At one point in time the SKF ring and seal operation in Hanover, PA, USA boasted one of the largest and most advanced heat treatment facilities in North America. It featured pit furnaces, press quenching, pusher lines and batch IQ furnaces. The highlight was a dual, roller hearth, salt quench line, completely automated and represented at the time (17 years ago roughly) probably the most expensive and advanced heat treat system in North America.

Nothing is immune to time and SKF announced in April 2025 that they would be divesting themselves of this facility. While a number of the furnaces had been scrapped or sold previous to this decision, there did remain the roller hearth/salt quench furnaces which remain in operation to this day as can be seen in these pictures. Unfortunately, their days are numbered also and by the end of the year nothing will remain of this once very impressive heat treat facility.