Bodycote announced plans to open a new heat treatment facility in Apodaca, Mexico, expanding regional capacity for case hardening and nitriding processes used in automotive, industrial, and medical components. The additional capacity is expected to support growing manufacturing activity by improving supply chain responsiveness and access to localized thermal processing services.
Extending its network to better support clients across Mexico and the southern United States, the site is intended to reduce logistical complexity and strengthen supply chain resilience while supporting ongoing near-shoring efforts. The new facility will complement existing operations in Silao, San Luis Potosí, and Guaymas, providing additional flexibility for clients requiring regional heat treating services. Scheduled to open in 2026, the site will support both new and existing programs as demand grows across key manufacturing sectors.
Operations at the facility will include a range of precision heat treatment capabilities, including carburizing, carbonitriding, and nitrocarburizing. These processes are used to improve surface hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue performance while maintaining core strength in critical components.
Bodycote is engaging with clients early to support future capacity planning and qualification activities, with site tours planned for Q2 2026. The facility is expected to ramp up operations in phases as demand increases.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Vacu-Braze, a commercial heat treater specializing in vacuum heat treating and brazing, has added a large-capacity nitriding furnace to support processing of oversized components requiring enhanced surface hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue performance.
The furnace features a working chamber of 48″ in diameter and 108″ in depth, more than doubling the company’s current processing volume. It can accommodate larger workloads while meeting AMS2759/6 requirements for aerospace nitriding applications that require strict control of compound layer formation, case depth, and process uniformity.
In addition to conventional gas nitriding, the new furnace enables ferritic nitrocarburizing, providing an additional surface engineering option in many alloy steels. Along with advanced pyrometry and temperature uniformity controls, these features ensure compliance with AMS2750 for critical applications.
With this addition, Vacu-Braze can process a broader range of part sizes while maintaining process control and consistency.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT) has expanded induction hardening and gas nitriding capacity at its Cullman, Alabama facility, increasing throughput and enabling the processing of larger and more complex parts for manufacturers. The investment supports growing demand for surface hardening technologies used to improve wear resistance, fatigue strength, and durability across industrial applications.
Tim Garner Plant Manager Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT)
The expansion includes two additional systems: a larger induction hardening unit capable of processing parts up to 60 inches in diameter and an additional gas nitriding unit to support high-volume nitriding programs while maintaining quick lead times and consistent processing quality. Earlier systems primarily handled cylindrical components such as shafts, gears, and pins. The new system can now accommodate more complex geometries, broadening the range of parts the plan can process.
“These investments allow us to scale with our [clients],” said Tim Garner, plant manager at AHT. “We are well-positioned to handle a wide range of part sizes, geometries, and production volumes without compromising turnaround times.”
Press release is available in its original form here. Main image shows AHT employees standing in front of the new induction hardening unit in Cullman, Alabama. Image Credit: Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT)
Spectrum Thermal Processing, a heat treatment provider based in Cranston, Rhode Island, has joined a broader thermal processing network through a strategic acquisition that will bolster regional capacity and enhance service for precision aerospace and defense component manufacturing. The transaction strengthens Spectrum’s ability to deliver Nadcap-accredited and ITAR-compliant vacuum heat treatment, low-pressure carburizing, and gas nitriding services to clients in one of the nation’s most dense aerospace and defense corridors. It positions the company to provide improved proximity, shorter lead times, and greater supply chain resilience for critical component suppliers.
Jim Fairbairn CEO of Bodycote plc Source: Bodycote
Under the terms of agreement, Spectrum Thermal Processing becomes part of the Aerospace, Defence & Energy division of Bodycote plc, a global provider of specialist thermal processing services, in a deal that closed on January 14, 2026. The facility in Cranston brings an experienced team, strong technical reputation, and strategic position within one of the nation’s most dense aerospace and defense corridors, making it a natural fit for Bodycote’s growing U.S. network.
Jim Fairbairn, chief executive officer of Bodycote plc, said the acquisition reflects a commitment to investing in high-growth, high-value sectors and expanding capability where clients need it most, adding that Spectrum’s technical expertise and strong local relationships enhance service offerings for advanced heat treating needs.
Existing clients will continue to work with the same team and maintain current service levels, while gaining access over time to Bodycote’s broader global network and specialist technologies.
Press release is available in its original form here.
Two intensive furnace projects are poised to bring heat treating to the automotive brake rotor and marine propulsion systems industries. An FNC furnace has been completed which will process approximately 600,000 brake rotors per year for the automotive industry. An additional pit nitriding furnace has a capacity of 80,000 lb. and will be utilized for the production of large marine gears.
Brake Rotor Furnace
Mark Hemsath President Nitrex/UPC-Marathon Source: Linkedin
“In August our Team received Final Acceptance on two of the most difficult projects in Nitrex history…Our most sophisticated brake rotor semi-continuous FNC furnace is installed at a subsidiary of a major auto maker in Europe. Again, our team worked tirelessly to meet customer demands. I am so proud of our team and what they accomplished,” remarked Mark Hemsath, president of Nitrex/UPC Marathon.
The scale of the brake rotor furnace highlights its uniqueness. The furnace processes approximately 600,000 rotors per year, or about 1.6 metric tons per hour. If run continuously, output could approach nearly a million rotors annually.
