MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

JSA/Metalline Acquired, Increased Finishing Equipment Technical Support for Midwest

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, PARTS CLEANING NEWS

A business transition is expanding sales coverage, technical support, and response times for manufacturers serving the plating and general metal finishing industries across the Upper Midwest/Midwest. The move strengthens regional service capabilities, giving manufacturers more direct access to supplier expertise, streamlined single-source ordering, and stronger technical support for critical surface finishing processes.

The expanded capabilities come as Hubbard-Hall Inc. has acquired assets of JSA/Metalline Corporation, a Mequon, Wisconsin-based distributor serving the plating and general metal finishing industries. The acquisition enables direct sales coverage and enhanced technical support throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, and surrounding territories.

Molly Kellog
President and CEO
Hubbard-Hall Inc.

As part of the acquisition, JSA’s customer-facing team has joined Hubbard-Hall and will continue operating from the Mequon location. The team includes Jessica Dolezal, Luke Dunteman, Mike Lindemann, Jack Smith, Jeff Smith, Emma Tallmadge, Steve Trojan, and Ben Zweiban. Former JSA/Metalline CEO and owner Mark Sheldon will remain involved as a consultant to support a smooth transition.

“What a great team we have today! It’s exciting to think about the benefits we can bring to our customers by combining JSA’s responsive sales team with Hubbard-Hall’s deep technical bench,” said Molly Kellogg, president and CEO of Hubbard-Hall. “We are now able to support manufacturers in the Upper Midwest on a direct basis, which means increased speed of response and single-source ordering. JSA/Metalline has a great reputation for service, and we look forward to building their legacy.”

The Hubbard-Hall warehouse
Source: Hubbard-Hall

The acquisition joins two companies with similar philosophies focused on customer service and hands-on technical support. For customers, the combination offers deeper expertise in plating, electroless nickel, pretreatment, and wastewater treatment, along with an expanded product offering that includes cleaners, phosphates, rust preventatives, metal coloring products, wastewater treatment chemistry, and metal finishing equipment.

With this acquisition, Hubbard-Hall now operates three manufacturing facilities supported by four quality control laboratories and nine stocking locations, enabling faster trials, troubleshooting, and process development with direct access to technical staff.

Press release is available in its original form here.

JSA/Metalline Acquired, Increased Finishing Equipment Technical Support for Midwest Read More »

Accelerated Titanium Component Production Targets Naval Shipbuilding Bottlenecks

/ FOUNDRY CASTING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, SINTERING POWDER METAL NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

IperionX continues to advance domestic titanium manufacturing and thermal processing capabilities in a recent commitment to reduce long lead times for critical pump components used for naval shipbuilding. This addresses supply chain constraints that have slowed ship construction and maintenance. By shortening production timelines, the initiative supports improved fleet readiness while reinforcing domestic manufacturing capacity for mission-critical naval systems.

The effort is being demonstrated through a project with Carver Pump Company, a U.S.-based manufacturer of mission-critical pumps for naval applications. Carver Pump has placed an initial purchase order with IperionX for prototype titanium components. Leveraging domestically produced titanium metal powder and integrated in-house manufacturing, the project will focus on producing and testing cost-competitive replacements for traditionally cast pump components.

Titanium components are essential in naval pump systems due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand extreme marine environments. However, traditionally cast titanium parts often face supply chain bottlenecks, with lead times exceeding 12 months, contributing to equipment and vessel downtime.

Anastasios (Taso) Arima
CEO
IperionX
Source: IperionX

IperionX’s approach is designed to deliver step-change improvements in production efficiency. Each titanium component is expected to be produced in less than one week using the company’s low-cost domestically produced titanium metal powder and advanced manufacturing capabilities, significantly reducing reliance on conventional casting routes.

“Transitioning from lead times measured in years to timelines measured in days allows us to better support on-time naval shipbuilding and sustainment, directly enhancing fleet readiness,” said Anastasios (Taso) Arima, CEO of IperionX.

The purchase order covers the development of four prototype pump impellers, with manufacturing anticipated to be complete in May 2026. Successful completion of the prototyping and testing phase could lead to larger-scale production agreements supporting additional naval components.

Press release is available in its original form here.

Accelerated Titanium Component Production Targets Naval Shipbuilding Bottlenecks Read More »

Bhuj Polymers Advances Production Capabilities with New Vacuum Furnace

/ HARDENING NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Bhuj Polymers, an established precision components manufacturer, is expanding its manufacturing capabilities through the acquisition of a state-of-the-art vacuum furnace. This investment will enable the company to meet growing demands while providing advanced vacuum hardening services that comply with global quality standards.

