MTI MEMBER PROFILES

Furnaces North America Heats Up in 2026

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Furnaces North America 2026 (FNA 2026) stands as the premier heat treating event in North America, held every other year by the Metal Treating Institute in collaboration with Heat Treat Today as its exclusive media partner. But FNA 2026 is more than a marquee gathering; it arrives at a pivotal moment. 2026 is the inflection year, the point where the forces reshaping manufacturing accelerate and begin defining the competitive realities of the 2030s.

FNA 2026 attracts the largest concentration of decision-makers, buyers, and senior executives in the global heat treating industry for an intensive three-day experience designed to prepare leaders for what comes next. With attendees expected from more than 40 states and 20 countries, including Fortune 500 companies, FNA 2026 is where the industry aligns, adapts, and positions itself for the decade ahead.

As economic volatility, demographic shifts, artificial intelligence, automation, labor shortages, sustainability pressures, and evolving customer expectations converge, the decisions made in the next few years will determine who thrives in the 2030s — and who falls behind. That is why FNA 2026 is indispensable for both commercial and captive heat treaters. It is not simply an event; it is a strategic solution hub for navigating the most profound operational and technological changes the industry has faced in decades.

FNA 2026 is built around three powerful pillars:

  • Learning
  • Business
  • Networking

Learning that LASTS

The technical conference delivers 35 high-impact sessions across more than 10 focused tracks, curated by industry experts. Topics include productivity, data and digitalization, processes, equipment, standards, pyrometry, controls, materials, maintenance, emerging technologies, and business strategy, equipping attendees with practical knowledge they will need not just today, but throughout the transition to the 2030s.

Business that CONNECTS

The trade show, which features over 160 leading suppliers, is the heartbeat of FNA. It provides unmatched, face-to-face access to the technologies, partners, and solutions shaping the future of heat treating. For leadership teams, FNA 2026 offers a clear window into where the industry is headed and how to invest wisely ahead of the coming decade.

Networking is KING

FNA’s social events are intentionally designed to foster meaningful, high-value connections. These interactions go beyond casual networking, creating space for candid conversations, shared lessons, and relationships that will matter as companies navigate the challenges and opportunities leading into the 2030s.

FNA 2026 is not just another conference; it is a cornerstone moment for making your company future ready. Taking place October 12–14 in Indianapolis, FNA 2026 offers a rare opportunity to step back, look ahead, and position your organization for success at a time when the industry’s trajectory is being set.

With 2026 being the inflection point for the 2030s, FNA 2026 is where anyone in the heat treating industry must be. Learn more and register at www.FurnacesNorthAmerica.com and take an active role in preparing your company for the future.

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MTI Member Profile: Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Company

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For seven decades, a family-owned heat treater in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has stood as a model of innovative craftsmanship and quality stewardship. Established in 1955 by Danish immigrant Jens Hansen, the company began as the J. Hansen Steel Treating Company, serving the tool and die shops that powered West Michigan’s post-war manufacturing boom. From its modest start with two muffle furnaces, two tempering furnaces, and a flame hardening unit, the company’s foundation was built on technical know-how and hands-on commitment to every job.

Image Credit: Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Company

A young college student named James (Jim) Balk joined the company part-time that same year — an opportunity that grew into a lifetime career. By 1973, Jim and his wife, Shirley, purchased the business and renamed it Hansen/Balk Steel Treating. Two years later, they invested in their first vacuum furnace and vacuum tempering system, helping the company stay ahead of a rapidly modernizing tool and die market. Continued growth led to a move to its current facility in 1980, where the business still operates today under the leadership of the second and third generations of the Balk family.

Through these transitions, the company’s values have remained unchanged: a commitment to high-quality heat treating, responsiveness to client needs, and a deep dedication to employees and community. Today, the heat treater is a trusted partner to industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical, defense, mining, and heavy equipment manufacturing.

As a Nadcap- and MedAccred-certified and AS9100-registered commercial heat treater, Hansen/Balk Steel Treating offers a wide range of services that make it a true one-stop shop for metal processing. Capabilities include vacuum hardening and tempering with high-pressure quenching up to 15 bar, as well as gas and ion nitriding, carburizing, martempering, and normalizing. Additional specialties, such as cryogenic treatment, flame hardening, and induction processing, enable the company to meet diverse and complex client requirements across North America.

