical requirements, production realities, supplier capabilities, and business priorities simultaneously. Staying close to the process, relying on data, and maintaining communication with plant teams and suppliers proved critical to moving those efforts forward.
For young professionals considering a career in heat treating, Pánuco encourages staying curious and spending time on the shop floor to understand how materials behave during processing. As the industry becomes increasingly tied to quality, productivity, and sustainability initiatives, she believes future heat treat leaders will need to pair strong metallurgical knowledge with data analysis, continuous improvement, and cross-functional problem-solving skills.
Sergio Gallegos Cantú
Recognized as one of Heat Treat Today’s 40 Under 40 honoree in 2025, Sergio Gallegos Cantú continues to advance heat treat innovation at Quaker Houghton through research, testing, and simulation. As senior metallurgist for the company’s Global Heat Treatment R&D Center of Innovation, he develops and evaluates quenchants while leading metallography and modeling efforts that support heat treatment applications.
The 40 Under 40 recognition brought increased visibility both within Quaker Houghton and across the industry, opening the door to more complex technical projects. “Projects and client needs often present inherent challenges, and I always aim to find a viable and practical solution to achieve the objectives,” Gallegos Cantú says. “These experiences help me grow, enabling us to deliver better solutions.”
One example involved designing a laboratory-scale quenching system capable of replicating a client’s large-scale process. After months of refinement, the team successfully validated the quenchant in the lab, and subsequent production-scale testing closely matched the experimental results — a milestone that demonstrated the value of combining research with practical application.
Gallegos Cantú encourages early-career professionals to embrace curiosity, remain persistence, and view mistakes as learning opportunities. Looking ahead, he expects the next generation of heat treaters to pair traditional metallurgical knowledge with digital tools such as simulation, data management, and artificial intelligence while adapting to emerging manufacturing technologies and energy-transition initiatives.
Eric Roth
Since becoming a Heat Treat Today40 Under 40 Class of 2025 honoree, Eric Roth has stepped into a new position as a metallurgical engineer at a steel and iron foundry, where he focuses on heat treatment quality control and product failure analysis.
The transition has reinforced a lesson he considers essential to long-term success: the importance of strong leadership and effective management. Roth says that understanding how people, processes, and business objectives intersect become increasingly valuable as he takes on greater responsibility for product quality and process performance.
Recently, he faced the challenge of adjusting heat treat cycles to meet tighter Brinell hardness requirements for a client application. The effort required him to deepen his understanding of continuous cooling transformation (CCT) and time-temperature-transformation (TTT) curves while producing a pearlitic microstructure — a notable departure from the tempered martensitic structures he had worked with previously.
One principle continues to guide his approach to the profession: safeguarding quality and protecting the reputation that earns client trust. “Your company’s reputation is priceless,” Roth says. “A few scrapped castings is worth scores more than damage to your reputation, leading to loss of goodwill and eventually of business and revenue.”
As experienced metallurgists and heat treaters retire, he encourages younger professionals to seek out mentorship opportunities and absorb as much knowledge as possible from those who have spent decades in the field.
Heat Treat Today’s 40 Under 40 Authors
Check out some of the technical content that 40 Under 40 alumni have published with Heat Treat Todayover the years:
Heat TreatToday offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 20 news items, including Solar Atmospheres’ addition of new vacuum heat treating and titanium processing capacity, Airtech Advanced Materials Group’s partnership with Evergreen Additive Manufacturing, Aalberts surface technologies’ Nadcap accreditation for coatings and thermal spray processes, and more!
Equipment
1. ITP Co. Ltd. has installed a new hot isostatic pressing (HIP) system supplied by Quintus Technologies to strengthen production capabilities for precious metal equipment used in glass manufacturing, supporting improved densification, product consistency, and manufacturing efficiency for precious metals.
2. New strip casting systems for rare-earth magnet manufacturing, supplied by Retech, are expected to support thermal processing operations tied to neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnet production in the U.S., serving industries including energy, electronics, automotive, and defense. The systems are designed for vacuum metallurgy applications involving high-temperature melting and casting processes used in advanced materials manufacturing.
3. Created by Metacarpal, the GEM prosthetic hand uses a fully mechanical design to deliver durability and functionality without batteries, sensors, or electronics. The device showcases how precision machining, Aluminum 7075, and surface engineering contribute to lightweight, wear-resistant systems, highlighting the rolse of materials and thermal processing technologies in advancing prosthetic performance while improving reliability for users in demanding environments.
4. IperionX has commissioned a 300-ton, six-axis SACMI powder metallurgy press to expand U.S. titanium component manufacturing capacity, supporting the production of near-net-shape parts for defense, aerospace, and industrial applications. The technology forms titanium preforms that can be sintered and forged into finished components, increasing production flexibility and supporting high-volume manufacturing pathways.
5. Solar Atmospheres has expanded its vacuum heat treating and titanium processing capabilities with the commissioning of a new vacuum furnace designed for hydriding and dehydriding (HDH) of titanium as well as a range of thermal processing applications. The addition is expected to increase capacity for titanium processing and vacuum heat treating operations, including annealing, stress relieving, solution treating, and aging.
