In an industry, first a furnace alloy supplier has won the “Honda New Supplier Award”. “Sajjan, LLC” represented in North America by “William Wright & Associates” was presented the award at a recent ceremony. According to “KC Wilbur” of “William Wright” the award recognizes new suppliers who have demonstrated exceptional performance, reliability, and commitment to collaboration; these suppliers exceeded expectations and enhanced customer satisfaction within their first two years of partnership.

“KC” also had this to say; “I was honored to accept the 2026 New Supplier award from the HONDA North American Indirect Procurement Team, with Vikram Chhabra, managing director for Sajjan. It was a great accomplishment for everyone at Sajjan, LLC, and wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of the Honda associates we have had the privilege to work with to supply Honda with their heat-resistant castings.”

For more on the background to this story we would suggest this link from “The Monty Heat Treat News” Wm. Wright & Associates Makes Major Investment in Alloy Business

Honda Recognizes Top Indirect Suppliers at Annual Conference

MARYSVILLE, Ohio, June 11, 2026 – Honda honored 37 suppliers that provide indirect products and services to Honda business operations during Wednesday’s annual Indirect Procurement Supplier Conference in Dublin, Ohio. In 2025, Honda spent more than $7 billion (USD) on a wide variety of equipment, products and services from over 5,600 indirect suppliers for its business and manufacturing operations across North America.

The theme of the 2026 conference, ‘Driving Forward Together,’ underscores the importance of collaboration between Honda and its suppliers as the company strengthens its ability to meet customer needs in the rapidly changing market conditions.

“As we continue to invest in the growth of our business in America, we are working closely with our indirect suppliers to increase our speed to market and offer even greater value for money to our customers,” said Elly Bradford, director of the Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC Indirect Procurement Division. “We congratulate and thank all of our supplier award winners for their outstanding support of our efforts to meet the needs of our customers.”

Supplier award winners were selected for their achievements in award categories including Supplier of the Year, New Supplier, Sustainability, Challenging Spirit and Outstanding Value, as well as two new award categories – Strategic Partner and Innovation.

This year’s conference also included a first-ever charitable component with Honda making a $10,000 contribution on behalf of its suppliers to Form5 Prosthetics, which designs and produces adaptive prosthetic and assistive products for individuals with limb differences.

2026 Honda Indirect Procurement Supplier Award Winners

Supplier of the Year

This award is bestowed upon the supplier that has set the standard across every pillar of their Honda partnership. This supplier embodies Honda’s own relentless pursuit of excellence, consistently delivering flawless quality, unwavering reliability, and unmatched value while proactively driving improvements, reducing costs, and ensuring business continuity.

New Supplier

This award recognizes new suppliers who have demonstrated exceptional performance, reliability, and commitment to collaboration; these suppliers exceeded expectations and enhanced customer satisfaction within their first two years of partnership.

Sustainability

This award recognizes suppliers who exemplify excellence by driving impactful initiatives across environmental, social, ethical, and governance pillars aligning with Honda’s commitment to be a company that society wants to exist.

Challenging Spirit

This award recognizes suppliers who demonstrate resilience, overcome obstacles, and consistently rise to meet complex challenges. These suppliers deliver meaningful impact through their solution-oriented mindset and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Outstanding Value

This award recognizes suppliers that have provided a strong competitive advantage by consistently going above and beyond to deliver exceptional value, forward-thinking solutions, and cost efficiencies through their dedicated service and project implementation.

Strategic Partner

This award recognizes suppliers who have evolved beyond transactional engagements into true strategic partnerships built on collaboration and trust; they operate as an extension of the Honda team. By helping position Honda as a customer of choice, these suppliers deliver meaningful and lasting impact to our business.

Innovation

This award recognizes suppliers who have delivered breakthrough innovations with a profound impact to Honda. These suppliers have introduced new ideas, technologies, or processes that drive measurable improvements in cost, quality, delivery, safety, or customer satisfaction.

Honda in America

Honda started operations in the United States with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. in 1959. Today, Honda employs over 30,000 associates in America engaged in the development, manufacturing, sales and service support of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda power equipment, Honda powersports products and the HondaJet advanced light jet.