Both vacuum and atmosphere processing are central to its operations, providing the flexibility to handle jobs of nearly any size and specification. The company’s fleet of trucks serves clients in the Midwest, ensuring fast turnaround and dependable delivery, an essential advantage in time-sensitive industries.

What makes the company truly stand out, however, is the expertise behind the furnaces. With 14 retirees each bringing more than 40 years of service and several multi-generational employees, the operation exemplifies the stability and prowess that define the best of American manufacturing. That dedication extends beyond the shop floor, supporting numerous charitable initiatives throughout West Michigan and maintaining a strong connection to the local community.

Over the years, the company has been recognized with industry honors, including the Metal Treating Institute’s (MTI) Master Craftsman, aka Commercial Heat Treater of the Year, award in 2000, and has been a proud member of MTI since 1979 with two YES graduates.

Among the many projects that mark its history, one stands out from recent years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the team worked with a local mold builder to rapidly heat treat components for ventilator production. It was a defining moment that reflected both technical capability and a spirit of service.

Looking ahead, the company plans to continue reinvesting in the latest heat treating equipment and technology while refining its quality systems. With 70 years of experience, it remains focused on what has always defined its success: precision, responsiveness, and a culture of care that turns clients into long-term partners.

For more information:

Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Company

1230 Monroe Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505

info@hansenbalk.com
www.hansenbalk.com

Main image: 12-bar vacuum furnace | Image Credit: Hansen/Balk Steel Treating Company

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Equipping Heat Treaters for Success with MTI’s Online Academy

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Like many industries, the heat treating industry is facing a significant labor shortage today — marked by tight hiring pools, high turnover, and growing demand for skilled workers. Unfortunately, the labor shortage isn’t ending any time soon.

In this climate, training solutions that are efficient, scalable, and accessible become crucial. The MTI Online Academy for Heat Treaters (run by the Metal Treating Institute, the largest network of commercial heat treaters worldwide) offers a robust solution tailored to these needs.

Top Benefits for Navigating Labor Challenges

Accelerated Onboarding & Skill Development

MTI’s new employee onboarding training course | Image Credit: MTI

MTI’s Academy offers eight certificate programs, from New Employee Onboarding to Qualified Furnace Operator, Technical Specialist, Quality Specialist, and Management Specialist, plus a safety and supervisory skills track. Companies can standardize onboarding processes and ramp up worker proficiency faster, reducing productivity lags typical in understaffed environments.

Enhanced Productivity, Revenue & Retention

Companies that invest in training see:

  • 24% better profit margins
  • 17% improved productivity
  • 40% higher retention rates

Notably, 40% of new hires leave within the first year due to poor onboarding; robust training helps reverse that.

Compliance-Ready and Industry-Standard Training

Academy modules align with requirements for ARP 1962, Nadcap, CQI-9, and other certification benchmarks. This ensures personnel are trained to meet audit-ready standards, reducing compliance risk, which is particularly important when staffing is lean.

Flexible, Accessible, and Cost-Effective

MTI’s Heat Treat Management Specialist example of course offerings | Image Credit: MTI

Courses are available 24/7 worldwide, mobile-friendly, user-centric, and affordable for any budget. Employers gain flexibility to train employees across shifts and geographies without costly facility-based scheduling.

Modular, Structured Learning Paths

The Academy outlines credit hours for each certification (e.g., Furnace Operator: ~16 credit hours; Technical Specialist: ~25; Quality Specialist: ~63; Management Specialist: ~78). This transparent, tiered structure enables targeted training based on role demands and skill gaps, helping to optimize training time and resource allocation.

Support for Leadership Development

Beyond technical skills, the Academy offers leadership and supervisory programs, covering communication, team development, decision-making, DEI awareness, and more. Developing internal leaders helps build resilience, improves morale, and supports retention, especially when talent supply is thin.

