14 News Chatter to Keep You Current

January 16, 2026 / HEAT TREAT NEWS

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 14 news items, including Haynes International Inc.‘s new hydraulic radial forging line to boost production of high-performance nickel- and cobalt-based alloys, the acquisition of JSA/Metalline by Hubbard-Hall Inc. to expand metal finishing service capabilities across the Midwest, Bodycote‘s achievement of independent validation from Bureau Veritas for its carbon footprint calculator tools, and more!

Equipment

1. A major U.S. bearing manufacturer has ordered two advanced SECO/WARWICK USA vacuum heat treat furnaces, reinforcing its commitment to precision manufacturing and capacity growth. The investment supports rising demand across the bearing industry, where consistent metallurgical performance is critical for industrial and aerospace applications.

2. Haynes International Inc. has commissioned SMS Group to supply a new hydraulic radial forging line to increase its production of nickel- and cobalt-based alloys, serving markets such as aerospace and chemical processing in the United States. The integrated plant investment, which includes a forging machine, reheating and annealing systems, and automated material handling, is expected to improve production efficiency, metallurgical quality, and responsiveness to global demand while supporting growth in high-performance alloy manufacturing.

3. Hertwich Engineering GmbH has delivered a customized rolling ingot foundry — including an Ecomelt PS120 preheat-shaft melting furnace, holding furnace, and vertical casting machine — to Remi Claeys Aluminium N.V. The new facility, set to begin operations in spring 2026, will enhance process stability and efficiency for processing contaminated aluminium scrap, strengthening competitiveness and sustainability in the aluminium manufacturing sector.

4. Marle Group has purchased and will install an additional vacuum heat treating furnace at its Marle Nowak facility in Pancé, France, expanding in-house capacity for heat treating cobalt-alloy orthopedic implants and surgical instruments. Supplied by SECO/WARWICK, the new furnace responds to the Marle Group’s need for rapid cooling of large loads while supporting efforts to improve production control and delivery times for medical device manufacturing.

5. SMS group is supplying an isothermal forging module to the Institute of Forming Technology and Machines (IFUM) at Leibniz University Hannover to be integrated into their existing press as part of the EU and Lower Saxony-funded “High-performance materials of the future – oWZu” research project. This advanced vacuum forging system will expand research and development of high performance materials for aerospace, medical technology, and industrial applications, accelerating technology transfer and setting new standards in forming reactive superalloys.

6. Researchers at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have developed an electrified heat treatment technology for the annealing stage in galvanized steel strip production that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by over 98% compared with traditional combustion furnaces. The breakthrough replaces fossil fuel burners with electric heating elements while maintaining product quality and productivity, and could significantly reduce equipment costs and support decarbonization in the automotive and appliance steel supply chain. This innovation advances industrial heat treating processes toward carbon-free operation, helping manufacturers meet tightening environmental standards and global decarbonization goals.

7. SECO/WARWICK has been selected by Brazil’s Isoflama to supply a customized horizontal retort furnace for high-temperature tempering and ZeroFlow nitriding at its heat treatment plant. This new furnace will integrate with Isoflama’s production control system and support processing of large, heavy components, enhancing efficiency and precision to continue serving the automotive, aerospace, and machinery industries in South America.

8. Brugola has implemented CODIAC monitoring technology to ensure reliable tracking and analysis of furnace processes on AICHELIN cast link belt furnaces at its facility. This upgrade enhances real-time oversight of thermal processing parameters, supporting consistent quality and operational efficiency.

Vacuum furnaces for precision heat treating of bearing components

3D visualization of the isothermal forging module integrated in the press

Company & Personnel

9. Hubbard-Hall Inc. has acquired the assets of JSA/Metalline, bringing JSA’s customer-facing team into Hubbard-Hall’s organization to expand sales coverage, technical support, and response times for manufacturers serving the plating and general metal finishing industries across the Upper Midwest/Midwest. The move strengthens regional service capabilities, giving manufacturers more direct access to supplier expertise, streamlined single-source ordering, and stronger technical support for critical surface finishing processes.

10. AECO Corp. has promoted Maryann Remner to president, effective immediately, where she will lead the company and its three operating subsidiaries — Alloy Engineering, Mach3 Machining, and Thermcraft — which serve high-temperature fabrication, precision machining, and thermal processing equipment markets.

11. Castings Technology, a UK manufacturer of titanium and steel castings, has announced the creation of twenty new jobs as it expands capacity to meet growing aerospace demand, reinforcing its role in supplying cast components for the sector.

12. WINGENS CONSULTANTS has appointed Mark Hemsath as Executive Consultant – Heat Treat & Advanced Furnace Specialist. Hemsath brings over 30 years of aerospace heat treating experience, with deep knowledge in vacuum systems, nitriding processes, and advanced furnace technologies.

