21 News Chatter to Keep You Current

February 20, 2026 / HEAT TREAT NEWS

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 21 news items, including Gasbarre‘s portfolio expansion of modular quenching technology, Bodycote‘s acquisition of Spectrum Thermal Processing, Stack Metallurgical Group‘s Supplier of the Year honor from BENCHMADE Knives, and more!

Equipment

1. Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems announced an exclusive licensing agreement with SOLO Swiss SA to bring Profitherm® modular bell furnace quenching systems to the North American market, giving Gasbarre rights to manufacture, promote, and sell the technology locally. This expansion enhances Gasbarre’s equipment portfolio and offers heat treat operations — from commercial shops to captive facilities serving aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors — a flexible alternative to traditional quench furnaces that can reduce infrastructure needs and improve processing efficiency.

2. IperionX has received a prototype order from American Rheinmetall to manufacture about 700 lightweight titanium components for U.S. Army heavy ground combat systems, using its patented recycled titanium technologies. This order supports U.S. defense efforts to reshore critical materials supply chains and could improve vehicle performance with significantly lighter parts, signaling growing demand for domestic, advanced titanium production in military manufacturing.

3. Jupiter Aluminum Industries (JUPALCO) has ordered two additional patented Vortex 2.0 aluminum coil annealing furnaces from SECO/WARWICK. The installation will expand JUPALCO’s heat treatment capacity while improving process efficiency and temperature uniformity. The project reflects continued investment in modern annealing technology to support growing aluminum processing needs.

4. Century Aluminum Company has emphasized that Emirates Global Aluminum‘s next-generation EX smelting technology will be critical to the development of its new primary aluminum smelter, one of the most advanced technologies deployed in the U.S. This platform is designed to improve productivity, reduce energy consumption per ton, and lower emissions, reinforcing both economic competitiveness and environmental performance in primary aluminum manufacturing.

5. Global pipe manufacturer Tenaris has reactivated quenching and tempering operations at its Koppel, Pennsylvania facility, restoring a critical stage of in-house heat treating capacity that supports domestic oil country tubular goods (OCTG) production for the U.S. energy sector. The restart reinforces supply chain reliability for clients requiring high-performance steel pipe.

6. A Midwest automotive manufacturer is boosting its stainless steel brazing capacity by installing a new four-zone, 24-inch controlled-atmosphere brazing furnace from Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems. The furnace will support higher production of critical automotive components.

7. A Chinese thermal management manufacturer has significantly increased its production capacity by installing a new continuous controlled-atmosphere brazing (CAB) line supplied by SECO/WARWICK to support higher output of advanced cooling components for data centers, EVs, aviation, photovoltaics, and rail transport.

From left to right: Dan Hill, product development manager of Gasbarre, Ben Gasbarre, EVP sales & marketing of Gasbarre, David Salerno, CEO of SOLO, and David Howard, sales director of SOLO

Company & Personnel

8. Spectrum Thermal Processing, a Cranston, Rhode Island heat treat provider, was acquired by global specialist processor Bodycote plc and integrated into its Aerospace, Defence & Energy division in a deal that closed January 14, 2026. This move brings Spectrum’s Nadcap-accredited vacuum heat treatment, low-pressure carburizing, and gas nitriding capabilities into Bodycote’s U.S. network, expanding regional capacity and improving lead times and supply-chain resilience for aerospace and defense component manufacturers.

9. A Tier 1 automotive supplier ensured uninterrupted production during a planned maintenance shutdown by tapping outsourced burst heat treating capacity from Bluewater Thermal Solutions’ St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania facility, rapidly scaling to meet strict OEM requirements. This collaboration kept deliveries on schedule and highlights the growing importance of flexible heat treating resources in supporting automotive supply-chain resilience.

10. Atlantic Fire Brick & Supply, a company that provides refractory products and installation services for furnaces, kilns, and other high-termperature equipment, has been acquired by Plibrico Company LLC in a move that expands refractory distribution and service capabilities for industrial thermal processing operations across the southeastern United States.

11. The AICHELIN Group has appointed Robert Sokoliński as CEO and general manager of Nitrex Metal Sp. z o. o. in Poland, effective January 1, 2026, tasking him with leading the subsidiary strategic and operational development within the group. The leadership move reinforces AICHELIN’s commitment to expanding advanced thermochemical heat treating capabilities in Europe, supporting automotive and industrial manufacturers with reliable, high-performance surface treatment solutions.

12. Bodycote’s Derby and Rotherham heat treat facilities now operate with zero direct carbon emissions, having transitioned to fully electric operations powered by 100% renewable energy — a milestone in decarbonization trends in thermal processing. This achievement signals growing momentum towards sustainable practices in the aerospace and automotive supply chains, helping clients meet ambitious carbon-reduction targets while maintaining process performance.

