Otto Junker GmbH

14 News Chatter to Keep You Current

/ 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 OTTO JUNKER‘s induction furnace installation supporting low-carbon foundry operations, IperionX‘s collaboration with Carver Pump Company to strengthen domestic titanium manufacturing, Solar Atmospheres of Michigan earning its Nadcap 18-month Merit Status for heat treating and brazing, and more!

Equipment

1. OTTO JUNKER has equipped Eisengießerei Th. Schultz with a MONOMELT coreless induction furnace, replacing a cupola and converting the foundry to electric melting. The system significantly cuts energy use and CO₂ emissions while demonstrating how induction technology is helping foundries transition to more efficient, low-carbon production.

2. A global drivetrain technology leader has selected NUTEC Bickley to supply a CQI-9–compliant isothermal annealing line for automotive component production. The new equipment strengthens heat treat quality and consistency, reflecting the industry’s continued investment in advanced thermal processing to support higher-performance drivetrains.

3. Newton Heat Treating has completed a major equipment upgrade, replacing steam accumulators that had been in service for 20 years in its uphill quenching/cold stabilization operation. The upgrade directly impacts the company’s aerospace processing capabilities, with many parts destined for optical components in space applications undergoing this critical heat treatment process.

4. Kaiser Aluminum Corp., a producer of heat treated, flat-rolled aluminum products, has completed a $25 million expansion and upgrade of its Trentwood rolling mill in Spokane Valley. This marks the latest phase of the company’s long-term strategy to increase heat treatment throughput for aerospace, automotive, and general engineering markets.

5. ArcelorMittal is advancing a major expansion in electrical steel production that includes a preparation line, a continuous annealing and varnishing line, and a slitting line — developments that reflect ongoing job growth and investment in industrial heat treating processes worldwide.

6. A United States military base will receive an electrically heated draw batch oven from Wisconsin Oven Corporation for use in heat treating aerospace components. The industrial oven was engineered to meet critical safety requirements and the stringent demands of aerospace heat treating.

7. JSW Vijayanagar Metallics, a subsidiary of JSW Steel, has commissioned a new 350-ton RH (Ruhrstahl Heraeus) unit, the world’s first operational combination of an RH Ladle Rocker technology with Fast Vessel Exchange from SMS Group. This represents a major advancement in secondary metallurgy and plant efficiency.

8. PROENERGY has ordered four Ipsen vacuum furnaces for its new Houston location, expanding heat treating capacity to support growing demand for fast-start gas turbines and lifecycle maintenance services. The investment strengthens PROENERGY’s ability to manufacture, repair, and overhaul high-quality turbine components while reducing lead times.

Deslagging of the melt
Example of a customized isothermal annealing furnace by NUTEC Bickley, engineered for the auto manufacturing industry
Upgraded Newton steam accumulators
The expanded horizontal heat treat furnace at Kaiser’s Spokane Valley plant
Entry zone to ArcelorMittal’s continuous annealing and varnishing line
Electrically heated draw batch oven to heat various steel parts for aerospace components
First heat of the 350-ton RH plant, equipped with a Ladle Rocker and Fast Vessel Exchange
Line of Ipsen TITAN furnaces

Company & Personnel

9. SMS Group’s South Africa-based Metix brand and Magmec signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a magnesium metal production facility in the United Arab Emirates utilizing advanced reduction furnace technology. The facility will be designed to process magnesium oxide originating from feed sources such as dolomite or brine. The partnership aims to establish a regional, sustainable supply of magnesium for strategic industrial users.

10. Carlos Carrasco has joined the SECO/WARWICK USA sales team as regional manager for Mexico, bringing more than 11 years of experience with the company as a sales representative. In his new role, he will support customers across the region in addressing their heat treatment challenges.

11. IperionX is working with Carver Pump Company to advance domestic titanium manufacturing and thermal processing capabilities in a recent commitment to reduce long lead times for critical pump components used for naval shipbuilding. This addresses supply chain constraints that have slowed ship construction and maintenance. By shortening production timelines, the initiative supports improved fleet readiness while reinforcing domestic manufacturing capacity for mission-critical naval systems.

Metix and Magmec representatives at the signing of an MOU to advance a magnesium metal production facility
Carlos Carrasco taking on the new regional manager for Mexico role at SECO/WARWICK USA

Kudos

12. Solar Atmospheres of Michigan has earned Nadcap 18-month Merit Status for heat treating and brazing, marking a significant quality milestone, bringing every Solar Atmospheres facility nationwide to merit standing. The achievement reflects three consecutive years of audits with zero major findings, underscoring the company’s disciplined process control and commitment to specification compliance while serving industries including aerospace, defense, and medical manufacturing.

