HEAT TREAT NEWS

NITREX (NTS & UPC) Acquired By Global Furnace Manufacturer Group

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS, NITRIDING NEWS

Breaking News: The NTS & UPC business divisions of NITREX, a manufacturer of industrial furnaces focused on nitriding solutions, will be acquired by the AICHELIN Group, a global provider of industrial heat treatment solutions. For clients, this means access to a broader range of technologies and stronger local support.

Headquartered in Canada, NITREX has around 250 employees in five countries. The business unit Heat Treating Services is not included in the scope of the acquisition.

The transaction represents the largest acquisition in AICHELIN Group’s history. For employees, the acquisition opens up new perspectives within a strategically focused industrial group. The Group notes in their press release that it “will become the largest global furnace manufacturer in its industry of heat treatment solutions,” with a reach of combined sales at more than EUR 230 million and employing over 1,350 people across 23 locations in 11 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. The Group is also represented by a global network of sales partners.

Christian Grosspointner, CEO of AICHELIN Group.
Christian Grosspointner
CEO
AICHELIN Group.
Source: AICHLELIN Group

The acquisition brings together two highly complementary portfolios: NITREX adds renowned expertise in nitriding furnaces to AICHELIN’s broad technology offering. The geographic fit is equally noteworthy, with NITREX’s operations in the U.S., Canada, Poland, Germany, France, and China integrating seamlessly into AICHELIN’s regional structures.

The acquisition marks an important milestone in the implementation of AICHELIN’s Strategy 2030, which focuses on sustainable growth through regional proximity, diversification, and technological progress.

“This acquisition marks a new chapter for AICHELIN. By combining forces with NITREX, we are unlocking innovation potential and global synergies that will benefit our customers, employees and stakeholders alike,” says Christian Grosspointner, CEO of AICHELIN Group. “We are proud to welcome NITREX into our Group.”

AICHELIN is expanding into new markets and client segments, both through internal innovation and targeted acquisitions. With this acquisition, the Group is thus advancing its goal of becoming a lifecycle partner for heat treatment clients worldwide, supported by digital services and localized operations.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Michigan Heat Treater Completes Building Expansion

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS, NITRIDING NEWS

Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT) has completed a building expansion at their Monroe, Michigan facility. The new 6,000 sq. ft. addition increases production capacity and enhances operational efficiency.

The climate-controlled addition will provide an area for additional equipment and services for Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT), free of existing production space, and provide a new office and modern breakroom.

Chad Clark
Plant Manager
Advanced Heat Treat Corp.

Groundbreaking for the project took place on November 27, 2024 and their certificate of occupancy was awarded on July 29, 2025.

“Seeing this expansion completed is incredibly rewarding—it reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” said Chad Clark, Plant Manager. “The additional space allows us to streamline operations, support more equipment, and enhance service to our customers. We’re excited to begin the transition and fully integrate the new area into our daily workflow.”

Heat Treat Today reported on a new gas nitriding unit at the Monroe facility last month. The new unit will be utilized in heat treatment for industries such as automotive, government and defense, plastics, power generation, and others. It will utilize UltraGlow® Gas Nitriding, which is a case-hardening process whereby nitrogen is diffused into the surface of a solid ferrous alloy by holding the metal at a suitable temperature in contact with a nitrogenous gas, usually ammonia.

AHT has four locations: one in Monroe, Michigan; two in Waterloo, Iowa; and a fourth in Cullman, Alabama. AHT Michigan has the unique capability to nitride parts up to 31-feet in length.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Mexico-Based Furnace Manufacturer Celebrates 50 Years

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS

Founded in 1975, this Mexico-based furnace manufacturer has 50 years of expertise in thermal processing equipment and has delivered more than 2,000 units across 48 countries. Heat Treat Today’s Industry Company Highlights is dedicated to shining a light on major players within the heat treatment industry.

In today’s edition, learn more about ceramics, proprietary technologies, and technical services that set NUTEC Bickley apart. Read to the end to catch a unique interview of NUTEC Group CEO Daniel Llaguno by Heat Treat Today Publisher Doug Glenn.

With a mission to provide industrial kilns and furnaces to North American and international markets, NUTEC Bickley is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a company. Through its 50 years of growth NUTEC has made a global impact and continues to look ahead with a vision of wide-reaching impact, including strategies and initiatives which prioritize efficiency in industrial heat treatment.