Maciej Korecki
Vice President of Vacuum Business Segment
SECO/WARWICK

SECO/WARWICK, a heat treat solutions provider with locations in North America, supplied the vacuum furnace that will be used to process tool steels with high thermal requirements, such as H13, H11 and D2. Prior to this acquisition, production capabilities were constrained by existing equipment limitations. The company’s locally manufactured furnace operated with a cooling pressure of up to 4 bar. This specification prevented effective processing of components requiring high-pressure gas hardening. Increasing production loads and customer requirements prompted Bhuj Polymers to invest in next-generation vacuum technology.

“The furnace delivered combines 15-bar high-pressure gas cooling with perfect temperature uniformity and precise control of thermal processes. This solution meets NADCA (tool & die global standard) requirements and is ready for Nadcap (aerospace global standard) certification, enabling Bhuj Polymers to expand their manufacturing services to the most demanding customers from industries such as automotive and aerospace,” says Maciej Korecki, vice president of the Vacuum Segment of the SECO/WARWICK Group.

This installation represents a significant advancement in local manufacturing capabilities. As part of SECO/WARWICK’s strategy to strengthen local production competencies, the furnace was manufactured entirely in India, reducing logistical costs, increasing competitiveness, and eliminating challenges associated with global customs policy.

Arvind Agarwal
Managing Director of SECO/WARWICK India

“Bhuj Polymers is a partner who trusted that our vacuum project, carried out entirely in India, was the correct solution for their manufacturing needs. This trust is of great value to us, as it opened a new chapter in the history of SECO/WARWICK India. This installation is an important step towards building a strong and independent technological infrastructure in India. We are pleased to be part of the growth of companies like Bhuj Polymers, who choose world-class technology produced locally,” said Arvind Agarwal, managing director of SECO/WARWICK India.

This event may serve as a significant impetus for other companies, not only in the state of Gujarat. This expansion demonstrates the importance of local production and support for manufacturers of aluminum die-casting molds, plastic processing tools, or precision components.

Press release is available in its original form here.

Bhuj Polymers Advances Production Capabilities with New Vacuum Furnace Read More »

Southwest Metal Treating Corp Expands Capabilities with New Cryogenic System

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Southwest Metal Treating Corp (SWMT), an AS9100D/ISP 9001:2015 and Nadcap-accredited facility specializing in providing precision heat treating services, announces the addition of a new cryogenic processing system. This enhancement will further support SWMT’s ability to serve its aerospace, defense, and precision manufacturing partners with high-quality heat treating and cryogenic processing solutions.

“The TRU-CRYOTHERM expands our thermal processing capabilities and strengthens our ability to meet demanding specifications with precision and reliability,” said Ryan Fussell, CEO of Southwest Metal Treating Corp. “As we continue to invest in state-of-the-art equipment, our goal remains the same — to provide our customers with unmatched quality, turnaround, and technical excellence.”

Ryan Fussell
CEO of Southwest Metal Treating Corp (SWMT)
Source: MTI

The new unit, provided by the McLaughlin Furnace Group, is now currently installed as part of SWMT’s ongoing expansion of its Integral Quench (IQ) department. Its design, advanced temperature control, and uniformity standards make it an ideal complement to SWMT’s growing IQ and vacuum processing operations. With this addition, SWMT continues to set a higher standard for metallurgical performance and process consistency across its full range of services.

Press release is available in its original form here.

Southwest Metal Treating Corp Expands Capabilities with New Cryogenic System Read More »

3 Furnace Upgrades for Environmental Impact

/ ALUMINUM PROCESSING NEWS, BURNERS COMBUSTION SYSTEM NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Three aluminum melting furnaces at a Novelis site have been updated to achieve a more than 40% reduction in carbon footprint and significantly lower gas consumption. This project marks an important step forward in the decarbonization of industrial processes.

The upgrade includes Fives’ North American® regenerative technology. The North American TwinBed® II burners, manufactured by the supplier, are recognized for their energy efficiency and low emissions. From engineering and design to commissioning, the project was fully managed by Fives’ North American Combustion’s teams based in Bilbao, Spain.

Aluminum melting furnaces updated for environmental impact (Source: Novelis)
Novelis and Fives upgrade three furnaces (Source: Novelis)
Emilio Braghi, Executive Vice President and President Novelis Europe Source: Novelis

This joint initiative in Voerde, Germany, by Novelis and Fives highlights the shared commitment to sustainability and innovation. The 40% reduction in carbon footprint is based on gas consumption compared to pre-upgrade levels measured in mid-2023 at the Voerde casthouse.