6. Rio Tinto has begun commissioning a major expansion of its AP60 aluminum smelter technology in Quebec, increasing primary aluminum production capacity and supporting North American supply for transportation, construction, electrical, and consumer goods markets. The project centers on aluminum smelting, a high-temperature thermal processing operation that converts alumina into primary aluminum through electrolytic reduction.
7. Wall Colmonoy has expanded its vacuum brazing capacity with the addition of two new TITAN H6 vacuum furnace supplied by Ipsen to support the production of aerospace and defense components. The investment is expected to increase capacity for vacuum brazing and vacuum heat treating operations involving stainless steel and nickel-alloy heat exchanger cores and other high-temperature assemblies.
8. Isostatic Toll Services (ITS) has opened a new hot isostatic pressing (HIP) facility in Ohio, expanding certified thermal processing capacity for aerospace, defense, additive manufacturing, and advanced industrial applications. The new operation adds HIP systems, manufactured by American Isostatic Presses, Inc. (AIP), to the company’s global network, supporting clients with additional capacity, scheduling flexibility, and supply-chain resilience.
9. Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) has commissioned SMS group to modernize automation systems at its Butler, Indiana, hot strip mill through a controls upgrade that supports rolling operations and associated thermal processing functions within the facility. By updating the automation architecture that supports rolling and temperature-controlled manufacturing operations throughout the mill, the project is expected to help maintain stable production and support future operational requirements.
10. METEX Heat Treating Ltd. has expanded its ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited metallurgical laboratory capabilities by adding Tensile Testing (ASTM E8/E8M).
11. SSAB has awarded SMS group a contract to build a gas atomization plant at its Oxelösund, Sweden, site, enabling industrial-scale production of high-strength steel powders for additive manufacturing applications. The facility will use advanced melting, atomization, and powder-handling technologies to produce high-purity, spherical metal powders for 3D printing, helping meet growing demand across defense, industrial, and mobility sectors.
12. TZCO Chain Manufacturing has granted final acceptance to SMS group for a fully automatic MP 3150 closed-die forging press at its new facility in Jinzhong, China. It is designed to produce excavator track links at high volumes while reducing material waste, machining requirements, and production costs through advanced forging and automation technologies.
The QIH 286 URC® press for ITPStrip casting system supplied by Retech, a division of SECO/WARWICK GroupA fully mechanical GEM prosthetic hand from Metacarpal
SACMI powder press at IperionX’s titanium manufacturing campus in VirginiaSolar Atmospheres’ 12-foot furnaceRio Tinto’s AP60 smelter in Saguenay — Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec CanadaTITAN vacuum furnace at Wall ColmonoyThe shop floor at the ITS-Ohio facility in Mount Vernon, OhioThe first coil production with the modernized process automation scheduled for late 2026Tensile testing at METEXThe forthcoming gas atomization plant at SSAB’s Sweden siteThe new fully automatic MP 3150 eccentric closed-die forging press at TZCO’s new forging shop in Jinzhong, China
Company & Personnel
13. Airtech Advanced Materials Group and Evergreen Additive Manufacturing have entered into an exclusive partnership to expand large-format additive manufacturing solutions for maritime applications. By combining Airtech’s advanced materials portfolio with Evergreen’s manufacturing expertise, the collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of large-scale 3D-printed tooling and components, supporting more efficient and flexible production across the maritime industry.
14. Solar Atmospheres of Western PA marked a major milestone with a 25th anniversary event that brought together employees, clients, partners, and community members for a day of reflection, connection, and looking ahead.
15. Ipsen announced the launch of its newest regional service hub, strategically located to support clients throughout Alabama and Georgia. Officially launched in June 2026, the new hub provides regional clients with a single point of contact for routine maintenance, preventative service, and technical support.
16. SECO/WARWICK marked its 35th anniversary, highlighting the company’s evolution from a Polish-American partnership founded in 1991 into a global supplier of heat treatment and vacuum metallurgy technologies.
17. Hubbard-Hall has appointed Stephen Boyd as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), bringing extensive financial and manufacturing experience to the company’s executive team.
Airtech and Evergreen maritime AM partnershipSolar Atmospheres’s 25th anniversary celebrationLocal support for clients throughout Alabama and Georgia
SECO/WARWICK’s 35th anniversaryStephen Boyd, the newly appointed CFO at Hubbard-Hall
Kudos
18. Aalberts surface technologies has achieved Nadcap accreditation for coatings and thermal spray processes at its Kalisz, Poland, facility. The milestone strengthens the company’s position in aerospace surface engineering and supports manufacturers that rely on high-performance thermal spray coatings and heat treatment technologies for critical components.
19. Norsk Titanium’s Plattsburgh, New York facility has earned Nadcap accreditation for additive manufacturing.
20. Aalberts surface technologies’ Wadsworth team continued their 24-month merit on the Nadcap certificate, achieving zero findings on both the heat treating and quality management system audit.