Kudos

13. Bodycote has achieved independent validation from Bureau Veritas for its proprietary carbon footprint calculator tools covering nine core heat treatment processes, enabling customers to request ISO-assured carbon data for thermal processing methods such as vacuum and low-pressure carburizing. This validation enhances transparency and helps manufacturers measure and compare emissions, supporting the selection of lower-carbon heat treatment options.

14. Ipsen recognized six service technicians — Todd Jones, Casey Guinn, Craig Monaghan, Eric Gould, Alfredo Mendoza, and Dom Wirthlin — for completing its 14-week Field Service Engineer Academy, an intensive hands-on training program for vacuum furnace specialists combining classroom instruction with mentored field experience.

Bodycote’s validated PCF calculators covering nine key heat treatment processes

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16 Quick Heat Treat News Chatter Items to Keep You Current

December 20, 2019 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry.

Personnel & Company Chatter

Global aluminum producer Constellium SE recently announced that its casting and rolling operations in Singen, Germany, will offer ASI-certified aluminum rolled solutions, having been granted the chain of custody certification by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI).
An insulated metal panel manufacturing company was recently acquired by Nucor Corporation. TrueCore LLC, with a facility in Laurens, South Carolina, produces insulated metal panels serving the cold storage market, with future plans for additional commercial and industrial applications.
Michael K. Smith has joined Magnetic Specialties, Inc., as the company’s business development manager.
Leon J. Topalian and John H. Walker have been elected by the board of directors of Nucor Corporation as a director and non-executive chairman, respectively. Topalian is the president and COO of Nucor and will become the CEO on January 1, 2020. Walker, who has more than 35 years of experience in metal-related manufacturing and fabricating industries, has served as a member of Nucor’s Board of Directors since 2008 and as lead director since 2017.
Don P. Newman will join Allegheny Technologies Incorporated as senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer, effective January 6, 2020. Newman succeeds Pat DeCourcy, who will remain as senior vice president and special advisor to the CEO until his retirement on March 31, 2020, after a 31-year career with the company.
Mike Otero has been appointed chief operating officer of Braidy Industries, effective January 6, 2020.
GFG Alliance, owned by British commodities tycoon Sanjeev Gupta, recently reached an agreement to purchase the Duffel aluminum plant in Belgium from Novelis.
James K. Kamsickas has recently been elected president and CEO of Dana Incorporated. The board of directors elected Kamsickas to the additional post of chairman of the board. In addition, Keith E. Wandell, who has served on Dana’s board since July 2008 and as non-executive chairman since September 2016, will continue on the board as lead independent director.
The acquisition of Essar Steel India Ltd (ESIL) has reached completion. ArcelorMittal in a joint venture with Nippon Steel Corp. completed the acquisition. The venture, hereby called ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Ltd. (AM/NS India) will own and operate ESIL.

Equipment Chatter

To support rapid growth within their mechanical testing department, Solar Atmospheres of Western Pennsylvania has recently invested in a new Haas ST-10 CNC lathe.
A new special walk-in oven, No. 942, from Grieve Corporation, is currently being used for curing epoxy at the customer’s facility.
An Ecomelt-PS150 melting furnace and two tiltable holding and casting furnaces have been supplied to Otto Fuchs KG and installed in the company’s Meinerzhagen casthouse by Hertwich Engineering, a company of SMS group.
A new rotary furnace for recycling aluminum scrap was recently started at the Villadangos, Spain, facility of Latem Aluminium. The new 30-ton furnace was designed by GHI Smart Furnaces.

Kudos Chatter

Process Cooling Systems Inc was recently chosen along with 15 other companies to receive the Sixteenth Annual Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Award. MassEcon, the state’s private sector partner in promoting business growth in Massachusetts, recognized the sixteen companies for their outstanding contributions to the Massachusetts economy. The companies were selected on the basis of job growth, facility expansion, investment, and community involvement since January 1, 2018. The winners were honored at a luncheon on November 26, 2019.
Paulo announces that three of its facilities have been awarded Gulfstream approval
Paulo announces that three of its facilities have been awarded Gulfstream approval following on-site audits in St. Louis, Cleveland, and Kansas City. The scope of the approval encompasses several Gulfstream specifications for various materials and processes. Paulo is approved for GAMPS 5101, 5102, 5103, 5104, 5105. Paulo’s Cleveland facility was also approved for hot isostatic pressing and furnace brazing.
LAI International marks its 40-year anniversary as a global leader in advanced manufacturing technologies for the aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial sectors. Founded in 1979 as a regional contract manufacturer specializing in laser welding and laser heat-treating processes, the company expanded its capabilities with proprietary waterjet machining, laser drilling, and additive manufacturing capabilities. Over the years, LAI has manufactured highly engineered components for some of the world’s leading innovators, including Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, and GE.