“Sustainability is at the core of Novelis’ business model,” said Emilio Braghi, executive vice president and president of Novelis Europe. “With our company vision, Novelis 3×30, we’ve set ambitious goals to advance circularity and decarbonization by 2030. The upgrade of our three melting furnaces represents a practical advancement in reducing our environmental footprint and improving operational efficiency.”

“This project represents a new milestone in our long-standing collaboration with Novelis, which began nearly two decades ago,” added Pablo Arribalzaga, managing director for Europe at Fives North American Combustion. “We are proud to support Novelis’ sustainability journey with high-performance, low-emission combustion solutions tailored to their operations.”

Press release is available in its original form here.

3 Furnace Upgrades for Environmental Impact Read More »

Solar Atmospheres Expands with 10-Bar Vacuum Furnace

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

Solar Atmospheres has commissioned and installed a new 10-bar vacuum furnace at its Greenville, SC facility. The horizontal furnace can process loads up to 12,000 pounds and expands the company’s capacity for high-pressure quenching of large components and workloads.

Solar Atmospheres new 10-bar vacuum furnace
Source: Solar Atmospheres
Steve Prout
President
Solar Atmospheres Southeast

Manufactured by its sister company Solar Manufacturing, the furnace features a working zone measuring 48” wide x 48” high x 96” deep. Its pumping package achieves an ultimate vacuum level of 1×10⁻⁶ Torr, ensuring performance for processing titanium and other high-grade alloys requiring pristine vacuum environments

Steve Prout, president of Solar Atmospheres Southeast, commented: “We’re proud to offer our customers another regional option for high-pressure quenching of large components and workloads, while also providing the opportunity to reduce processing costs through economies of scale.”

Press release is available in its original form here.

Solar Atmospheres Expands with 10-Bar Vacuum Furnace Read More »

Heat Treater Expands Furnace Operations and Nadcap Readiness

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, QUENCHING NEWS, VACUUM FURNACES NEWS

A metal heat treater is expanding their operations with a new vacuum furnace. The high-pressure quench vacuum furnace will be used for a wide range of processes such as vacuum hardening, tempering, solution treatment, aging, annealing, brazing and high-pressure gas quenching, servicing the automotive, aerospace, toolmaking and machinery sectors.

Shital Vacuum Treat will receive the furnace from SECO/WARWICK, and it will comply with the NADCA (North American Die Casting Association) global standard for the heat treatment of tools and dies and enable faster preparation for NADCAP certification.

The single-chamber Vector vacuum furnace will be equipped with an advanced 15 bar (abs) gas cooling system, enabling rapid and uniform cooling of loads with complex geometries. It features a round heating chamber with high temperature uniformity ±5°C (9°F), convection heating up to 850°C (1562°F), and a vacuum system based on Leybold mechanical and Roots pumps.

“SECO/WARWICK is not just a supplier – they are part of our family. The new furnace will allow us to increase our production capacity and serve customers better. Quality and repeatability are paramount for us…Thanks to high-pressure cooling and the ability to work with different process gases, the furnace fits perfectly with the requirements of a commercial hardening plant that serves clients from various industrial sectors. Its NADCA compliance and readiness for Nadcap certification allows us to provide services to clients from the most demanding industries, such as aerospace and automotive,” commented Vilas Kolekar, marketing director for Shital Vacuum Treat Pvt. Ltd.

Shital Vacuum Treat Pvt Ltd in the Indian market not only provides comprehensive heat treatment services but also acts as a technology advisor. 

Press release is available in its original form here.

Heat Treater Expands Furnace Operations and Nadcap Readiness Read More »

IperionX Receives $25M to Accelerate Titanium Production

/ MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

Iperion X has received $25 million from the U.S. Department of War to support the build-out of a resilient, fully integrated, and low-cost titanium supply chain. The funds will be applied to the scale-up of production to 1,400 tpa at IperionX’s Titanium Manufacturing Campus in Virginia.

The award has come through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program and is part of a $42.5 million obligation expected to be granted over time. The IBAS program is designed to reinforce U.S. defense supply chains mineral-to-metal titanium that reduces reliance on imports and establishes a secure, uninterruptible domestic source of critical materials.

This latest obligation follows prior tranches of $12.5 million and $5 million, which funded long-lead items for titanium manufacturing equipment and to advance the Titan Critical Minerals Project in Tennessee.

IperionX is an American titanium metal and critical materials company that uses patented metal technologies to produce high performance titanium alloys, from titanium minerals or scrap titanium, at lower energy, cost and carbon emissions. Their Titan critical minerals project is the largest JORC-compliant mineral resource of titanium, rare earth, and zircon minerals sands in the United States. Titanium metal and critical minerals are essential for advanced U.S. industries including space, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, hydrogen, automotive and additive manufacturing.