Part of a Trusted Industry Network

MTI is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit established in 1933, offering the largest commercial heat treating network, breadth of resources, and credibility. Training through MTI not only builds skills but also connects learners to a broader professional community.

In a time when finding and retaining skilled heat treaters is tougher than ever, the MTI Online Academy for Heat Treaters provides a compelling solution: accessible, aligned with industry standards, modular, and designed to boost productivity, retention, compliance, and workforce development. By integrating MTI’s Academy into their workforce strategy, companies can effectively counter labor challenges while laying the foundation for sustained growth and operational excellence.

For more details, visit www.MTIAcademy.com or email training@heattreat.net.

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MTI Member Profile: Metal Treaters, Inc.

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In the heart of Minnesota’s Twin Cities, a third-generation heat treating company continues to shape the backbone of manufacturing with precision and consistency. Established in 1948, Metal Treaters, Inc. began with a single Ipsen vacuum furnace used to treat door hinges for ovens and furnaces. From those early days, it has grown into a trusted partner for industries requiring meticulous control over metallurgical properties throughout the heat treating process.

The company expanded significantly in the 1970s when the second generation broadened its capabilities to include carburizing, induction hardening, and neutral hardening. That phase of growth laid the groundwork for today’s broader service offerings. Now under the guidance of its third generation, the focus is on integrating advanced technologies, enhancing efficiencies, and staying ahead of evolving compliance standards.

Metal Treaters, Inc. production, induction, shipping, and receiving side of facility | Image Credit: Metal Treaters, Inc.

Metal Treaters’ clients span the aerospace, defense, agricultural, construction, and medical sectors. A hallmark of the operation remains its vacuum heat treating expertise — a specialty dating back to its origin. Tool steels like A-2, D-2, and S-7, along with various stainless steels, are treated daily. Additional services include gas carburizing, carbonitriding, induction hardening and tempering, and cryogenic treatment.

What distinguishes this heat treater is its comprehensive internal control. Pyrometry is performed to AMS2750 standards, ensuring furnace accuracy and consistency. Metal Treaters also fabricates custom fixtures, racks, and induction coils, which allows them to tailor solutions, reduce job costs, and maintain quick turnaround times. These capabilities are especially valuable for manufacturers without in-house heat treating resources or those working with highly specialized components.

The facility operates eight furnaces, including four vacuum furnaces and four carburizing furnaces. They also utilize twenty-five tempering ovens, nine induction stations, seventeen hardness testers, and two deep freezers. All work is processed through batch ovens, which are optimized for flexibility and precision rather than oversized loads. With jobs that run in parallel and an established logistics network, including four daily route trucks serving the Twin Cities, the operation is built for both responsiveness and repeatability.

Growth has never depended on traditional advertising. Instead, the business has earned new work through word-of-mouth referrals and discussions at trade shows. This approach has attracted a wide range of challenging and high-profile jobs, from components used in space exploration and defense to tooling for medical and construction applications. Each project is approached with the same attention to detail, regardless of size or industry.

Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its use of automation in induction heat treating while continuing to meet the most rigorous technical standards. Plans also include maintaining a workplace culture that emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and long-term client relationships.

Through decades of change, Metal Treaters has remained grounded in technical excellence and responsive service. While tools, materials, and specifications have evolved, the guiding principles behind each treated part have stayed the same: precision, reliability, and craftsmanship.

For more information:

Metal Treaters, Inc.

859 Prior Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104

joannea@metaltreaters.com
metaltreaters.com

Main image: Metal Treaters, Inc. vacuum and office side of facility | Image Credit: Metal Treaters, Inc.

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MTI Member Profile: Akron Steel Treating Company

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In the heart of Akron, Ohio, stands Akron Steel Treating Company — an enduring example of American grit, craftsmanship, and family-driven values built upon a legacy that began in a family garage in the quiet hum of wartime urgency. Founded in 1943 by Prosper P. Powell with the help of the U.S. Army, the original facility was no more than a makeshift operation for heat treating firing pins. But even then, the commitment to quality was uncompromising. Work overflowed into the family’s kitchen oven, and every part was handled with care and purpose.