NUTEC Bickley designs and manufactures kilns for the ceramic industry, furnaces for steel, aluminum and specialty alloys, ovens and dryers, combustion and control systems, and preheaters and dryers. They service the automotive, aerospace, sanitaryware, refractories, abrasives, and steel industries, and are known for their aluminum heat treating furnaces.

The company has several proprietary technologies, including:

  • ECOmbustion™: An advanced combustion control system that reduces fuel usage and carbon emissions
  • IMPS™ (Integrated Monitoring & Pulse System): A control technology that enhances process precision and uniformity
  • Jointless® Insulation Modules: A patented ceramic fiber design that extends furnace lifespan and reduces heat loss
  • Energy Recovery Systems: Solutions that maximize fuel efficiency by reusing residual heat.
Shuttle kiln
Source: NUTEC Bickley

In July 2025, NUTEC Bickley announced an exclusive manufacturing license in North America for Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers through a strategic alliance with Spain-based Kalfrisa. This partnership enhances its environmental technology offerings and expands its North American footprint.

Alberto Cantú, NUTEC Bickley’s vice president of Ceramics and New Business Development, said, “The effective and safe removal of VOCs is vital for a wide range of industries and is something we are asked to address on a regular basis. Kalfrisa is a highly respected name in emissions treatment and control and so I’m delighted that we have been able to announce this new collaborative agreement. There is strong potential for the deployment of high-performance RTOs in the North American market, and I’m very excited about working closely with Kalfrisa to deliver the best available technology.” 

The company continues to invest in R&D with recent innovations including a high-precision shuttle kiln for ceramic core sintering and advanced drop-bottom furnaces for aluminum heat treatment. These developments will be featured in upcoming events like UNITECR 2025 in Cancún and the FIA Light Alloy Conference.

Drop bottom furnace
Source: NUTEC Bickley

Doug Glenn, publisher at Heat Treat Today, interviewed NUTEC Group CEO Daniel Llaguno for the 50th anniversary of the company and discussed its current operations and future plans.

Daniel Llaguno
CEO
NUTEC Group
Source: NUTEC Group

US Dollar and Pesos (00:01): Daniel discusses how the strength of the U.S. dollar and the Peso relate for the sale of NUTEC’s thermal processing equipment. He shares why “a strong U.S. dollar is very beneficial for us.”

Increasing Capacity at Charlotte Facility to Mitigate Tariffs (3:00): The effects of the current economic and political situation between the United States and Mexico directly impact NUTEC’s business. However, to mitigate tariff impacts, Daniel shares how they are increasing capacity at their Charlotte facility with a goal that 90% of their fiber division production may occur within the United States.

The Path Forward For NUTEC’s Divisions (9:10): NUTEC’s R&D is split across the U.S. and Mexico, and they partner with a research center in Spain; they are pro-active in developing new technologies. Daniel believes that furnaces have to be smarter and more helpful to the client, and the company is geared toward improving efficiency. Daniel adds that NUTEC primarily specializes in customized furnaces.

Inaugurating AI Technologies (13:38): Daniel commented on how NUTEC is in the early stages of exploring applications of AI in their products and business. They currently see many applications on the business side and are actively discerning how to apply it to their furnace technologies.

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This Week in Heat Treat Social Media

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS

Welcome to Heat Treat Today’s This Week in Heat Treat Social Media. We’re looking at a 3D-printed railway station, human rocket rides, a kids summer camp with heat treatment training, and more!

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. You Can Have Your Railway and Print It Too

The world’s first 3D-printed railway station was completed. Additive manufacturing has come a long way, but we are still stunned by its speed! Finished in fewer than six hours, the folks at Anisoprint got it done.

2. Stainless Steel Gets a Haircut

We can’t always articulate why a video is so engaging to watch. This laser-cutting video by Metallurgical Engineering is immensely satisfying. Cozy up with a bag of popcorn and watch the sparks fly!

3. Human Passenger Rocket Flights Are Ongoing

Pluto Aerospace has completed its second successful flight with paid passengers on its Dash prototype, a low-cost hypersonic testbed. Turn on Elton John’s Rocket Man and be inspired to join in the fun.

4. Where High Temp Insulation and Mona Lisa Kiss

Chiz Bros is donating a beautiful piece of art called Bessemer Reflections: Steel in Your Face. That image fittingly reminds us that metal work is both science and craft.

5. Heat Treatment Gets a Taste of Dijon

Dijon, France that is. Our European representative, Hamilton Pearman, recently attended the A3TS Annual Conference and Heat Treatments and Surface Engineering Show! A shout out to all of our materials science and thermal processing buffs who also attended!