13. Tenova hosted Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Industry, Faisol Riza, at its global headquarters to showcase sustainable steelmaking technologies, following an initiative led by Indonesian steel producer PT Tata Metal Lestari. The visit highlighted collaboration among Tenova, TML, and the Indonesian government to advance low-emission steel production, energy efficiency, and industrial innovation.

14. Bodycote has achieved Nadcap accreditation for heat treating, vacuum brazing, and TIG welding at its new 55,000-square-foot facility in Fairfield, Ohio. The milestone strengthens Bodycote’s North American presence and expands capacity to meet growing demand for high-specification thermal processing in aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing sectors.

Solar Atmospheres heat treating facility
Indonesian Vice Minister of Industry, Faisol Riza, and delegation with Tenova leadership team at Tenova headquarters
Bodycote’s 55,000-square-foot Nadap-accredited facility in Fairfield, Ohio

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Kaiser Completes $25M Heat Treat Expansion at Trentwood

/ AEROSPACE HEAT TREAT NEWS, FOUNDRY CASTING NEWS

Kaiser Aluminum Corp., a producer of heat treated, flat-rolled aluminum products, has completed a $25 million expansion of its Trentwood rolling mill in Spokane Valley. This marks the latest phase of the company’s long-term strategy to increase heat treatment throughput for aerospace, automotive, and general engineering markets.

The original source was published in Spokane Journal of Business, and the following content has been adapted for our Heat Treat Today audience.

The project, which is part of more than $415 million invested in the facility over the past 20 years, extends one of the mill’s major heat treat furnaces, increasing plate-processing output by approximately 5 percent. For in-house heat treaters, the upgrade reflects a continued industrywide push toward higher-capacity, efficiency-driven thermal operations as demand for tight chemistry and reliable mechanical properties climbs.

Kaiser Aluminum has completed a $25 million project at its Spokane Valley plant that includes an expansion of its horizontal heat treat furnace.
Source: Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

According to Kevin Barron, vice president of manufacturing, the expansion enhances the mill’s ability to heat treat and stretch large-format aluminum plate products without altering staffing levels at the 1,000-employee site. The project was completed within the plant’s existing footprint with support from regional contractors and furnace supplier Otto Junker USA.

The Trentwood mill, one of only three U.S. sites capable of producing heat treated aerospace-grade plate, has undergone seven phases of reinvestment since 2005. Recent work builds on earlier additions to the facility’s furnace lineup, along with upgrades to hot rolling, homogenizing, and casting capacity — areas closely linked to the performance and consistency of downstream heat treating.

Kaiser paused expansion activities during the pandemic, storing some equipment purchased pre-COVID. With the current project complete, the company has reestablished its pattern of continuous, phased improvements intended to keep pace with global aerospace and defense demand.

For manufacturers with in-house heat treat operations, Kaiser’s latest phase underscores a broader trend: large producers are expanding thermal processing capability not only to increase volume but to ensure uniformity, cleanliness, and repeatability at scale. As aerospace OEMs tighten specifications, upstream suppliers are reinforcing their heat treatment infrastructure to meet rising expectations for precision and throughput.

Kaiser Aluminum, headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, operates 13 facilities across the U.S. and Canada. The Trentwood site remains a key supplier to Boeing and other aerospace manufacturers, continuing a relationship that dates back to World War II.

Press release is available in its original form here.

Kaiser Completes $25M Heat Treat Expansion at Trentwood Read More »

18 News Chatter To Keep You Current

/ HEAT TREAT NEWS, HEAT TREAT NEWS INDUSTRIES, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT NEWS

Heat Treat Today offers News Chatter, a feature highlighting representative moves, transactions, and kudos from around the industry. Enjoy these 18 news items.

Equipment

  1. Saarstahl expands its production with an alternate current-electric arc furnace (AC-EAF) supplied by SMS group.
  2. A Class A safety oven equipped with a solvent monitor and roll-in rack, meeting the stringent safety requirements of industries working with volatile materials, was recently shipped by industrial and laboratory ovens manufacturer Blue M. 
  3. A manufacturer in the defense industry has received shipment of a gas-fired walk-in batch oven from Wisconsin Oven Corporation, to be used for curing filament wound composite materials.
The Saarstahl team announces AC-EAF agreement with SMS
Class A safety oven equipped to process volatile materials
Gas-fired walk-in batch oven delivered to defense industry