Prosper P. Powell at the original Akron Steel Treating building | Image Credit: Akron Steel Treating Company

Today, more than 80 years later, that same spirit drives the company. Still family-owned and operated, Akron Steel Treating (AST) has grown into a 65,000 square-foot facility that blends old-school workmanship with modern technology. Their secret isn’t just in the furnaces; it’s in their values. Honesty, integrity, and respect guide every project, every client relationship, and every part that passes through their hands.

When manufacturers think of AST, they should think of reliability without compromise. With industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical, electronics, construction, and defense, the heat treater supports some of the most demanding applications where failure is not an option. Their metallurgical consultants and heat treating experts work hand-in-hand with clients to identify the most cost-effective and performance-driven solutions, ensuring that heat treating enhances, rather than limits, the manufacturing process.

What makes them truly stand apart is its commitment to tailored solutions. Rather than push a one-size-fits-all service, AST embraces the consultative process. With a suite of heat treating options, including neutral hardening, carburizing, carbonitriding, and vacuum heat treating, they select the process that best suits each client’s needs. Their extensive quenching capabilities range from oil and air to martempering, austempering, and even intensive water quenching, offering unparalleled flexibility and precision.

Quality is not just a goal here — it is a guarantee, backed by detailed documentation and inspection protocols. Clients benefit from heat treat certifications, furnace charts, hardness testing, and stress measurements. Every part is tracked through the company’s proprietary JobShoppe™ system and Spec-View® monitoring platform. This computer network monitoring system ensures high-quality, repeatable heat treating that clients can rely on time and again.

One of AST’s proudest achievements? Supporting national defense by heat treating missile guidance fins and aircraft braking components. The company even holds a federal manufacturing firearms license, a testament to their reputation and rigorous process controls.

Looking ahead, AST is focused on staying true to its roots while embracing innovation. The next 80 years will see continued investment in new technologies to improve efficiency and broaden capabilities, all while maintaining the personalized service and family culture that define their brand.

In a world of fleeting trends and fast fixes, this heat treater is proof that craftsmanship, consistency, and character still matter. Their team, many of whom have been with the company for decades, is not just a workforce; they are the AST family, and they carry forward a proud tradition, one heat treated part at a time.

For more information:

Akron Steel Treating Company

336 Morgan Avenue
Akron, Ohio 44311

jpowell@akronsteeltreating.com
akronsteeltreating.com

Main image: Akron Steel Treating building in Akron, Ohio

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MTI Member Profile: Cook Induction Heating Co.

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For 80 years, Cook Induction Heating Co. has been a trusted partner for the aerospace, automotive, defense, mining, and oil tool industries. The company was founded in 1945 to support the induction hardening of citrus cutters in Orange County, California and has evolved over time into the go-to experts for induction heating. With induction heating as their core focus, Cook Induction Heating Co. is well known for providing high-quality engineering solutions tailored for their clients.

Third-generation president Troy Doolittle proudly holding photos of past presidents Keith Doolittle (father) and Forrest Doolittle (grandfather). | Image Credit: Cook Induction Heating Co.

As a family business with decades of legacy, they take pride in their deep industry roots and multigenerational relationships with clients and partners. They are “small enough to care and big enough to deliver” on innovation, problem solving, localized treatment, precision, efficiency — and a phone that’s always answered by a person.

The company services are focused on high-precision components for aerospace, oil and gas, tooling, and defense applications, including surface hardening, tempering, and annealing, all via advanced induction methods. From supporting ventilator development projects during COVID to treating critical components for military helicopters and missile defense, Cook Induction Heating Co. takes pride in their ability to perform under pressure.

Speaking of pressure, how about treating a part for a race? The company once processed a specialized shaft for the Red Bull Racing trophy truck after it had broken during a race in Baja, Mexico. A member of the team hand-carried the broken shaft through international flights to Cook Induction Heating Co. who then worked directly with Italian engineers to process the part immediately upon arrival and returned the part via helicopter to be reinstalled in the field — all within hours. This type of high-pressure, high-impact success story is an example of their dedication and drive.