6. The Summer Camp You Always Wanted

Did you know that Forging Industry Educational and Research Foundation puts on a Forge the Future Summer Camp? You know how we at Heat Treat Today love our Heat Treat Kids, and now we can’t wait to send them off to get their little toes wet in heat treatment.

7. Don’t Slip Past This Leak Detection Resource

From history, to big picture, and practical tips, this Heat Treat Radio has everything you need to stay well-informed.

8. The Furnace is Always On At Heat Treat Today

You might think that furnaces and fire would cause enough sweat for our team. But no. They chase it… and win!

Have a great weekend!

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DOWNLOAD NOW: The Most Up-To-Date Cybersecurity Acronyms

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS

This list of cybersecurity acronyms was compiled by the late Joe Coleman, former cybersecurity officer at Bluestreak Consulting™. Joe wrote a regular column called the Cybersecurity Desk in Heat Treat Today’s print publication.

“Even if a heat treater is not a DoD contractor or in the DoD supply chain, NIST 800-171 is a great “best practice” standard for any organization to improve overall cybersecurity health. This will help in obtaining future orders because customers will know critical data is secure.” – Joe Coleman

CLICK BELOW TO VIEW OR DOWNLOAD THE CYBERSECURITY ACRONYMS LIST

CLICK TO VIEW OR DOWNLOAD THE CYBERSECURITY ACRONYMS LIST

About The Author

Joe Coleman

Joe Coleman was the cybersecurity officer at Bluestreak Compliance, which is a division of Bluestreak | Bright AM™. Joe worked for over 35 years in diverse manufacturing and engineering positions. His background included extensive training in cybersecurity, a career as a machinist, machining manager, and an early additive manufacturing (AM) pioneer. Joe presented at the Furnaces North America (FNA 2024) convention on DFARS, NIST 800-171, and CMMC 2.0.

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12 News Chatter To Keep You Current

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 12 news items, featuring steel mill and furnace upgrades, new CEOs, a 5000th device celebration, and more!

Equipment

1. Synergy Additive Manufacturing LLC was awarded Phase I SBIR by U.S. Navy to develop extremely high-speed laser cladding processes to enhance the performance of titanium cylinder bores used in critical helicopter components.

2. SMS group upgrades CELSA Barcelona’s medium section mill with new process automation. Upgrade of the outdated level 2 automation will secure the long-term operational stability and ongoing production efficiency of the medium section mill.

3. Nitrex upgraded seven furnaces for a Nevada manufacturer for the aerospace industry. The upgrades included retrofitted vacuum furnaces with modern automation utilizing QMULUS — Nitrex’s AI- and ML-powered SCADA platform.

4. Mercer Vacuum Components and Services, Inc., were commissioned to rebuild two vacuum furnaces, including the furnaces’ hot zones, gas cooling systems (to include the motor), and fan and heat exchangers. The rebuilding occurred at their Vacuum Technologies Center in Terre Haute, IN.

Synergy Additive Manufacturing LLC awarded phase I SBIR
SMS Group upgrades mill
Nitrex upgrades furnaces
Mercer Vacuum Components and Services, Inc. rebuilds

Company & Personnel

5. SMS group enters into strategic partnership with The Systems Group to drive safety and sustainability in steelmaking. SMS group now integrates Spray-Cooled® technology into its solutions for electric arc furnaces and secondary metallurgy plants.

6. Ipsen Group CEO Geoffrey Somary assumed the role of president of Ipsen USA, in addition to his current role leading the global organization.

7. Patrick McKenna has been appointed as chief executive officer and director of Bluewater Thermal Solutions, a portfolio company of Aterian Investment Partners.

SMS Group partners for furnace solutions
Geoffrey Somary
CEO
Ipsen USA
Patrick McKenna
CEO
Bluewater Thermal Solutions

Kudos

8. Kowalski Heat Treating Company celebrated 50 years in business. The family company was founded in 1975, and remains a family company today.

9. Southwest Metal Treating Corp. announced earning Nadcap® accreditation for heat treating, marking a milestone in its commitment to quality and precision in aerospace and defense manufacturing.

10. Nitrex celebrated the 35th work anniversaries of Karen Feciskonin and Bill Schmitz. They also recognized Bill Schmitz’s retirement after 35 years of serving on their team.

11. Akron Steel Treating Company announced 20 years of Nadcap® accreditation.

12. The SECO/WARWICK Group announced record-breaking dynamic growth results as well as the milestone of the 5000th device in production.