Heat Treat Today is pleased to join in the announcements of growth and achievement throughout the industry by highlighting them here on our News Chatter page. Please send any information you feel may be of interest to manufacturers with in-house heat treat departments especially in the aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy sectors to editor@heattreattoday.com

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Casthouse Expansion in Czech Republic Includes Heat Treating Processes

May 21, 2018 / AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT, AUTOMOTIVE HEAT TREAT NEWS

An Amsterdam-based producer of aluminum semi-products recently expanded its casthouse capacity with the purchase of a continuous homogenizing plant, including a helical ultrasonic testing station and billet saw for aluminum extrusion billets.

Paul Warton, president of Constellium’s Automotive Structures and Industry business unit

Constellium Extrusions, which customizes aluminum extrusions primarily for automotive and industrial applications, placed the order for the new furnace for its Dĕčín, Czech Republic, facility with Hertwich Engineering, an SMS group company. With this added capacity, the plant will broaden its product portfolio to include sections for Crash Management Systems and for new aluminum applications for hybrid and electric vehicles. With a capacity of nine tons per hour, the new homogenizing furnace is considerably larger and more powerful than the plant for three tons per hour delivered in 2016. It is scheduled to go into operation in the first half of 2019.

The Dĕčín plant is part of the multinational Constellium network and is one of the leading manufacturers of aluminum extrusion products in Europe. The plant is particularly important as an integrated manufacturer and processor of hard and soft alloys as well as a supplier of extruded, partially drawn tubes, bars, seamless and non-seamless profiles. The increasing demand, especially from the automotive industry, has prompted Constellium to expand the Dĕčín plant in several investment stages.

The new homogenizing capacities are part of the current program, which is aimed at expanding extrusion capacity. For this purpose, a further extrusion plant including a casthouse is planned, for which Hertwich will supply the entire heat treatment in the form of a continuous homogenizing furnace.

“As the auto industry increasingly turns to lightweight, high-strength aluminum, Constellium’s expansion in Decin will support rising demand for hard and soft alloy profiles and bars from automotive customers across Europe,” said Paul Warton, president of Constellium’s Automotive Structures and Industry business unit. “This new activity is expected to increase Decin’s total extrusion capacity to 96,000 metric tons per year.”

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Hydro Aluminium to Expand Heat Treatment Capacity

March 15, 2017 / FEATURED NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES

Hydro Aluminium in Commerce (TX), USA has placed an order with Hertwich Engineering, a company of the SMS group, for the supply of a modern batch homogenizing furnace and a further saw for extrusion billets.
In 2010, Hertwich Engineering has completely modernised its batch furnace concept for the homogenisation of extrusion billets. The performance of Hertwich’s newly developed batch furnace with its new heating system and automated log handling is comparable to that of a continuous furnace.
This means clients can now choose between the two concepts or combine the two, as in the case of the US company Hydro Aluminium Commerce, TX. This flexibility has led to a significant increase in client interest.
Hydro Aluminium Commerce, TX processes some 100,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap into extrusion billets at its Commerce facility. The company already operates a Hertwich continuous homogenising furnace and has now placed an order for a state-of-the-art batch homogenising furnace together with an additional saw. The new furnace has a capacity of 55 tonnes and is designed for billets up to a maximum length of 7.7 metres and diameters in the range 178 – 406 mm.
The decisive advantage of the new batch-furnace design concept is the heating. With conventional batch furnaces, the air releases thermal energy when passing through the material being heated. This leads to non-uniform temperature distribution. Longer heating times are necessary to compensate for the temperature differences.
The concept of the new HE furnace generation combats this disadvantage by changing the direction of air flow in the furnace (using so-called reversed air). Thus the billets in the furnace are heated more uniformly. Experience has shown that heating time can be reduced significantly in this way.
The flow direction is reversed with the help of flaps. The fan operates at full power during flow reversal. The energy supplied via the fan suffices to balance out the heat loss during the soaking time. No external heating (whether supplied via burners or electrically) is necessary during this period. During operation, the temperature is kept constant using frequency-controlled fans. Baffles enable the hot gases to be distributed uniformly throughout the whole furnace chamber. The chamber is designed in such a way that uniform air flow is not impeded or prevented anywhere in the chamber.
Cooling is carried out in a similar manner to heating. The fact that the cooling air flow is reversible as well ensures that the temperature is uniform during this phase, with correspondingly better metallurgical results.
The two homogenising furnaces will be arranged in such a way that they can operate in combination, enabling homogenisation to be carried out flexibly. A second sawing plant will be installed to eliminate waiting times. A transfer car coupled with an automated stacker and spacer handling will be used to transport the billets.

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Hertwich Engineering