Nadcap accredited Kalisz facilityWadsworth team continuing their 24-month Nadcap merit
In today’s News from Abroadinstallment, we highlight several major global developments — from a new integrated steel complex in Vietnam and specialty steel production growth in Sweden to aluminum smelter upgrades in Norway and the startup of a high-capacity steel production line in China — reflecting continued efforts to expand output, improve efficiency, and strengthen industrial supply chains through advanced thermal and metallurgical processing technologies.
Heat TreatTodaypartners 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.
Steelmaking Partnership Expands Production Capabilities
VinMetal partners with Primetals Technologies for two new production lines in Vietnam. | Image Credit: Primetals Technologies
“VinMetal, the steel manufacturing arm of Vingroup, has partnered with Primetals Technologies to create a large integrated steel complex in Ha Tinh, Vietnam.”
“Primetals will serve as the technology integrator and execute a pre-engineering package for the full scope of equipment, enabling early preparations for civil work.”
Alcoa invests in its Mosjøen aluminum smelter. | Image Credit: Alcoa Norway
“Alcoa Corporation will invest $65 million at its Mosjøen smelter, Norway. It plans to expand foundry production capabilities to include recycled content in the casting process at the facility.”
“The investment will expand and upgrade the Mosjøen casthouse, to increase production capacity by up to 75,000 metric tons.”
New Quenching Line Supports Specialty Steel Growth
SSAB is expanding production capacity for specialty steel. | Image Credit: Adobe Stock / flashmovie
“SSAB has decided to invest in a new quenching and tempering (Q&T) plant in Oxelösund, which will be crucial for growth in advanced wear and protection steels such as Hardox 500Tuf and Armox.”
“‘This new quenching plant will initially increase capacity by approximately 100,000 tons, enabling us to meet the most demanding [client] requirements,’ says Per Elfgren, head of SSAB Special Steels.”
The Primetals Technologies team celebrates the first coil at Zhangshou Special Steel’s Arvedi ESP line. | Image Credit: Primetals Technologies
“On May 13, after just five days from the first cast, the first coil was successfully produced at the new Arvedi ESP (endless strip production) plant from Primetals Technologies at Zhongshou Special Steel’s facilities in Luanzhou, Hebei Province, China.”
“With its 130-millimeter-thick caster, four roughing stands, and five finishing stands, it represents the most powerful and productive Arvedi ESP line installed to date in China. The plant is designed to cover a wide mix of grades ranging from low-carbon to high-strength low-alloy steels.”
Heat TreatToday offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 20 news items, including Advanced Heat Treat Corp.’s Iowa expansion to grow carburizing and hardening capacity, Allied Graphite’s collaboration with Harper International and ONEJOON Gmbh to scale vertical furnace technology for battery-grade graphite production, Vac Aero International’s AS9100 certification achievement at its Greenville facility, and more!
Equipment
1. Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT), a global provider of commercial heat treat services and metallurgical solutions, is expanding its Waterloo, Iowa, facility to increase capacity for carburizing, through hardening, normalizing, and other heat treatment processes. The 18,000 sq. ft. project broke ground on April 6 and is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
2. Treatnorte, a commercial heat treat company, will add a new vacuum furnace supplied by SECO/WARWICK to support vacuum heat treatment of tool steel, improving process control and consistency for components used in manufacturing applications.
3. RTX’sPratt & Whitney, a North American aerospace manufacturer headquartered in East Hartford, Connecticut, is investing $100 million to expand production capacity through advanced manufacturing processes, including heat treatment of forged engine components, to support increased output of commercial and military aircraft engines. The expansion is expected to strengthen supply for aerospace programs and improve throughput of critical engine parts used across global aviation fleets.
4. A U.S. national laboratory has selected a plasma gas atomization (PGA) system supplied by Retech, a division of SECO/WARWICK Group in support of a critical materials initiative. The pilot-scale program will enable advanced powder development for next-generation materials used in high-performance manufacturing and emerging technologies.
5. Wallwork Group is doubling its hot isostatic pressing (HIP) capacity with the installation of a second HIP system supplied by Quintus Technologies to support improved component integrity and performance for aerospace applications.
6. Andis Company, a U.S.-based manufacturer of grooming tools, has completed a controls upgrade on a vacuum heat treat furnace used for hardening components. With support from ECM USA, the upgrade supports continued operation of a system critical to its production.
7. A U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer is expanding its heat treat capabilities for bearing components with the addition of vacuum heat treatment furnace supplied by SECO/WARWICK. The Vector vacuum furnace is equipped with a 15-bar absolute high-pressure gas quenching system that has been customized to meet the client’s requirements by integrating the low-pressure carburizing (LPC) option. The move supports increasing production capacity, process quality, and operational flexibility.
8. HYUNDAI-POSCO Louisiana Steel has selected SMS group to supply rolling mill technology for a new steel plant in Louisiana set to begin operations in 2029. The multi-billion-dollar project will produce high-quality automotive steel using advanced hot and cold rolling processes, supporting domestic supply for U.S. automakers and strengthening North American steel manufacturing capacity.
9. Gazi Metal has awarded Pomini Tenova a contract to supply a foundation-free roll grinding machine to expand roll shop capacity at its Karasu facility in Türkiye. The equipment is designed to improve precision, increase throughput, and streamline installation, supporting higher production efficiency for cold-rolled steel operations.