13. NUTEC Group Chairman Genaro Cueva and CEO Daniel Llaguno have appointed long-time executive Rodrigo González as president of NUTEC Bickley, following his 24-year tenure in senior engineering and operations roles. Llaguno praised González’s capabilities and alignment with NUTEC’s values, expressing confidence that he will successfully lead the company into the future while strengthening its position in the industrial heating sector across North America.

14. Thermcraft Inc. announced that Thermo Kinetics has joined as its authorized distributor for Canada, expanding Thermcraft’s reach for its thermal processing and industrial heating equipment across the Canadian market. This partnership brings together Thermcraft’s furnace and thermal solutions expertise with Thermo Kinetics’ local sales and technical support capabilities, strengthening service and market impact in the region’s industrial heating sector.

15. TFL Incorporated, a Houston-based provider of refractory materials and precast shapes, has been acquired by Plibrico Company LLC in a move that strengthens resources and technical support for high-temperature industries. The acquisition enhances service capacity and product availability for clients operating in demanding thermal-processing environments, including sectors that rely on consistent refractory performance to maintain uptime and efficiency.

16. Tosyalı Algérie, working with technology partner Midrex, set a new world production record for direct reduced iron (DRI), marking a major milestone in large-scale, low-carbon ironmaking. The achievement underscores growing momentum around DRI as a critical feedstock for steel producers seeking greater efficiency and reduced emissions. For the broader metals industry, it signals continued investment and confidence in DRI technology as a foundation for future steel and downstream thermal processing supply chains.

17. Claus Joens, founder of Elnik Systems, has retired after decades of advancing debind-and-sinter furnace technology. His leadership helped strengthen metal manufacturing capabilities critical to defense and advanced industrial applications, leaving a lasting mark on the MIM and thermal processing industries.

18. The Industrial Heating Equipment Association (IHEA) has announced its 2026-2027 Board of Directors and Executive Officers, naming Jason Safarz of DUNGS Combustion Controls as president, Bob Fincken of Super Systems, Inc. as vice president, and Chad Spore of John Deere as treasurer. IHEA leadership highlighted Spore’s appointment as a historic milestone, marking the first end-user officer in nearly a century and reinforcing alignment between equipment suppliers and industrial end users.

Thermcraft and Thermo Kinetics partnership in Canada

The two Midrex DRI plants at Tosyalı Algérie

Kudos

19. Stack Metallurgical Group was honored as a Supplier of the Year by BENCHMADE Knives at the 2026 SHOT Show Supplier Showcase. This recognition at one of the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry’s largest trade events underscores Stack’s growing influence and excellence in precision metal processing and heat treat services within the manufacturing supply chain.

20. Applied Thermal Technologies Inc. received its 4^th consecutive 24-month merit for Nadcap.

21. Vacu Braze announced that its metallurgical laboratory has achieved Nadcap accreditation.

Supplier of the Year awarded to Stack Metallurgical Group by BENCHMADE Knives at the 2026 SHOT Show

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Message from the Editor: AI, Where Are You?

December 15, 2025 / EDITOR

Heat Treat Today publishes twelve print magazines a year and included in each is a letter from the editor. This letter is from the October 2025 Ferrous & Nonferrous Heat Treatments/Mill Processing print edition. In today’s letter, Bethany Leone, managing editor at Heat Treat Today, shares her insights on where artificial intelligence stands in the heat treating industry nine months into 2025.

In January 2025, the heat treat industry was envisioning operational improvements thanks to leaps in artificial intelligence (AI) developments. Now, nine months later, are we still searching for AI?

Managed by AI

For many industry players, AI has started in the office before the furnace. This can look like creating manuals, writing emails, and reading contracts to interpret legal language.

Daniel Llaguno, president of NUTEC Bickley, calls this the early stages of AI adoption. His company has leveraged AI for onboarding and training new employees — a low-risk, high-value application.

Like many suppliers, they are exploring how AI could eventually reshape furnace development, likely on an open-loop system first (versus a closed-loop where AI receives furnace information and immediately sends back direction to the furnace controls on how to respond).

The Furnace Floor

Jason Orosz, President of Global Heat Treating Services

The next step is already visible: integrate AI into existing IIoT platforms that manage floor operations. Platforms that you may already have considered are QMULUS by NITREX, PdMetrics by Ipsen, and Edge Process Management (EPM Data) by Eurotherm, a Watlow company. These are just a sampling of advanced management systems on the marketplace, and ones that are at different stages of incorporating AI and machine learning for process optimization.