Press release is available in its original form here.

IperionX Receives $25M to Accelerate Titanium Production Read More »

Fringe Friday: Woodward To Build $200 Million Aerospace Manufacturing Facility

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat Treat Fringe Friday installment: Woodward, Inc, a manufacturer with in-house heat treat operations which serves the aerospace industry, has announced its plan to build a precision manufacturing facility in Greer, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. The new site is a strategic investment for the company. The 300,000-square-foot facility is set to open in 2027 and will focus on production of servo-hydraulic actuation systems, which are critical components used in aircraft flight control.

While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.

Woodward’s Nadcap certification
Source: Woodward, Inc.
Chip Blankenship
Chairman & CEO
Woodward, Inc.

Initially, most of the factory’s capacity will be dedicated to producing spoiler actuation for the Airbus A350. These critical control systems are mounted on the upper surface of aircraft wings and play a vital role in managing lift and enhancing flight performance and safety. The site has potential to expand capacity as the company meets growing demand for its aerospace technologies.

The facility is expected to create approximately 275 high-quality jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and business operations, with potential for significant workforce expansion in the future.

“The selection of Woodward to supply Airbus with spoiler actuation systems and our investment in South Carolina represent a major milestone for Woodward and our commitment to delivering leading controls solutions to our customers,” said Chip Blankenship, chairman and CEO of Woodward, Inc. “It will be a showcase manufacturing site, much like our Rock Cut campus, vertically integrated, highly automated, and built on the capabilities and methodologies in operational excellence we’ve developed through our LEAP and GTF aircraft engine programs.

“Beyond supporting the Airbus A350, this facility positions us to extend our hydraulic flight control design and industrialization expertise to additional applications as well as other commercial aircraft manufacturers. We’re proud to bring jobs and economic opportunity to Spartanburg County as we fulfill our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.”

Henry Dargan McMaster
Governor of South Carolina
Source: South Carolina Office of the Governor

After an extensive nationwide search, Woodward selected Spartanburg County for its robust manufacturing infrastructure, access to highly skilled aerospace talent, and proximity to key suppliers. The investment is supported by an incentive package from the State of South Carolina, Spartanburg County, and local economic development organizations.

“When global companies like Woodward, Inc. decide to invest in our state, it further solidifies South Carolina’s impressive reputation in the manufacturing industry. We look forward to creating a long-standing partnership with the company and seeing the strong impact of these approximately 275 new jobs in Spartanburg County,” said Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina.

Press release is available in its original form here.

Find heat treating products and services when you search on Heat Treat Buyers Guide.Com

Fringe Friday: Woodward To Build $200 Million Aerospace Manufacturing Facility Read More »

Fringe Friday: Riverspan Partners Acquires United Titanium

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS, MEDICAL HEAT TREAT NEWS, TITANIUM PROCESSING NEWS

We’re celebrating getting to the “fringe” of the weekend with a Heat Treat Fringe Friday installment: Riverspan Partners has acquired United Titanium, a leading U.S. manufacturer of engineered, mission-critical fasteners, fittings and precision components made from titanium, zirconium, and other specialty metals. United Titanium serves critical industries such as defense, aerospace, medical and dental, electronics, petrochemical processing and marine engineering.

While not exactly heat treat, “Fringe Friday” deals with interesting developments in one of our key markets: aerospace, automotive, medical, energy, or general manufacturing.

Dave Thomas
Partner
Riverspan Partners.

Based on Wooster, Ohio, United Titanium was founded in 1962 and offers comprehensive services such as precision machining, custom fabrication, and advanced inspection and testing.

“We have built a remarkable business together over the past five decades, and I am thrilled that the team has found an ideal partner for the next chapter,” said Mike Reardon, president of United Titanium. “Riverspan deeply appreciates the people and processes that have contributed to our success and is keen to build on those strengths to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities in our core markets. Their expertise will help United Titanium to reinforce its commitment to quality, innovation and high-touch service through further investment in our people and technology. I am excited to see the company continue to prosper.”

“We have tremendous respect for the outstanding business … United Titanium team has built, and we are excited to build on that rich legacy,” said Dave Thomas, partner at Riverspan Partners.

The company will continue to be led by the same senior team and will remain headquartered and an active community member in Wooster, Ohio. As part of the transaction, longtime industry executive Paul Schwarzbaum will join the United Titanium Board of Directors.

Press release is available in its original form here.

Find heat treating products and services when you search on Heat Treat Buyers Guide.Com

Fringe Friday: Riverspan Partners Acquires United Titanium Read More »

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