Bodycote is adding a large-scale hot isostatic pressing (HIP) vessel and expanding vacuum heat treatment capacity at two Ohio facilities to support aerospace and defense manufacturing. The company expects the new HIP system in London, Ohio, to begin operating in early October.
The company has invested approximately $20 million in the new “mega HIP” vessel at its London operation. The system includes rapid and jet cooling functionality and high-pressure capability and is intended to increase capacity for high-volume aerospace applications.
Bodycote expects the new vessel to process several thousand aerospace components in a single cycle, compared with hundreds using the facility’s existing smaller vessels. The additional capacity is expected to support high-volume jet engine applications while accommodating a broader range of aerospace work.
At its Fairfield, Ohio, operation, Bodycote has disclosed approximately $12 million in investment associated with the relocation and expansion of its former Cincinnati facility. The project increased the number of vacuum furnaces at the site, providing additional capacity for higher production volumes and larger components.
The Fairfield investment also included upgrades to existing furnaces and the addition of centralized monitoring and control systems to provide greater visibility into furnace data. The facility has additional space that could accommodate capabilities including liquid penetrant inspection and tensile testing in the future.
Heat Treat Today previously reported on the 55,000-square-foot Fairfield facility after it achieved Nadcap accreditation for heat treating, vacuum welding, and TIG welding. At that time, the site was in the final stages of customer qualification and ramping up toward full-scale operations.
President, Global Aerospace, Defence and Energy
Bodycote
“These investments demonstrate our confidence in the long-term growth of aerospace and defense in Ohio’s increasingly important role within the industry,” said Heidi McNary, president, Global Aerospace, Defence and Energy at Bodycote. “By investing in capacity and capability today, we are positioning Bodycote close to our [clients] and ensuring we can continue to support their growth as aerospace technologies and production requirements evolve.”
The Ohio investments follow other additions to Bodycote’s U.S. thermal processing network in 2026, including new vacuum heat treatment equipment in New Jersey and expanded HIP, powder metallurgy, and additive manufacturing support capabilities at facilities in Massachusetts and South Carolina.
Press release is available in its original form here.