Groundbreaking at AHT’s Iowa facilityVacuum furnace for tool steel heat treatmentPratt & Whitney’s $100 million expansion in Poland
Advanced powder development for next-generation materialsHot isostatic pressing (HIP) capacity expansion at WallworkControls upgrade at Andis CompanyVacuum heat treatment furnace supplied by SECO/WARWICK for U.S. aerospace manufacturerSMS Group and Hyundai Steel delegation at the SMS Campus in GermanyRoll shop capacity expansion at Gazi Metal’s Karasu facility
Company & Personnel
10. Allied Graphite is working with Harper International and ONEJOON GmbH to scale vertical furnace technology for battery-grade graphite production. Led by CEO Andy Goshe, this partnership to develop, validate, and provide engineering data for vertical furnace solutions will support the company’s progress toward commercial-scale production.
11. Velontra, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based startup, partnered with Innovative 3D Manufacturing, a rapid prototyping company in Franklin, Indiana, to produce propulsion system components using laser power bed fusion (L-PBF) technology from Renishaw. The approach enables rapid prototyping while addressing material use, dimensional tolerances, and cost constraints.
12. Signature Vacuum Systems, a small manufacturer of vacuum furnace equipment, recently implemented an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), placing partial ownership of the company into a trust that benefits its employees. The transition reflects a growing interest among small- to mid-sized manufacturing companies in alternatives to traditional ownership succession — particularly as many in the industry face workforce turnover and the challenge of preserving decades of accumulated knowledge.
13. Bluewater Thermal Solutions promotes David Farnham to CFO, effective April 27, 2026. In this role, David will oversee all aspects of finance, accounting, planning and analysis, and financial strategy, partnering closely with operations and executive leadership to drive long-term, sustainable growth.
14. Phoenix Heat Treating has added a third Pratt & Whitney-certified LCS representative to expand its ability to certify aerospace hardware in-house and support aluminum solution heat treating work. The move is expected to improve lead times and strengthen process control for aerospace manufacturers and machine shops supplying Pratt & Whitney programs.
15. The Precision Metalforming Association has appointed Mark Getsay as managing director as part of a broader leadership restructuring aimed at strengthening member engagement and supporting growth across the North American metalforming industry. The transition also includes the promotion of Katlyn Stratis to executive director of member services and the creation of a new membership leadership role, reinforcing support for manufacturers and suppliers serving precision metalforming and related manufacturing sectors.
16. AICHELIN Americas has appointed Wm. Wright & Associates as a regional representative to support its portfolio of thermal processing equipment, technologies, and services across North America. The partnership expands access to brands like AFC-Holcroft, Nitrex, and UPC-Marathon, aiming to improve local support, streamline service, and strengthen lifecycle solutions for manufacturers.
17. ABB AB Sweden and SMS group GmbH have agreed to work in partnership to jointly market and further develop FC Mold X (Flow Control Mold X), and electromagnetic flow-control system for thin and medium slab continuous casting.
18. Skuld LLC is leading a project in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Rubble to Rockets (R2R) program to develop methods for converting scrap metal into usable components through advanced manufacturing approaches. Skuld contributes research in alloy characterization, casting evaluations, and AI-supported design methodologies. It is collaborating with partners including Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Foundry Casting Systems, MatMicronia LLC, and other research partners working across materials science, AI/machine learning, and advanced manufacturing.
Vertical furnace technology for battery-grade graphite productionAdditively manufactured afterburner casing for the hypersonic propulsion systemSignature Vacuum System co-founders Tim Horning (left) and Greg Kimble (right)
David Farnham, newly promoted CFO of Bluewater Thermal SolutionsMark Getsay, newly appointed managing director at Precision Metalforming AssociationAAB AB Sweden and SMS group leadership working together
Kudos
19. Vac Aero International‘s Greenville, South Carolina facility has achieved AS9100 certification.
20. Hindalco-Almex Aerospace Limited has secured the NADCAP certification for the Non-Destructive Testing (UT) process which is a hallmark of aerospace quality.
The Greenville Vac Aero team posing with its AS9100 certificationHindalco-Almex Aerospace Limited’s NADCAP certification
Welcome toHeat Treat Today’sThis Week in Heat TreatSocial Media. From cutting-edge AM to captivating metal artistry — and even a little big-league baseball energy — heat treat social media had a little bit of everything! We scrolled, watched, learned, and smiled our way through posts that remind us why this industry is equal parts science, craft, and creativity.
As you know, there is so much content available on the web that it’s next to impossible to sift through all of the articles and posts that flood our inboxes and notifications on a daily basis. So, Heat Treat Today is here to bring you the latest in compelling, inspiring, and entertaining heat treat news from the different social media venues that you’ve just got to see and read!If you have content that everyone has to see, please send the link to editor@heattreattoday.com.
1. Additive Edge, Up Close
Additive manufacturing in action, this post highlights how cutting-edge tech is reshaping how complex metal parts come to life.
2. 15 Bar? No Sweat!