QMULUS has already deployed across all North American Heat Treating Services locations, according to Jason Orosz, president of Global Heat Treating Services. He says AI has been useful in “helping with analysis, troubleshooting, and quality control” — themes you will hear repeatedly in early AI applications.

Evolving To Meet Expectations

Michael Mouilleseaux, General Manager of Erie Steel, Ltd

What should AI integration into furnace operations look like? Michael Mouilleseaux, general manager at Erie Steel, has commented that heat treat AI should help the industry shed its “black magic” reputation. He envisions advanced analysis that could, for example, “correlate intergranular oxidation (IGO) results with furnace integrity checks (i.e., leaks), eventually establishing hard limits for allowable leak rates.”

Still, obstacles remain. “I think it’s going to be a while before commercial heat treaters can relinquish furnace control over to an AI,” Orosz added, specifically commenting on maintaining furnace parameters. This makes sense due to the need for commercial heat treaters to conform to client specifications. Rather, he says in-house heat treat operations “are likely going to be the first movers in that area since they can make their own rules.” For readers of this publication — who primarily are coming from these types of operations — that should be an encouragement: you have a key role to innovate.

Lee Rothleutner, Manager of Materials R&D, The Timken Company

One other key factor for this integration to occur within operations comes with acknowledging the heavy digital capacity that AI requires. Lee Rothleutner, manager of Materials R&D at The Timken Company, commented on this very point, writing to me that for high-quality digital data, the heat treat industry needs to commit not just to the investment but to maintaining a robust data collection and storage infrastructure. He also foresees one pathway of AI integration beyond preventative maintenance, noting, “AI applications can extend to process optimization, quality control, and energy efficiency improvements.”

What To Do Now

For successful integration of AI technology, the common denominator is that management teams are being encouraged to constantly try new ways to innovate with AI.

The first thing you need to do is open an email and send me your AI integration story. Just kidding. (Not really.)

After that, you need to read Peter Sherwin‘s article on page 34 of this issue where he discusses a new development in standardization that should accelerate AI’s role in industry.

Finally, if you are attending ASM Heat Treat 2025 this month, bring your AI to the table … literally, if you have a booth. Showcase what you’ve been doing at your location or become a part of the conversation. Lee Rothleutner, quoted above, will be participating in a panel discussion on this very topic in the afternoon of Tuesday, October 21.

The Heat Treat Today booth is #944. Not everyone is accustomed to the rapid pace of tech adoption; we want to help one another understand the risks and potential that AI brings, and your stories are critical. I look forward to talking with you.

References

Glenn, Doug, and Llaguno, Daniel. 2025. Interview by Heat Treat Today. Private recording, February.

Loepke, Mike. 2025. “Digitalization Propels Heat Treating to Industry of the Future.” Heat Treat Today 7 (8).

Bethany Leone
Managing Editor
**Heat Treat Today**
**Contact:** Bethany Leone at bethany@heattreattoday.com

Message from the Editor: AI, Where Are You? Read More »

Mexico-Based Furnace Manufacturer Celebrates 50 Years

August 8, 2025 / HEAT TREAT NEWS

Founded in 1975, this Mexico-based furnace manufacturer has 50 years of expertise in thermal processing equipment and has delivered more than 2,000 units across 48 countries. Heat Treat Today’s Industry Company Highlights is dedicated to shining a light on major players within the heat treatment industry.

In today’s edition, learn more about ceramics, proprietary technologies, and technical services that set NUTEC Bickley apart. Read to the end to catch a unique interview of NUTEC Group CEO Daniel Llaguno by Heat Treat Today Publisher Doug Glenn.

With a mission to provide industrial kilns and furnaces to North American and international markets, NUTEC Bickley is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a company. Through its 50 years of growth NUTEC has made a global impact and continues to look ahead with a vision of wide-reaching impact, including strategies and initiatives which prioritize efficiency in industrial heat treatment.

NUTEC Bickley designs and manufactures kilns for the ceramic industry, furnaces for steel, aluminum and specialty alloys, ovens and dryers, combustion and control systems, and preheaters and dryers. They service the automotive, aerospace, sanitaryware, refractories, abrasives, and steel industries, and are known for their aluminum heat treating furnaces.

The company has several proprietary technologies, including:

ECOmbustion™: An advanced combustion control system that reduces fuel usage and carbon emissions
IMPS™ (Integrated Monitoring & Pulse System): A control technology that enhances process precision and uniformity
Jointless® Insulation Modules: A patented ceramic fiber design that extends furnace lifespan and reduces heat loss
Energy Recovery Systems: Solutions that maximize fuel efficiency by reusing residual heat.

