In aerospace and defense manufacturing, consistency is not optional. It is expected at every stage of production. The thermal processing behind that consistency must deliver precise, repeatable results while meeting strict regulatory and client requirements. For more than 60 years, O&W Heat Treat, Inc. (O&W) has built its role in this environment by focusing on controlled processes, technical discipline, and long-term client trust.
Based in Connecticut, the company supports OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and precision manufacturers with specialty processing for critical components. From its early years, the focus has remained on demanding applications where metallurgical integrity and process control are essential. That emphasis continues today, particularly in aerospace and defense work where specifications leave little room for variation.
A defining part of O&W’s evolution has been its commitment to quality systems and compliance. With Nadcap accreditation maintained since 1995 (including continuous Merit status since 2006) and ITAR registration in place, the operation reflects the level of oversight required for defense-related and high-performance aerospace components. These credentials support both process validation and the traceability expected across the supply chain.
At the core of operations are vacuum heat treating, brazing, and induction hardening and brazing, which play a central role in processing advanced alloys and complex geometries. These methods allow for tight environmental control, minimizing oxidation and contamination while delivering consistent metallurgical results. For aerospace components, where cleanliness and precision are critical, this level of control is essential to meeting both AMS and client specifications.
O&W supports a range of thermal treatments designed to enhance material performance. These include solution treating, age hardening, stress relieving, cryogenic processing, and multiple brazing methods. Each process is executed with careful control of temperature, atmosphere, and cooling rates to achieve the required balance of strength, durability, and stability in finished components. This approach ensures that parts meet both specification and performance requirements before leaving the plant.
Supporting these heat treating and brazing operations is a fully equipped in-house laboratory with NIST-traceable testing and inspection equipment, enabling verification of metallurgical properties. Their comprehensive testing options include mechanical and hardness testing, metallographic evaluation, pressure testing, and leak detection, allowing clients to access multiple services at a single facility.
Equipment capabilities reflect the same emphasis on control and repeatability. A mix of vacuum and atmosphere furnaces supports for a variety of heat treatment cycles, including solution heat treatment, aging, and other specification-driven thermal processes, while induction systems provide localized hardening applications. All systems are maintained in accordance with aerospace and defense quality standards, including regular qualification and system accuracy testing to confirm consistent performance.
Long-term relationships have been equally important to O&W’s position in the industry. Many client partnerships span decades, a reflection of consistent delivery of quality and reliability in industries where the margin for error is essentially zero.
That trust is supported by a team of 23 employees whose expertise and commitment drive daily operations. The organization emphasizes professional growth and continuous improvement, strengthening both internal capabilities and the level of service delivered to clients.
Following its acquisition by Savannah Search Capital in late 2025, O&W is led by Ali Platon (CEO), Chris Goyen (President), and Patrick Ohlheiser (VP and former owner). Leadership has been focused on expanding capabilities through investment in equipment, personnel, and client relationships. O&W’s direction remains grounded in controlled processes, technical expertise, and consistent results.
For more information:
O&W Heat Treat Inc.
1 Bidwell Rd.
South Windsor, CT 06074
info@owheattreat.com
anp@owheattreat.com
https://www.owheattreat.com
Main image: O&W Microhardness Lab | Image Credit: Applied Thermal Technologies Inc.