Company & Personnel

  1. Sean Patrick Murphy has been named product manager for laboratory and R&D furnaces at Centorr Vacuum Industries. He will be responsible for representing over 30 different vacuum furnace product lines to national laboratories, universities, and industrial sectors.
  2. Charles (Charlie) Caldwell joins the team at Solar Atmospheres of Michigan Inc. as the quality manager for its new facility in Chesterfield.
  3. Steel Goode Products LLC (SGP), a thermal spray specialist, has recently been acquired by Aalberts N.V., a provider of thermal spray coating and finishing services. The acquisition includes two operating facilities in Texas and one in Ohio.
  4. The Wirco, Inc, team recently announced Chris Robbins as the new director of business development and Chad Kumfer to the position of director of sales.
  5. Daniel Sonnenberg joins Nitrex Heat Treating Services as the new business development lead for North America. Daniel will focus on identifying and cultivating relationships with potential customers. His goal is to foster trust and drive growth by building enduring partnerships that deliver sustained value over time.
  6. Dave Deiwart has begun a new position as president at Tracer Gas Technologies, based in Yorktown, Indiana. This follows a brief retirement after 35 years of providing leak detection and vacuum application support and training. Dave’s new focus will be on providing training and consulting.
  7. Nel Hydrogen Electrolyser AS, a fully owned subsidiary of Nel ASA, has been awarded a grant from the EU Innovation Fund of up to EUR 135 million (over $145.4M USD) for industrialization of its next-generation pressurized alkaline technology. The technology is currently being prototyped, and the potential industrialization is planned at Herøya, Norway.
  8. OTTO JUNKER GmbH, system providers for metallurgic processes and metal refinement, recently announced that the new business division OTTO JUNKER Solutions, which was established in late 2023, will be further expanded. The company’s focus will be on the development and implementation of green technologies. The new division is headed by R&D expert Tobias Mertens.
Sean Patrick Murphy
Product Manager of Laboratory and R&D Furnaces
Centorr Vacuum Industries
Charles (Charlie) Caldwell
Quality Manager – Chesterfield
Solar Atmospheres of Michigan Inc.
Chris Robbins
Director of Business Development
Wirco, Inc.
Chad Kumfer
Director of Sales
Wirco, Inc.
Daniel Sonnenberg
Business Development Lead – America
Nitrex Heat Treating Services
Tobias Mertens
General Manager
OTTO JUNKER SOLUTIONS GmbH

Kudos

  1. Constellium SE has received the Supplier of the Year Award from Stellantis, recognized for its overall best-in-class performance as a long-time partner.
  2. Gary Sharp, founder of Advanced Heat Treat Corp, has been honored with the Legends of Manufacturing Award at the Iowa Manufacturing Conference.
  3. Global Thermal Systems (GTS) Mexico’s pyrometry laboratories recently completed the reaccreditation process in the ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
  4. Rex Heat Treat has achieved its fourth consecutive merit-status Nadcap certification under the leadership of Conner Popo, quality assurance manager, and Vindon Griffin, technical services manager. 
  5. Aalberts surface technologies Dzierżoniów recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. Through acquisition and expansion, the company has grown from 16 employees in 2014 to a current team of over 90 employees, serving the automotive, aerospace, power, fasteners, agriculture, and mining sectors.
  6. The Metal Treating Institute (MTI) recently celebrated its 2024 YES Management Training Program graduates at the final reception of Furnaces North America (FNA) 2024.
  7. Bennett Heat Treating & Brazing Co. received the 2024 Master Craftsman Award, also known as the Heat Treater of the Year Award, at the Metal Treating Institute’s Final Night Dinner & Awards Ceremony following FNA 2024. The award was announced by Doug Glenn, publisher of Heat Treat Today along with a scholarship check for the heat treater to bestow upon a deserving young student going into heat treat.
Ingrid Joerg, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Constellium, and Maxime Picat, Chief Global Purchasing & Supply Chain Officer, Greater Paris Metropolitan Region, at Stellantis
Gary Sharp, founder of Advanced Heat Treat Corp, honored with the Legends of Manufacturing Award
The Global Thermal Systems (GTS) Mexico’s pyrometry laboratories team completes ISO/IEC 17025 standard reaccreditation process

Find Heat Treating Products And Services When You Search On Heat Treat Buyers Guide.Com

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Logan Aluminum Inc. Receives Furnace to Heat Treat Ingots

/ ATMOSPHERE AIR FURNACES NEWS, FEATURED NEWS, MANUFACTURING HEAT TREAT

Logan Aluminum Inc., of Russellville, Kentucky, a manufacturer of flat rolled aluminum sheet that is primarily used in the beverage market, received a new furnace for heating and homogenizing aluminum ingots. 

The gas-fired furnace is dimensioned to simultaneously hold 32 ingots weighing up to 35 US tons (32 European tonnes) per piece, resulting in a charge weight of over 1102 tons US (1,000 tonnes European tonnes). This is OTTO JUNKER GmbH's largest furnace it has ever supplied. 

Apart from the furnace with an active cooling system, the scope of delivery also included machinery for charging and discharging the ingots, as well as a gantry crane and a mobile roller table as a connection to the existing rolling mill feed table.

Logan Aluminum Inc. Receives Furnace to Heat Treat Ingots Read More »

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