Kowalski 50 Year Anniversary
Southwest Metal Treating Nadcap Certification
Nitrex celebrates anniversaries
Akron Steel Treating Nadcap Certification
SECO/WARWICK 5000th device

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Patrick McKenna Appointed as CEO of Bluewater Thermal Solutions

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS

Patrick McKenna has been appointed as chief executive officer and director of Bluewater Thermal Solutions, a portfolio company of Aterian Investment Partners, effective immediately.

Patrick McKenna
CEO
Bluewater Thermal Solutions

“I’m honored to join Bluewater Thermal Solutions at such a dynamic time for the industry,” said McKenna. “With a strong operational footprint, a dedicated team, and a reputation for technical excellence, Bluewater is well positioned for growth. I’m eager to work alongside our employees, customers, and partners to build on the company’s momentum and drive our capabilities forward.”

McKenna has more than 25 years of leadership and innovation experience in the thermal processing industry. He most recently served as president & CEO of Ipsen USA, a global provider of vacuum furnace technology for the thermal processing sector. He oversaw a team of more than 250 employees at Ipsen’s U.S. based Vacuum Center of Excellence, while driving success across international markets.

Prior to Ipsen, McKenna was most recently co-founder, board member, and vice president of Nevada Heat Treating/California Brazing. There, he helped transform the business from a traditional commercial heat treating operation into a Nadcap-accredited provider of turnkey manufacturing solutions serving major aerospace OEMs.

Brandon Bethea
Co-Founding Partner
Aterian Investment Partners

Brandon Bethea, co-founder and partner at Aterian, expressed strong confidence in the new leadership: “Patrick has excelled in every role he’s taken on. His deep industry expertise and sharp eye for commercial growth make him the ideal leader to guide Bluewater into its next phase. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

Bluewater Thermal Solutions is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, and is one of North America’s largest providers of heat treating and brazing services. The company operates ten facilities across the U.S., offering thermal processing capabilities.

Press release is available in its original form here.

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Alumni Spotlight: 40 Under 40 Leaders Continue to Inspire

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS

Each year, the 40 Under 40 initiative at Heat Treat Today recognizes 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’s 40 Under 40 — as they share personal updates and industry insights.

Click this link to nominate yourself, or someone you know, by June 27, 2025.

Larissa Costa

When she was nominated for Heat Treat Today’s 40 Under 40 in 2024, Larissa Costa was a metallurgist with Nucor Steel Brandenburg, she had a PhD, and had already served in her industry for ten years. Now she shares an encouraging update about milestones since her nomination and the role mentorships play in the industry.

“The most exciting milestone I recently reached was developing all the quenching recipes for the continuous heat treatment line at Nucor Steel Brandenburg. Developing the heat treatment process, especially the quenching recipes from scratch in a green steel mill is not something usual. Therefore, having the opportunity of developing recipes for quenching in a continuous line is very rewarding and it was an important milestone for both Nucor Steel Brandenburg and my career itself. At the continuous heat treatment line we heat treat steel plates with grades varying from structural to abrasion resistant, with a large range of thicknesses that varies from 3/16” – 4.”

Sharing about the role mentors played in her success, Larissa said, “Yes, I had some good mentors in my career and they definitely had an impact in how I develop my work. Two things I learned with respect to technical abilities that I use on a daily basis are: 

  1. Make sure that you’re expressing yourself in a way that everyone can understand, independent of their background or technical knowledge. 
  1. Always support your discussions, ideas, plans, and projects by data and technical information.”

When asked what advice she would give to young professionals entering the heat treating industry, she replied: “Keep your mind sharp. Discuss technical aspects with your peers and teammates, explore, investigate, study, review things that you learned, keep yourself updated. Understanding how your material was processed before the heat treatment can be the key to mitigate issues you might face after the heat treatment. The previous steps in production can impact in the mechanical and metallurgical properties, residual stresses, distortion, and consequently the lifetime of your final product.”

Trevor Gibson

Trevor Gibson was a Heat Treat Today 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 honoree. He had been in his field for 11 years, and was the lead materials engineer at Dana Incorporated. Trevor shared more about his recent achievements, and how he has grown over the past five years as a heat treater.

“Recently, I have remained steadily busy. With higher demands for power density through various parts, continuing to educate others in regards to various heat treat and materials has been at the forefront of my responsibilities. I would say that it has driven more creativity in how we look at conventional processes. 