In July 2025, NUTEC Bickley announced an exclusive manufacturing license in North America for Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers through a strategic alliance with Spain-based Kalfrisa. This partnership enhances its environmental technology offerings and expands its North American footprint.

Alberto Cantú, NUTEC Bickley’s vice president of Ceramics and New Business Development, said, “The effective and safe removal of VOCs is vital for a wide range of industries and is something we are asked to address on a regular basis. Kalfrisa is a highly respected name in emissions treatment and control and so I’m delighted that we have been able to announce this new collaborative agreement. There is strong potential for the deployment of high-performance RTOs in the North American market, and I’m very excited about working closely with Kalfrisa to deliver the best available technology.”

The company continues to invest in R&D with recent innovations including a high-precision shuttle kiln for ceramic core sintering and advanced drop-bottom furnaces for aluminum heat treatment. These developments will be featured in upcoming events like UNITECR 2025 in Cancún and the FIA Light Alloy Conference.

Drop bottom furnace
Source: NUTEC Bickley

Doug Glenn, publisher at Heat Treat Today, interviewed NUTEC Group CEO Daniel Llaguno for the 50th anniversary of the company and discussed its current operations and future plans.

Heat Treat Today · Interview with Daniel Llaguno

Daniel Llaguno
CEO
NUTEC Group
Source: NUTEC Group

US Dollar and Pesos (00:01): Daniel discusses how the strength of the U.S. dollar and the Peso relate for the sale of NUTEC’s thermal processing equipment. He shares why “a strong U.S. dollar is very beneficial for us.”

Increasing Capacity at Charlotte Facility to Mitigate Tariffs (3:00): The effects of the current economic and political situation between the United States and Mexico directly impact NUTEC’s business. However, to mitigate tariff impacts, Daniel shares how they are increasing capacity at their Charlotte facility with a goal that 90% of their fiber division production may occur within the United States.

The Path Forward For NUTEC’s Divisions (9:10): NUTEC’s R&D is split across the U.S. and Mexico, and they partner with a research center in Spain; they are pro-active in developing new technologies. Daniel believes that furnaces have to be smarter and more helpful to the client, and the company is geared toward improving efficiency. Daniel adds that NUTEC primarily specializes in customized furnaces.

Inaugurating AI Technologies (13:38): Daniel commented on how NUTEC is in the early stages of exploring applications of AI in their products and business. They currently see many applications on the business side and are actively discerning how to apply it to their furnace technologies.

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

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Policy and Programs That Impact Manufacturers – What You Should Know

June 13, 2018 / HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

The ITPS and IFCS will bring together an impressive and diverse group of business leaders to help executives stay on top of the latest trends and innovations affecting their manufacturing operations. This two-day summit will feature two joint general sessions with a total of ten presentations addressing topics that appeal to all manufacturing executives, including:

TRUMP’s Washington: The New Normal?

Omar Nashashibi, Founder Partner, The Franklin Partnership

President Trump has kept his campaign promise to shake up Washington and it is anything but business as usual in the nation’s capital. Omar S. Nashashibi lobbies Congress, the White House, and federal agencies on behalf of manufacturing companies and other groups. This is your chance to hear directly from a Washington insider about the latest on trade, workforce training, regulations, and implementation of the new tax law, among other timely issues.

Manufacturing USA Initiatives: What They Are and How You Can Benefit

Thomas Kurfess, Ph.D., P.E., HUSCO/Ramirez Distinguished Chair in Fluid & Motion Control and Professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Manufacturing USA is an initiative focused on coordinating public and private investments in emerging advanced manufacturing technologies that bring together industry, academia, and government partners to leverage existing resources, collaborate, and co-invest in advanced manufacturing innovation. Dr. Kurfess will provide an overview of these initiatives and how manufacturers can benefit from these efforts.

Why I’m Attending:

“ITPS gives me the opportunity to gather general high-level knowledge about the health and trends of my industry, combined with networking opportunities, in a nice atmosphere. I was satisfied with ITPS two years ago, and I’m looking forward to the event this year.”

Daniel Llaguno, President, Nutec Bickley

[button link=”www.itps-ifcs.com” size=”default” icon=”Select a Icon” side=”right” target=”blank” color=”b70900″ textcolor=”ffffff”]Register Now[/button] Save 25% with discount code ED25C.

Registration discounts are available for IHEA, CCAI, MTI, CECOF, JIFMA, VDMA, Electrocoat Association, and WiM members.

For complete Summit information, including hotel reservations and to register, visit ITPS/IFCS. Call 941-373-1830 with questions.

Heat Treat Today is proud to be a co-sponsor of this event.

Policy and Programs That Impact Manufacturers – What You Should Know Read More »

Daniel Llaguno