Speaking of pressure, how about treating a part for a race? The company once processed a specialized shaft for the Red Bull Racing trophy truck after it had broken during a race in Baja, Mexico. A member of the team hand-carried the broken shaft through international flights to Cook Induction Heating Co. who then worked directly with Italian engineers to process the part immediately upon arrival and returned the part via helicopter to be reinstalled in the field — all within hours. This type of high-pressure, high-impact success story is an example of their dedication and drive.

For more information:

Cook Induction Heating Co.

4925 E. Slauson Ave.
Maywood, CA 90270

info@cookinduction.com
cookinduction.com

Main image: Veteran operator Juan Garcia, with 26 years at Cook Induction, monitors the induction hardening process of a drive shaft.

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MTI Member Profile: DOWA THT America, Inc.

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DOWA THT America, Inc. (DOWA THT) was established in 1997 and began operations in 1998 in Bowling Green, Ohio, as a subsidiary of Japan’s DOWA Thermotech Co., Ltd. The company was founded with the goal of meeting the North American demand for advanced heat treatment, initially targeting the automotive industry and expanding over time to serve the construction, agriculture, and green energy sectors.

DOWA THT Batch Furnace Line | Image Credit: DOWA THT

DOWA THT operates two independent divisions. One division is the Commercial Heat Treatment Division, which is operated locally and has been expanded four times since the original building was constructed. This facility is equipped with 24 batch furnaces, four tempering furnaces, six vacuum wash machines, and two continuous furnaces, most of which are DOWA THT brand equipment.

The second division is the Furnace Equipment Division, which is responsible for the design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of all equipment sold domestically. The overwhelming majority of equipment sold at the Commercial Heat Treatment facility and the parts processed there are for the automotive industry, but the facility also caters to other fields, such as construction, agriculture, environmentally friendly energy production, and advanced industries. The Furnace Equipment Division provides a full range of services, including sales, installation, commissioning, preventive maintenance, and emergency maintenance, from Canada all the way to Brazil.

DOWA THT Continuous Furnace Line | Image Credit: DOWA THT

The Commercial Heat Treatment Division processes parts onsite at the Bowling Green facility to enhance material properties for durability and performance. Examples of the parts processed are gears, shafts, transmission parts as well as agricultural machinery parts. The company’s services in this field focus on carburizing, carbonitriding, nitriding, ferritic nitrocarburizing, quench and temper, and hardening. They are also considering adding annealing as part of its capabilities.

The Bowling Green facility uses a patented QSQ quenching process developed to reduce distortion. With this patented process, DOWA THT has significantly reduced post-process work steps for its customers for many years.

A key feature of the Bowling Green facility is that the Commercial Heat Treatment Division and the Furnace Equipment Division operate within the same facility. This structure allows potential customers to visit the operational furnaces prior to purchase and observe the visual flow of the heat treatment process.

The biggest advantage of the Furnace Equipment Division is its turnkey operation. From design to manufacturing, DOWA THT manufactures all equipment and can handle all processes, including transportation, customs, and installation.

DOWA THT is a company that demonstrates leadership across a wide range of industries and is trying to continue to develop new technologies every year. They are capable of designing equipment tailored to customers’ specific specifications, including safety features to protect their employees.

In addition to its U.S. base, DOWA THT has a heat treatment facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The Mexican facility began operations in 2015 and continues to expand. If a customer chooses to manufacture in the U.S. or in Mexico, their North American bases work together to meet all customer needs in both countries.

Whether it’s providing turnkey services in Ohio or designing and installing a custom furnace in North and South America, DOWA THT utilizes their technical expertise housed in their dedicated staff to fuel their dual division model. They are zeroing in on innovating heat treatment solutions and technologies for the future, while investing in sustainable practices to lessen their environmental footprint. With a focus on targeting new growth areas, such as renewable energy, automation, and advanced manufacturing, they are executing on a multi-year plan to integrate real-time monitoring and AI-generated predictive maintenance to enhance overall client experience.

For more information:

DOWA THT America, Inc.

210 S Woodland Cir
Bowling Green, OH 43402

sales@down-tht.com
www.Dowa-THT.com

Main image: DOWA THT employees

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MTI Member Profile: Eastern Metal Treating, Inc.

