Blockbuster Acquisition in the Global Heat Treat Furnace Industry

Now this press release will certainly catch people’s attention in the global heat treatment industry-“Aichelin Acquires NTS & UPC business divisions of NITREX”  as explained futher down.
 
The whole team at “The Monty Heat Treat News” and indeed many in the industry look forward to seeing the details about how this marriage will work-as an example how sales efforts will be coordinated.
 
Aichelin’s USA division, AFC-Holcroft of Wixom, MIchigan handles North American sales either directly or through a series of independent sales representatives, a model which has served the company well for many years now. However the vast bulk of their independent representatives also represent a competing, US based furnace control company which is in direct competition with the UPC division of Nitrex. How this will be resolved is at this point is not known.
 
As an adder to this story we have to say that the current CEO of Aichelin “Mr. Christian Grosspointner” has certainly put his mark on the company in his 3 ½ years at the helm. From acquiring the ability to offer vacuum technology through a partnership with a very experienced Turkish manufacturer, to making long needed personal changes in management and now a very significant furnace builder acquisition he has put the company on a very interesting trajectory.
 
We include this photo taken earlier this year showing Mr. Grosspointner along with part of his management team along with Gord Montgomery taken at the company’s location in Slovenia.
 
“AICHELIN Group signs agreement to acquire NITREX (NTS & UPC), becoming leading global furnace manufacturer group 
 
  • Strategic acquisition expands global reach and strengthens product portfolio
  • Strategy 2030 in execution
 
Mödling / Austria. The AICHELIN Group, a global provider of industrial heat treatment solutions, has signed an agreement to acquire the NTS & UPC business divisions of NITREX, a manufacturer of industrial furnaces focused on nitriding solutions. Headquartered in Canada, NITREX has around 250 employees in five countries. Note: The business unit Heat Treating Services is not included in the scope of the acquisition.
 
With this step, AICHELIN Group will become the largest global furnace manufacturer in its industry of heat treatment solutions, reaching combined sales of more than EUR 230 million and employing over 1,350 people across 23 locations in 11 countries throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. The Group is additionally represented by a global network of sales partners. The transaction represents the largest acquisition in AICHELIN Group’s history.
 
The acquisition brings together two highly complementary portfolios: NITREX adds renowned expertise in nitriding furnaces to AICHELIN’s broad technology offering. The geographic fit is equally compelling, with NITREX’s operations in the USA, Canada, Poland, Germany, France and China integrating seamlessly into AICHELIN’s regional structures.
 
Part of Strategy 2030: global proximity and diversification
 
The acquisition marks an important milestone in the implementation of AICHELIN’s Strategy 2030, which focuses on sustainable growth through regional proximity, diversification, and technological progress. AICHELIN is expanding into new markets and customer segments, both through internal innovation and targeted acquisitions. Integrating NITREX strengthens AICHELIN’s positioning, enhances its technological offering and deepens its presence in key industrial regions. The Group is thus advancing its goal of becoming a lifecycle partner for heat treatment customers worldwide, supported by digital services and localized operations.
 
“This acquisition marks a new chapter for AICHELIN. By combining forces with NITREX, we are unlocking innovation potential and global synergies that will benefit our customers, employees and stakeholders alike,” says Christian Grosspointner, CEO of AICHELIN Group. “We are proud to welcome NITREX into our Group. Together, we are shaping the future of industrial heat treatment.”
 
For customers, this means access to a broader range of technologies and stronger local support. For employees, the acquisition opens up new perspectives within a strategically focused industrial group.
 
Financial details of the transaction are subject to confidentiality and thus not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter 2025.
 
About the AICHELIN Group
 
The AICHELIN Group is one of the world’s leading providers of heat treatment solutions and is part of Berndorf AG, headquartered in Mödling near Vienna (Austria). Products include industrial furnaces, industrial heating systems, control and automation systems, Industry 4.0 solutions and after sales services. The company’s roots date back to 1868. In addition to the renowned AICHELIN brand, the group includes AFC-Holcroft, SAFED and NOXMAT. With more than 1,100 employees, the group is one of the leading treatment companies worldwide. AICHELIN has subsidiaries in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, France, Turkey, China, India and the USA. A sales network in another 22 countries completes the Group’s global presence. www.aichelin.com
 
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