SECO/TALKS takes on the “15 bar sounds terrifying” reaction head-on, showing how modern vacuum furnace engineering keeps extreme pressure firmly under control.
3. Metal Masterpiece
From raw metal to lifelike portraits, layered wire mesh transforms into striking art — proof that even industrial materials have a creative side.
This side-by-side look at amorphous versus crystalline structures plays out like atomic-level order versus chaos — same material, totally different story.
6. May the 4th Be Metallurgical
Bodycote celebrates Star Wars Day with a deep dive into fictional metals like beskar…because apparently, even galaxies far, far away need good materials engineering.
7. HTT Made it to the Big Leagues
Heat TreatToday lights up the big screen in Wrigley Field in true big-league fashion.
8. Bathroom Break, Metallurgy Edition
This reel turns a steel surface phenomenon into something oddly mesmerizing. Who knew that even mill scale can have a little wow factor?
The latest episode of Heat TreatRadio maps out the must-attend events — from THERMPROCESS to FNA — helping heat treaters decide where to learn, connect, and stay competitive.
10. Sleeves Up, Giving Back
Advanced Heat Treat Corp. steps off the shop floor and into the community, rolling up their sleeves for hands-on volunteer work during National Volunteer Month.
Whether it’s giving back to the community, steel surface phenomenon in unexpected places, or metallurgy-inspired Star Wars debates, there’s always something fascinating heating up on social media. Have a great weekend!
In today’s News from Abroadinstallment, we highlight several major global developments — from low-carbon steelmaking initiatives to meltshop modernization and new tube production capacity to the electrification of foundry operations — reflecting ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and modernize thermal processing worldwide.
Heat TreatTodaypartners 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.
Low-Carbon Steel Project Builds on EAF Route
Marcegaglia and Danieli jointly announced the signing of an agreement related to the implementation of a major steelmaking and flat-rolling facility investment in Fos-sur-Mer, France. | Image Credit: Danieli
“Marcegaglia and Danieli have signed an agreement to implement a new steelmaking and flat-rolling facility in Fos-sur-Mer, France. The plant is set to produce over 2 Mtpy of liquid steel and up to 3 Mtpy of hot-rolled stainless and carbon steel coils, covering approximately 35% of Marcegaglia’s total coil and slab demand.”
“The plant will include a modern electric arc furnace, a single-strand continuous caster for thick slabs and a conventional hot-strip mill. Danieli highlighted that this configuration will ensure production efficiency, stable operations and product quality across a range of flat steel grades.”
Kardemir ordered a unified digital architecture from Primetals Technologies to optimize the processes of its entire meltshop. | Image Credit: Kardemir
“Steel producer Kardemir has awarded Primetals Technologies a contract to modernise the automation environment at its meltshop in Karabük, Türkiye. The project includes modernising the automation for three LD converters (BOFs) for single ladle furnaces (LFs), and one vacuum degasser (VD). Each converter is designed for 120-ton heats.”
“The Level 2 process optimisation system will integrate all BOF, LF, and VD units into a single digital architecture, connecting metallurgical, operational, and planning data in one environment. This ‘steelmaking backbone’ provides operators and metallurgists with a shared interface and standardised procedures, improving data consistency, process execution, and transparency across shifts.”
New tube plant in Altmünster has officially opened. | Image Credit: Wuppermann Metalltechnik GmbH
“Wuppermann Metalltechnik GmbH (WMT) has officially opened its new tube plant at the Altmünster site with a ceremonial event. More than 100 guests — including business partners and employees, as well as representatives from politics and industry — attended the event on April 24, 2026 and were given an exclusive insight into one of Europe’s most modern tube plants.”
“Through this investment, WMT is not only expanding its own production capacity but also significantly broadening its product range: the new state-of-the-art facility will manufacture, among other things, complex special profiles with wall thicknesses of up to 4 mm and an extended range of dimensions and strengths. Steel grades such as DP800, DP980 and 22MnB5, with tensile strengths of up to 1,000 MPa, will be processed.”
Phil Limbach (left), managing director of Beinbauer Group and Till Schreiter, CEO of ABP Induction Systems GmbH, at the contract signing. | Image Credit: ABP Induction Systems GmbH
“With the signing of the contract by Phil Limbach, member of the management of the Beinbauer Group, and ABP CEO Till Schreiter, as well as a joint site visit by the project teams of Beinbauer Casting and ABP Induction, the official starting signal was given for a groundbreaking major project.”
“In the coming months, the Schwerte foundry will undergo a fundamental technological transformation. The existing cupola furnace will be replaced by a modern, electrically powered induction melting furnace. For Beinbauer Casting, this project represents more than just a technological upgrade…The new electric arc furnace enables more sustainable production, the fulfillment of new [client] requirements, and long-term growth at the German site.”
Heat TreatToday offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 26 news items, including Boeing’s addition of vacuum furnace capacity to expand in-house heat treating for aerospace components, Solar Atmospheres’ role in supporting thermal processing for materials used in NASA’s Artemis II mission, Aalberts surface technologies’ renewal of Nadcap certification for another 24 months, and more!