“Over the past five years I have gone from a simple engineer to a lead engineer at Dana. I have been working with the global teams in everything from materials selection and design all the way to helping troubleshoot heat treating issues at our various plants globally.”

When asked what the most enjoyable part of heat treating is, Trevor responded, “Definitely the people. There is always someone willing to help out when you have issues. Whether it is from furnace, controls, induction, or commercial heat treaters, you can always message or call people up when you are having an issue, and they are more than willing to take time out of their day to support.”

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 Today over the years:

Chad Beamer – 40 Under 40 profile

Michelle Bennett – 40 Under 40 profile

Alberto Cantú – 40 Under 40 profile

John Chesna – 40 Under 40 profile

Heather Falcone – 40 Under 40 profile

Humberto Ramos Fernández – 40 Under 40 profile

Brian Flynn – 40 Under 40 profile

  • Heat Treat Radio #84: Heat Treat Tomorrow — Digital Security with 4 Industry Experts

Scott Fogle – 40 Under 40 profile

Ben Gasbarre – 40 Under 40 profile

Josh Hale – 40 Under 40 profile

Mike Harrison – 40 Under 40 profile

Kyle Hummel – 40 Under 40 profile

Caleb Johnson – 40 Under 40 profile

Trevor Jones – 40 Under 40 profile

Brynna Keelin Kelly-McGrath – 40 Under 40 Profile

Katelyn Kirsch – 40 Under 40 profile

Kelly Peters – 40 Under 40 profile

Don Marteeny – 40 Under 40 profile

Jonathan McKay – 40 Under 40 profile

Aniket Maske – 40 Under 40 profile

Ellen Conway Merrill – 40 Under 40 profile

Casey O’Neill – 40 Under 40 Profile

Shawn Orr – 40 Under 40 profile

Alberto Ramirez – 40 Under 40 profile

Mark Rhoa Jr. – 40 Under 40 Profile

Justin Rydzewski – 40 Under 40 profile

Humberto Torres Sánchez – 40 Under 40 profile

Justin Sims – 40 Under 40 profile

Bryan Stern – 40 Under 40 profile

Ryan Sybo – 40 Under 40 profile

Josh Tucker – 40 Under 40 Profile

Sasha Tupalo – 40 Under 40 profile

Andy Wilkosz – 40 Under 40 profile

Nic Willis – 40 Under 40 profile

Ben Witoff – 40 Under 40 profile

Víctor Zacarías – 40 Under 40 profile

Erika Zarazúa – 40 Under 40 profile

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Tariffs, Supply Chains, & Heat Treating 

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, PUBLISHER'S PAGE

Heat Treat Today publishes twelve print magazines annually and included in each is a letter from the publisher, Doug Glenn. This letter is from the June 2025 Buyers Guide print edition.

Feel free to contact Doug at doug@heattreattoday.com if you have a question or comment. 

The Age of Tariffs 

In 2025, procuring nearly anything has become a bit more “interesting,” shall we say, with the complete and total shake up of the world’s economy with hasty and heavy tariffs imposed by the U.S. on the rest of the world. 

For posterity, let me record a few basic facts about what is happening. On April 2, 2025, newly re-elected U.S. President, Donald J. Trump, imposed what was described as “reciprocal tariffs” on nearly every country in the world. April 2 was chosen because President Trump did not want people to think that he was just kidding by imposing the tariffs on April 1, April Fools’ Day. All previous trade agreements were instantly and unilaterally eliminated. 

The tariffs were, in fact, not truly reciprocal as one might simply understand that word. Instead, each nation’s actual tariffs were combined with their trade deficit and currency manipulation and then divided in half to arrive at what President Trump called “U.S.A. Discounted Reciprocal Tariffs.” No country escaped. Everyone had at least a 10% tariff. China was hit with a 34% reciprocal tariff – their calculated tariff was 67%. India received a 26% reciprocal tariff – their calculated tariff was 52%. 

Roughly a week later, while the world was still reeling, all tariffs were reduced to 10% assuming the country did not retaliate. Only one country retaliated – China. China’s tariffs have ranged as high as 145% and as low as 30% as the two countries struggle to come to an agreement. It is safe to describe the relationship between the two countries as very tense. 

Understanding Tariffs 

Before exploring how these tariffs might impact the North America heat treating and thermal processing markets, let me first make two recommendations for anyone wanting to learn more about tariffs and good, sound economics. 