Based on its longstanding commitment to build products close to the customer, Honda operates 12 major U.S. manufacturing facilities, working with 665 U.S. OEM suppliers to produce a diverse range of Honda products using domestic and globally made parts. Honda has built automobiles in America for over 40 years, and in 2025, more than 62% of all Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were produced in America.

Honda also conducts research and development activities at 23 facilities in America where it fully designs, develops and engineers many of the products the company manufactures in America. Honda and Acura high-performance racing programs are also conducted in America including the design and development of powertrain, chassis, electronics, and performance parts, as well as technical and race support.

(Editor’s Note; While Tony Fortuna is a name many heat treaters in North America are not familiar with, at one time he was very well known for his founding of “Harbor Metal Treating”, now part of “Bluewater Thermal”).

“Anthony Fortuna, known to all as Tony, a self-made businessman, proud son of the Pennsylvania coal country, and the beloved patriarch of a sprawling five-generation family, passed away peacefully in Mesick, Michigan, on June 5, 2026, at the age of 87.

Tony was born on July 7, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a humble Pennsylvania coal mining town, Tony’s character was forged by the grit and resilience of his community. He was fiercely proud of his roots as the son of a coal miner. He also inherited a fighter’s spirit from his father, Joseph, a well-known local boxer nicknamed “Bouncer.”
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Gertrude Fortuna; his brothers, Joseph and Luke; his sister, Betty; and his son-in-law, Dan Lang. Being the last surviving sibling of his generation, Tony carried the memory and strength of his family forward throughout his entire life.
The Fortuna family eventually relocated to Lansing, Michigan, and later to Saint Joseph, Michigan, planting the seeds for the family’s deep Michigan roots.

As a young man, Tony answered the call to duty and served his country in the United States Navy, where he was stationed aboard the heavy cruiser USS Salem. His time in the Navy instilled in him a lifelong discipline and a treasure trove of stories that he would share for decades to come.
Upon returning to civilian life, Tony channeled his work ethic into the American Dream. In 1972, he stepped out on faith and ambition to purchase and build what would become a highly successful network of four heat-treating enterprises, beginning with Harbor Metal Treating. Through sheer determination and sharp business acumen, he became a highly respected and successful businessman, providing opportunities not just for his family, but for his communities.”

It would be unfair to unilaterally say that the only factor effecting alloy pricing (baskets, trays, radiant tubes, muffles etc.) is the price of nickel, however it is certainly fair to say that it has a large bearing on the price of 330SS, HU, HT and all those other materials used by the heat treatment industry.

Therefore predictions about future nickel pricing will be reflected in upcoming pricing for alloy components. Mr. “AI” is making these predictions about future pricing based on the question “will hu and ht material pricing change in the near future”?

“Yes, HU and HT material pricing is expected to change and face continued volatility in the near future. As of June 2026, raw steel material benchmarks—specifically Hot-Rolled Coil (HRC, often associated with “HU” coding) and Cold-Rolled Coil (CRC) / Heavy Heat-Treated Plates (often associated with “HT” coding)—are showing strong upward pressure rather than a downward drop. Industrial steel pricing has broken past historical baselines due to severe supply restrictions, trade policy adjustments, and rising production costs.”

In response to the question; “is nickel pricing going up or down”? Mr. “AI” has this to say;

“Nickel prices are currently going down in the short term, but they remain significantly higher than they were at this time last year.”

Our conclusion? While alloy pricing has certainly increased over the past year, it would appear that in the medium to long term, we will see relatively stable pricing. As a footnote to this story, it is interesting to note how nickel pricing has changed over the years-the attached graph shows pricing over the past 50 years with some mammoth spikes in 2008 and 2022.

As we count down to our upcoming list of the “52 Largest North American Commercial Heat Treaters” we would like to point to what will be a new addition to the list and a rather unusual one at that-a firm which specializes in “Induction” heat treating-the only one on our list that make that boast;

“Induction Heat Treating Corp., Crystal Lake, IL. “Induction Heat Treating Corporation” founded in 1946 recently celebrated its 80th anniversary as a family-owned and operated company. Headquartered in Crystal Lake, Illinois, the company operates 24 hours a day under the leadership of its fourth-generation owner. Expansions into Seymour, Indiana and Waukesha, Wisconsin have further strengthened IHT as the largest induction heat treater in North America.