Equipment
1. HWI, a member of Calderys Group, has opened a new lightweight monolithics production facility in Fulton, Missouri to expand manufacturing capacity for refractory materials used in high-temperature industrial applications. The facility increases supply and shortens lead times for furnace-lining materials critical to sectors like petrochemicals, aluminum, and power generation, enabling more reliable operations and supporting larger-scale projects.
2. Retech, a U.S.-based member of the SECO/WARWICK Group, is supplying two vacuum induction melting (VIM) casting systems to support production of turbine components used in power generation. The systems are designed to produce advanced alloys with controlled microstructures for components operating under demanding thermal and mechanical conditions.
3. Solar Atmospheres has installed and commissioned a new 10-bar vacuum furnace at its Fontana, California, further expanding the company’s high-pressure vacuum heat treating capacity in the western United States. The system enables vacuum heat treating and high-pressure quenching of large components essential to high-performance applications across aerospace and other critical industries.
4. Kanthal, an Alleima company, has opened a new service center in Concord, North Carolina, adding U.S.-based production and service capabilities for silicon carbide heating elements used in high-temperature industrial applications across industries such as electronics, glass, and steel manufacturing.
5. A Thai aerospace manufacturer has ordered a vacuum furnace from SECO/WARWICK to support heat treatment and vacuum brazing of high-performance alloys used in aircraft engine blades. The additional system expands production capacity and process control for critical materials like titanium and nickel alloys, strengthening the manufacturer’s ability to meet aerospace demand for high-precision, high-temperature components.
6. Thermcraft, a U.S.-based manufacturer of thermal processing equipment serving global markets, has completed the system for an application requiring materials to be tested under vibration while held at high temperature. The system was engineered to maintain a stable and uniform thermal environment while allowing measurement systems to interact directly with the test sample.
7. Bodycote, a global provider of advanced heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services, is improving heat treat efficiency and reducing process costs by generating hydrogen on-site at its Rancho Dominguez, California, facility. The system, developed in partnership with Hgen, supports controlled-atmosphere heat treatment and brazing operations for aerospace, automotive, energy, and defense applications while reducing reliance on delivered industrial gas.
8. Vacu-Braze, a commercial heat treater specializing in vacuum heat treating and brazing, has added a large-capacity nitriding furnace to support processing of oversized components requiring enhanced surface hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue performance.
9. Bodycote announced plans to open a new heat treatment facility in Apodaca, Mexico, expanding regional capacity for case hardening and nitriding processes used in automotive, industrial, and medical components. The additional capacity is expected to support growing manufacturing activity by improving supply chain responsiveness and access to localized thermal processing services.
10. A manufacturer has ordered a vacuum furnace system from SECO/WARWICK designed to consolidate multiple heat treating processes — including quenching, tempering, and cryogenic treatment — into a single unit for small arms component production. By replacing several standalone systems with one integrated solution, the furnace streamlines thermal processing, reduces labor and equipment needs, and improves efficiency and repeatability for high-precision manufacturing in the firearms sector.
11. Boeing is adding vacuum furnace capacity at its Tube, Duct and Reservoir Center in Algona, Washington, to expand in-house heat treating capability for aerospace tube and duct assemblies. The system, supplied by Vac-Aero International, is intended to address production needs across commercial and defense aerospace programs.
12. SMS group has received an order from Huzhou Hatebur Precision Forging Co., Ltd. to supply an SMS Elotherm induction bar heating machine for its forging operations. The system will be used to heat billets prior to forming, supporting more efficient and consistent production of precision components such as bearings and automotive parts. The investment reflects continued adoption of induction-based thermal processing to improve process control and energy efficiency in the forging industry.
13. Hirschvogel has partnered with SMS group, along with image-processing specialist Sightwise, to implement an AI-based automated inspection system for closed-die forgings at its Denklingen, Germany facility. The system replaces manual visual checks with fully automated, data-driven quality control — using robotics, high-resolution imaging, and synthetic data modeling — to improve inspection speed, reduce errors, and advance digitalization in forging production for automotive and other high-performance applications.
14. A custom vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnace has been delivered to support the controlled processing of advanced alloys, strengthening material quality for high-spec industries such as aerospace and energy. The system was supplied by SECO/WARWICK, which engineered the solution to meet specific production requirements. The technology is expected to support downstream heat treatment processes by improving alloy cleanliness, consistency, and performance.
The new lightweight monolithics production facility in FultonVIM casting system for power generation turbine manufacturingNew 10-bar vacuum furnace at Solar Atmospheres’ California facility
Kanthal’s official inauguration of its new service center in North CarolinaVector furnace order from Thai aerospace manufacturerHgen at BodycoteCustom split tube furnace by ThermcraftVacu-Braze expanding capabilities with large-capacity nitriding furnaceDave Farmery, president and COO of Vac Aero, speaking at the CP8A Poseidon ITB commitment event | Image Credit: Bolour StudioBodycote expansion in MexicoConsolidating four heat treat processes into one device3D rendering of the test stationELO-BAR induction heating machines for bar forgingSECO/WARWICK supplying a tailor-made vacuum induction furnace
Company & Personnel
15. G.S. Precision has acquired Lush Heat Treatment Ltd. and Headwater Precision, Inc., expanding its capabilities across machining, coatings, and thermal processing while extending its footprint in North America and Europe. The additions integrate heat treating and advanced manufacturing services under one platform, strengthening support for aerospace, defense, and other high-spec industries that rely on tightly controlled production of mission-critical components.