The brake rotor furnace integrates a post-oxidation (ONC®) process, allowing control over both the color and oxide layer. This feature sets it apart from furnaces currently in use for brake rotors.
The standard load size of the brake rotor furnace is: 1200 mm x 1200 mm x 1800 mm, with a gross load capacity of up to 4 metric tons. Nitrex was able to offer an extended charge size to 2400 mm deep, which could raise throughput to about 2 metric tons per hour.
Brake rotor furnace Source: Nitrex
Pit Furnace
Nitrex’s largest pit nitriding furnace Source: Nitrex
The pit furnace represented another leap forward with a capacity of 80,000 lbs. Engineering efforts centered on maximizing productivity while maintaining the precision nitrided layers expected from smaller systems.
This furnace presented significant logistical challenges due to its sheer size and complexity in transport and installation.
Mark Hemsath remarked: “I am so proud of the effort our entire team exerted to meet schedules, quality demands and design improvements. Our largest ever precision Nitrider (4.5 meter diameter!) for deep-case nitriding of large gears was built on-site with no prior testing.”
The pit furnace is built to handle extremely large gears, typically for marine propulsion systems in very large ships where double-helix gears are standard. These gears, which can weigh 20,000 lb., require 12 days to nitride, not including heating or cooling — a stark contrast to the two-hour cycle time of the afore mentioned semi-continuous rotor furnace, which is for high volumes in automotive settings.
The furnace stands at 4.5 meters (177 inches / 14.75 feet) in diameter and 3.5 meters deep (11.48 feet), marking one of the largest precision nitriding capacities ever built with a retort lining.
Project Highlights
These projects were collaborative, drawing expertise from across the organization.
In Canada, Janusz Szymborski came out of retirement to contribute design enhancements. Lead Designer Kamil Szczudlo and Chief Engineer Marcin Doroszko from Nitrex’s Poland facility drove the design, automation, and gas flow systems, while plant manager Robert Sokolinski coordinated production and logistics. Karl Michael Winter, vice president of Engineering in Germany, worked on advanced brake rotor layer formation.
Heat TreatToday original press release, last updated on 01/21/2026 at 12:22pm.
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 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.
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 Todayreported 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.
Advanced Heat Treat Corp. (AHT) has increased operations at their Monroe, Michigan facility with additional gas nitriding equipment.
Chad Clark Plant Manager Advanced Heat Treat Corp.
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.
AHTMichigan Plant Manager Chad Clark added, “Our mission statement is ‘Exceeding expectations with UltraGlowing results,’ so this is an example of us expanding capacity to provide our customers with great turnaround. We are pleased to offer additional capacity and look forward to the completion of our building expansion and additional equipment/services in the future.”
AHT can accommodate parts up to 400” inches in height, 160” in diameter and up to 60,000 lbs in weight. A few of the common materials used in gas nitriding processes are austenitic stainless steel; martensitic stainless steel; cast materials (gray/ductile/nodular iron); medium carbon steel; and low alloy/low carbon steel.
This equipment follows on the heels of a building expansion for AHT’s Monroe facility.
A North American nitriding company recently announced a building expansion to accommodate more equipment and services. The new production space at its Monroe, Michigan, facility will house two additional pieces of equipment, a gas nitrider and an ion nitrider, with room for more equipment.
Mike Woods President Advanced Heat Treat Corp.
“The building expansion and new equipment demonstrate our sustained growth and forward-looking investments as we continue to adhere to our mission of ‘exceeding expectations with UltraGlowing® results,'” said Mike Woods, president of Advanced Heat Treat Corp (AHT). “The additional nitriding units will increase our nitriding capacity and enable faster turnaround.”
AHT provides surface treatments, including gas and ion nitriding/nitrocarburizing, UltraOx®, induction hardening and stress relieving, at its locations, which comprises the Michigan facility as well as two additional sites in Waterloo, Iowa, and one in Cullman, Alabama. The company broke ground on the project in November 2024 and expects construction to be completed by Summer 2025.
Main image caption: AHT plant manager, Chad Clark, at the southeast end of the building under expansion
The press release is available in its original form here.
Springs and gas cylinders manufacturer Special Springs has bolstered its heat treating capacity with a new nitriding turnkey system. By adding to their production capabilities, the company aims to meet the growing demands of their client base, which includes the automotive, appliance, agriculture, and heavy equipment sectors.
Marcin Stokłosa Technical Sales Manager NITREX Poland
This expansion follows a long-standing collaboration, which began in October 2004 with the commissioning of Special Springs‘ first Nitrex nitriding turnkey system and continues with the installation of an NXK series furnace in July 2024.
The springs manufacturer installed the compact NXK-812 furnace, which incorporates the heat treat technologies Nitreg and ONC, to accommodate increased capacity and optimize production efficiency. The system has a load capacity of 1,200 kg (2,600 lbs); the two furnaces work alongside each other, utilizing interchangeable material handling equipment to ensure continuity and efficiency in their production process.
“[Special Springs’] decision to expand with a second Nitrex system highlights the strength of our solutions and the trust we’ve built over the years. We look forward to seeing future advancements supporting advanced gas springs exemplifies the synergy achieved through strategic collaboration, advanced heat treat technologies, and exceptional support,” said Marcin Stoklosa, technical sales manager of EMEA region at Nitrex.
The press release is available in its original form here.