  1. The best book I’ve ever read about tariffs is an old classic book written by Frederic Bastiat entitled, Economic Sophisms. The book is spot on and simple and shows how tariffs are not generally helpful from an economic perspective. Bastiat was also the author of another great, short book called The Law. I recommend both. 
  2. Another excellent book that discusses tariffs is Henry Hazlitt’s Economics in One Lesson, especially chapter eleven, “Who’s ‘Protected’ by Tariffs.” 

Of course, economics aren’t the only reason a country imposes tariffs. Preserving industries critical to national defense is one such non-economic reason often cited for imposing tariffs. 

The Upside of Tariffs 

So, what are the potential impacts of tariffs on the North American thermal processing industry? Given that tariffs are, in essence, a tax, there are few true economic gains to be made. However, it is very possible that our commercial heat treater brothers and sisters may benefit significantly from tariffs, especially if more and more manufacturing returns to the U.S. This return of manufacturing would also potentially benefit many oven, furnace, and induction equipment manufacturers, as well as component suppliers. Any increase in manufacturing State-side will bode well for industry suppliers. 

The Downside of Tariffs 

The potential downsides are legion. The most notable? Instead of stimulating manufacturing in the U.S., it is possible that tariffs will start to significantly impact exports. If that happens, manufacturing will take it on the chin due to artificially restricted demand. Not only would this hurt many of the companies that read this publication and perform their own in-house thermal processing, but it will have the trickle-down effect of drying up demand for new furnaces, ovens, and components. 

Tariffs also could be a real boon for furnace and oven manufacturers located within the borders of the U.S. Assuming the tariffs persist (which is doubtful), companies building furnaces in the U.S. will have a significant competitive advantage. However, the opposite is true for furnace manufacturers who build internationally and ship their equipment into the U.S. Currently, there are a significant number of international furnace manufacturers doing business in the U.S. These companies are at risk. 

The Real Goal of Trump’s Tariffs 

If the real goal of Trump’s tariffs is to lower all tariffs everywhere, this whole tariff chapter should end well, ultimately. If, however, President Trump really does “loooove tariffs” as he has claimed, the new Golden Age will not be as golden as it might have been. 

Doug Glenn
Publisher
Heat Treat Today

For more information: Contact Doug at doug@heattreattoday.com

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10 News Chatter to Keep You Current

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 10 news items, featuring a new steel mill in Alabama, a 46% carbon emissions reduction validation, a sweet farewell to an industry leader, and more!

Equipment

1. Solar Atmospheres of Michigan expanded with new air tempering and cryogenic equipment including a 6’6” wide × 4’ high × 14’ long car-bottom air furnace, with a robust weight capacity of 30,000 pounds and temperature uniformity within ±10°F from 300°F to 1400°F

2. Alleima’s Kanthal division and Danieli is slated to supply the first electric process gas heater for commercial use at Emsteel’s Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) plant in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

3. SMS group supplied open-die forging press to Jiuli Yongxing in China, creating a fully integrated forging line to increase production capacity. The press utilized an open-die forging process that improves the microstructural quality of materials through grain refinement, with forging accuracy of approximately ±1 millimeter.

4. Dynavac designed a thermal vacuum system for validating spacecraft performance and reliability. The system operates under high vacuum conditions while providing temperature control from -185°C (-301°F) to 150°C (302°F).

Solar Atmospheres of Michigan expanded with new equipment
Alleima’s Kanthal division and Danieli to supply electric gas heater
SMS group supplies open-die forging press
Dynavac provides furnace for aerospace testing

Company & Personnel

5. Hydro signed a long-term agreement with power cable solutions provider NKT, under which Hydro will supply NKT with low-carbon aluminum for the production of wire rod.

6. SSAB received a $4.3 million in tax incentives to support its $74 million expansion project: a steel plant in Alabama.

7. Nitrex announced two new company leadership promotions: Kurt Willms as sales director of Americas and Asia, and Marcin Stoklosa as sales director of Europe and Middle East.

8. ECM USA announced the retirement of William (Bill) Gornicki following 35 years of distinguished service in the heat treat industry.

Hydro to provide low-carbon aluminum for wire rod
SSAB received a $4.3 million to support steel plant expansion
Nitrex announces new leadership
William (Bill) Gornicki retired from ECM/USA after 35 Years

Kudos

9. Bodycote achieved Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation for an enhanced carbon reduction target of 46% in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 – compared to a 2019 baseline.

10. SECO/WARWICK celebrated 15 years of operations in China, after beginning in 2010.

Bodycote achieves SBTi validation for carbon reduction target
SECO/WARWICK celebrated 15 years of operations in China

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