16. NUTEC Inc., a manufacturer of industrial insulation and fire protection products, has acquired ETS Schaefer LLC, a supplier of monolithic ceramic fiber insulation, expanding its capabilities in the high-temperature insulation segment. The acquisition strengthens NUTEC’s ability to support furnace and thermal processing operations with integrated insulation solutions, improving performance and efficiency for industries that rely on high-temperature environments. The company will operate as NUTEC ETS SCHAEFER under the leadership of Brian Bradley, recently named general manager of this wholly owned subsidiary of NUTEC.
17. Assan Alüminyum, through its subsidiary Kibar Americas, has acquired an aluminum foil production facility in Fairmont, West Virginia, marking its entry as a local producer in the U.S. market. The investment strengthens the company’s global footprint and improves its ability to serve North American clients with foil products for automotive, HVAC, packaging, and industrial applications, supporting more localized and resilient supply chains.
18. J.F. Lehman & Company has acquired Forged Solutions Group, a manufacturer of high-specification forgings used in aerospace, defense, and space applications. The company produces components including aeroengine discs, shafts, and structural parts from advanced alloys such as titanium, nickel-based superalloys, steel and aluminum before moving through machining and materials testing as part of the production process.
19. Linamar Corporation, a North American manufacturer with in-house heat treating capabilities, has acquired select assets of Winning BLW, strengthening its capabilities in warm forging and precision gear manufacturing for automotive and industrial applications. The acquisition supports production of bevel and helical gears, components that typically require controlled heat treating to achieve the hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength needed for drivetrain systems.
20. GE Aerospace has announced a $1 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing sites and supplier base in 2026, marking its second consecutive year at that level of spending and including plans to hire 5,000 workers. The investment is aimed at accelerating jet engine production, strengthening defense manufacturing, and improving supply chain capacity, helping the aerospace sector meet rising demand for commercial and military aircraft while reinforcing U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
21. Solar Atmospheres has provided thermal processing services for materials and components used in NASA’s Artemis II mission, contributing to the production of critical aerospace systems. Its heat treating capabilities support high-performance materials required for extreme space environments, reinforcing reliability and precision in components essential to next-generation space exploration and the broader aerospace supply chain.
22. General Motors announced plans to invest more than $150 million in its Saginaw Metal Casting Operations facility in Michigan to support production of V8 engine blocks and cylinder heads used in full-size trucks and SUVs. The project includes new and upgraded equipment for casting and machining operations, enabling the facility to increase production capacity and maintain output for current engine programs. The Saginaw site has supplied engine components for multiple generations of GM vehicles.
23. Hyundai Steel has signed a contract with Fives Group to supply key technologies for a new U.S.-based automotive steel production facility, advancing plans for a large-scale, electric arc furnace (EAF) mill. The project strengthens localized, low-carbon steel production for the automotive sector, improving supply chain resilience and enabling more efficient delivery of high-quality steel to U.S. vehicle manufacturing operations.
Brian Bradley, general manager of NUTEC ETS SCHAEFERThe Fairmont facilities in West VirginiaSolar Atmospheres supporting Artemis II launch
Linamar acquiring assets of Winning BLWGM’s $150-million investment in Saginaw Metal Casting Plant to support production of V8 engine blocks and cylinder headsHyundai Steel and Fives Group MOU signing ceremony in France
Kudos
24. Gamma Aerospace successfully passed their Heat Treat Nadcap audit, retaining Merit status that reflects the company’s commitment to delivering high quality products and services to their clients.
25. Aalberts surface technologies has expanded Boeing-approved heat treatment processes at its TEY facility in País Vasco, increasing its range of certified aerospace specifications and strengthening its position as a qualified supplier.
26. Aalberts surface technologies announced the renewal of their Nadcap certification for another 24 months at their Besançon facility, reflecting continuous commitment to quality, strict control of special processes, and full compliance with industry requirements.
Heat Treat Today has launched its 2026 Helium Leak Detection Seminar series, with the first stop held on March 25, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The one-day, hands-on training event brought together vacuum furnace users, OEMs, and industry suppliers for practical instruction on leak detection methods and equipment used in thermal processing environments.
Dave Deiwert leads with a focus on real-world application, showing off leak detection equipment during the Charlotte seminar.
Led by Dave Deiwert of Tracer Gas Technologies, the seminar focused on helping attendees better understand the challenges associated with helium leak detection and how to troubleshoot common issues encountered in vacuum furnace operations. Participants included both end users and manufacturers of vacuum furnaces, reflecting broad industry interest in improving leak detection practices.