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Client needs often make for the greatest business opportunities. In 1986, the Lyman family ran into one such great opportunity. While the family business was busy building heat treating equipment, one of their clients faced a big need: They wanted a new continuous austempering line, but they were unable to bring it in-house. Seeing the opportunity, the Lymans struck a deal to build the line and place it in a new heat treating company: Eastern Metal Treating (EMT), which to this day remains a commercial heat treater born from making the best of an opportunity.

The opportunity to be a commercial heat treater offering continuous austempering jump-started the company, and it is now their claim to heat treating fame. Today, EMT is the largest-capacity commercial heat treat company able to perform the continuous austempering process in the Northeast. Designed and built by company personnel, the two mesh belt furnace systems have a capacity of 3,000 lbs/hr. Soon, there will be an additional 1,000 lbs/hr available for production as the team is currently refurbishing an existing mesh belt furnace system. Employees perform 95% of all equipment repairs to keep these systems running. During these repairs, a complete inventory of spare parts minimizes downtime to hours and days, rather than weeks or more.

Continuous austempering process | Image Credit: Eastern Metal Treating, Inc.

Continuous mesh belt austempering is perfect for medium and high carbon steel stamped parts, making it the bread and butter of the automotive industry. Austempering at this company yields tough parts that are more ductile, less susceptible to distortion, and resistant to hydrogen embrittlement. Not only that, but the process also produces parts that are clean and bright with no scale or oxidation, which leads to minimizing or eliminating downstream processes. In EMT’s early days, the company heat treated large diameter rings used for the automatic transmissions of the Big Three car manufacturers. Bob Lyman notes how amazing it was to drive around knowing almost every car he saw contained parts his family business had contributed to manufacturing.

Today, the Lyman family is still making the best of all the opportunities available to them. Bob’s two sons, Bud and Michael Lyman, are preparing to take over the family business in the future, and the two currently handle plant management and quality assurance. As more business opportunities come their way, EMT is looking forward to taking them on and achieving excellence in quality and service.

For more information:

Eastern Metal Treating, Inc.

28 Bacon Road
Enfield, CT 06082

info@easternmetaltreating.com
www.easternmetaltreating.com

Main image: Bob, Bud, and Michael Lyman | Image Credit: Eastern Metal Treating, Inc.

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MTI Member Profile: Detroit Flame Hardening Co.

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Detroit Flame Hardening Co. does many things well, but one thing they excel at is flame hardening. In fact, they have built proprietary, only-at-Detroit-Flame post-processes that have truly set them apart as a master of flame hardening.

In general, during the flame hardening process, flames are directed carefully to the surface of a carbon or alloy metal and later quenched. But at this company, processes are a little more specialized. Here, their clients can choose a specific, targeted surface and receive high hardness only in that area. They flame harden using the hottest flames produced from oxygen, propylene, and acetylene (which they generate on site). Doing this successfully requires extensive knowledge of metals, the end application, and what gas to use at what temperature to achieve the correct case depth hardness. The unique process, the result of the more than 80 years of experience housed at the company, reduces the cost of treating the part, process time, and part distortion. To round out this process, the company designed a proprietary quenching method that may include water, oil, air, or synthetics.

Large rope drum for offshore oil rig at Cleveland location

The quenching method is not the only process that is highly unique to Detroit Flame Hardening. The company also boasts a specially adapted straightening press and an entire straightening department for flame hardening parts that require a bit of post-process attention to remain within specification. This department can accommodate straightening demands within .015″ TIR and is able to remove difficult “twists.” Additionally, the on-site precision straighteners can work with any cold precision straightening and some hot straightening.

After being hardened with the specialized flame hardening process, quenched with the proprietary quench method, and straightened with exclusively-adapted presses, parts undergo yet another unique Detroit process: a session with the company’s own Detroit Hardness Tester. This portable machine was engineered and manufactured by experts in metallurgy and has been rigorously pre-tested to ensure positive operation and reliable accuracy. The pocket-size design includes a steel ball, precisely weighted and shaped, that is dropped from a specific height to produce an accurate Rockwell C hardness reading. This design has made the Tester highly regarded by plants and machine shops.