The program combined classroom instruction with live demonstrations and hands-on experience using multiple helium detection systems. Onsite sponsors included Aaron Barton of Busch Vacuum Group, who demonstrated the Pfeiffer Vacuum ASM310 helium leak detector and guided attendees through hands-on use. Additional demonstrations were supported by Bob Delabio and Bryant Crisp of Edwards Vacuum, who provided access to the Edwards ELD500 Dry Helium Leak Detector for live testing and application-based learning. Deiwert also incorporated an Inficon Protec 3000 helium sniffing leak detector into the training, offering attendees exposure to multiple leak detection approaches used in vacuum furnace environments.
Dave Deiwert engages attendees with live demonstrations of helium leak detection equipment.Hands-on training walks attendees through leak detection equipment and troubleshooting methods.
Attendees were encouraged to engage throughout the session, with open discussion around common frustrations in leak detection and strategies for improving accuracy and efficiency. According to Deiwert, many participants identified leak detection as a persistent challenge in their operations, underscoring the value of practical, experience-based training.
Dave Deiwert and Karen Gantzer at the first session of Heat Treat Today’s Helium Leak Detection Seminar in Charlotte.
The event was organized by Heat Treat Today, with coordination led by Publisher Doug Glenn and Director of Events Karen Gantzer, who also managed onsite execution in Charlotte.
Deiwert emphasized a service-oriented approach to the training, encouraging attendees to continue the conversation beyond the seminar. “If you help people when they have problems, business seems to take care of itself,” he said, noting that responsiveness and technical support play a key role in building long-term relationships across the industry.
The Charlotte seminar marks the first of four planned stops in Heat Treat Today’s2026 Helium Leak Detection Seminar series, which aims to provide accessible, application-focused training for professionals working with vacuum furnaces and related equipment.
In today’s News from Abroadinstallment, we highlight several major global developments — from furnace installations to energy agreements to automation upgrades and additive manufacturing advances — underscoring continued investment in reliability, material innovation, and production efficiency across the global metals processing landscape.
Heat TreatTodaypartners 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.
Annealing Systems Back Expansion of High-Grade Steel
This contract demonstrates the advanced technologies supplied by Fives, which are essential for steelmakers to produce high-value steels for the automotive industry.
“Fives has signed a major contract with Yongfeng Group for three annealing furnaces of new strip processing lines. Yongfeng Group is building a new facility in Linyi, Shandong province of China to produce a wide variety of high-grade steel products, including exposed and non-exposed automotive sheets and advanced high-strength steels.”
“The new vertical annealing furnaces will be equipped with the latest generation of the AdvanTek combustion system, characterized by energy efficiency, fuel flexibility, and low emissions, as well as a FlashCooling rapid cooling system. The FlashCooling system is a unique cooling technology capable of using high hydrogen gas, offering operational flexibility in cooling rate control, temperature cycle control, and uniformity of cooling.”
Power Deal Secures Long-Term Future of Aluminum Smelter
Operating since 1982, the Boyne smelter is the second-largest aluminium smelter in Australia.
“The future of the Boyne aluminium smelter in Gladstone, Australia, has been secured until at least 2040. Rio Tinto, the Queensland Government, and the Commonwealth Government have struck a partnership to secure a long-term future for the smelter and ensure it remains internationally cost-competitive beyond its current power contract.”
“Rio Tinto Aluminium & Lithium Chief Executive Jérôme Pécresse said: ‘As fossil fuels become increasingly expensive, this investment, combined with the power purchase agreements we have already signed, positions Boyne to be among the world’s first aluminium smelters underpinned by solar and wind power. It also ensures heavy manufacturing like aluminium smelting can continue in Gladstone for the long term and preserves one of the few fully integrated aluminium value chains in the world — from bauxite mining to alumina refining to aluminium smelting all in Queensland — as demand for aluminium continues to grow with the energy transition.’”
Updated Control Systems Boost Reliability at Hot Strip Mill
Primetals Technologies upgrades automation systems at hot-strip mill. | Image Credit: Primetals Technologies
“Primetals Technologies has received the final acceptance certificate (FAC) from a Turkish steel producer after successfully completing a phased upgrade of its hot-strip mill.”
“Phase 1 focused on upgrading the process automation system, while Phase 2 included modernizing the basic automation system and implementing advanced profile and flatness control. Primetals Technologies also installed the ALEX condition monitoring system. The hot-strip mill was restarted as scheduled following installation and commissioning.”
New Metal Powder Supports Additive Manufacturing for Aerospace Components
This is a heat exchanger prototype for aerospace applications. Outokumpu’s metal powder grades support precise 3D printing for complex geometries. | Image Credit: Outokumpu
“Outokumpu, a supplier of sustainable stainless steels, has achieved significant progress in additive metal powder manufacturing in collaboration with MT Aerospace. As a result of the partnership, a modified 316L stainless steel powder was developed, specifically designed for aerospace applications.”
“The product development project, “Modified 316L powder for aerospace [1157],” was carried out at Outokumpu’s Metal Powder Research Center in Krefeld, Germany. The focus was on precise chemical adjustments within the ASTM F3184 standard and optimization of process parameters during powder production. The result is a modified version of the 316L powder, which allows MT Aerospace to achieve the desired mechanical properties in components using the powder bed laser melting process and meets the precision and performance requirements of the aerospace industry.”