Armed with this level of customized expertise, Detroit Flame Hardening has locations in Detroit, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, serving the entire USA with a focus on the automotive, aerospace, and military (as well as other) industries. Known for their cutting-edge solutions and innovations, this fourth-generation family business has delved deeply into the flame hardening process to better serve others.

For more information:

Detroit Flame Hardening Co.

17644 Mount Elliott St.
Detroit, Michigan 48212

detroitflame@detroitflame.com
www.detroitflame.com

Main image: Matt Geddes, regional operations manager, flame hardening a roll at the Detroit location

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MTI Member Profile: Stack Metallurgical Group

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From its roots in Seattle to its facilities across the western United States, Stack Metallurgical Group has built a legacy defined by precision, quality, and innovation. Founded in 1946, the company began with a few repurposed World War II furnaces and a small team dedicated to serving local foundries. Over time, it expanded its capabilities, added new furnace technologies, and became a trusted partner to some of the leading manufacturers in the Northwest.

New Furnace Day! Jeff McLaughlin, Brad Kaufman (Portland Operations Manager), and Dave Ederer (Owner) in front of Stack Metallurgical’s new temper-freezer unit

As the business evolved over the decades, acquisitions and expansions shaped it into the organization known today. In 1982, the Stack Metallurgical Group consolidated in Portland and added multiple vacuum furnaces to increase capacity. A full-service facility followed in Spokane in 1984, and a new site, Aerospace Aluminum Processing, was established in Salt Lake City in 2015. These additions created a broad network capable of meeting the demanding needs of aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing industries.

At its core, the company remains focused on delivering heat treating excellence backed by decades of experience and technological investment. With over 75 years of service, it supports clients producing everything from rocket engines to precision cutlery, maintaining approvals across a comprehensive list of industry standards.

Among its many capabilities, vacuum heat treating stands as the cornerstone of the heat treater’s expertise. This process, essential for alloys such as nickel and titanium, provides unmatched control and consistency — critical qualities for aerospace, power generation, and high-performance tool applications. Complementing vacuum processing are extensive Endothermic heat treating operations for ferrous alloys, enhancing hardness, wear resistance, and toughness, along with aluminum heat treating and anodizing services that strengthen components and improve corrosion resistance.

The company’s facilities house six internal-quench Endothermic furnaces, more than two dozen air furnaces, and over fifteen vacuum furnaces across its Portland and Spokane locations. In Portland and Salt Lake City, aluminum quench and aging furnaces support aerospace and precision manufacturing work, while the Salt Lake site also features an advanced anodizing line and multiple paint booths for finishing applications.

Beyond equipment and technology, the company’s greatest strength lies in its relationships. The organization has long operated with a client-first philosophy, one that views every heat treat job as a collaboration. Every employee takes personal ownership of each component that passes through their care. This approach, built on partnership and dedication, has earned the trust of manufacturers across the industry.

Partnership has long been a defining value, especially with regional tool and knife manufacturers. Working closely with these partners, the team develops specialized processes that enhance product performance, helping create some of the toughest, sharpest, and most consistent tools available today.

Equally vital to the company’s legacy of enduring quality are its people. Many employees have been part of the organization for more than a decade, with several bringing multiple decades of experience. This continuity has fostered a culture of craftsmanship, accountability, and deep technical knowledge, qualities that customers recognize and trust.

Future growth will follow the same guiding principles that have carried the company for generations: hiring exceptional people, investing in new equipment, and expanding capabilities to serve a growing manufacturing base. As U.S. production advances, Stack Metallurgical Group remains committed to helping clients achieve superior results through dependable heat treating and metal processing solutions.

With more than seven decades of proven performance, the company continues to set the standard for precision, quality, and care, proving that craftsmanship, which built on consistency and innovation, never goes out of style.

For more information:

Stack Metallurgical Group

5938 N Basin Ave
Portland, OR 97217

sales@stackmet.com
www.stackmet.com

Main image: Stack Metallurgical Group’s largest vacuum furnaces at Stack Portland’s Vacuum Department, shortly after commissioning in 2015

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