Dedicated exclusively to induction, IHT’s combined 89,900 square feet of facilities house 45 induction machines ranging from 1 kHz to 450 kHz, with power capabilities from 15 Kw to 400 Kw. The company also plans to add two new state-of-the-art machines this year, capable of vertically scanning parts up to 12 feet, 6 inches in length, further enhancing its ability to serve a wide range of customer needs.

In addition to its heat-treating operations, IHT owns and operates its own tooling company, manufacturing induction coils not only for internal use, but also for captive and commercial induction companies worldwide.”

We have a final update to several stories about an LPC (Low Pressure Carburizing) installation at a USA auto parts maker. Unfortunately, after all this time and investment, “McGard Industries” as mentioned in the story below is exiting the LPC arena and unless a buyer is found shortly for their system it will be scrapped before the end of the year. If you do have an interest please let us know; [email protected]

“AUGUST 26/2025 “THE MONTY”; Auto Parts Manufacturer Reverses Course on Vacuum Carburizing; “McGard Industries” manufactures anti-theft devices such as lug nuts, wheel locks, and marine security products, and is a leading manufacturer of mechanical anti-theft devices. The firm maintains a very large, clean and modern manufacturing facility in Orchard Park, New York, USA which is fitting as the company products can be considered “the Cadillac” in terms of quality and reliability.

Historically “McGard” has handled their heat-treating requirements through a combination of in-house furnaces and outsourcing to local commercial heat treaters.

In 2015 “McGard” started looking at “options” to their heat-treating department to make sure they had the absolute best technology available, this included looking at mesh belt furnaces lines (which was the technology used by their local heat treater) and LPC (low pressure vacuum carburizing). When all was said and done the company decided on vacuum carburizing and the investment was made in an almost brand-new system being sold by “Caterpillar”.

The system was installed and upgraded in 2021 and shortly thereafter testing was completed and limited production started. However shortly thereafter the entire project was abandoned and the company made the decision to outsource most of their heat-treating needs again to a local commercial heat treater who processes the parts in a mesh belt furnace line.

While the reasons for this change of course are not entirely clear our belief is that while the LPC technology did produce very good results, some of the benefits were not required for this particular product and that outsourcing the work made more economic sense and allowed the company to focus on their “core competencies”.

“JANUARY 2022 POSTING; In Orchard Park, New York State, USA we find an auto parts supplier by the name of McGard Industries-this is how they describe themselves; “McGard is a manufacturer of high quality security products, wheel locks and chrome plated lug nuts. Our customers include some of the finest North American, Japanese and European automotive manufacturers, as well as government agencies, the military, municipalities, and the fuel industry. Since 1966, McGard has become known for its unique product designs and comprehensive service programs in these and other areas where security and safety are top priorities. Consistent high quality that insures the greatest value for our customers is the foundation of our business, and is evident in every McGard product on the market today.”

Our experience with the company shows a very well run, clean and very modern operation. The firm has an impressive captive heat treat department which was enhanced by an ALD Modultherm, vacuum carburizing system not that long ago. The complete installation was finished in 2021.”

(Background: “ITS” is part of a small elite, group of commercial heat treaters who offer Hot Isostatic Pressing “Hipping”. Other notable players include “Bodycote”, “Aalberts Surface Technologies” and “Kittyhawk”. This is how AI summarizes “Hipping; Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) is a manufacturing process that uses high heat and equal gas pressure to squeeze defects out of metals and ceramics. The word “isostatic” means the pressure points in every direction at the same time. This uniform squeezing action removes tiny holes inside the material to make it 100% dense).

“Ohio operation joins ITS facilities in Bilbao, Spain, and Mississippi, adding NADCAP- and AS9100D-certified Hot Isostatic Pressing capacity for aerospace, additive manufacturing, and advanced industrial applications.

Mount Vernon, Ohio — JULY 2026 — Isostatic Toll Services (ITS), a provider of certified Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) services, announced the opening of ITS-Ohio, a new HIP processing facility in North Central Ohio. The facility expands the company’s global service network and strengthens its ability to support aerospace, defense, additive manufacturing, and advanced industrial customers with certified HIP processing capacity.

The new operation complements existing ITS facilities in Bilbao, Spain, and Mississippi, providing customers with increased scheduling flexibility, reduced lead times, and enhanced supply-chain resilience.

All ITS facilities operate under NADCAP accreditation and AS9100D certification, delivering certified HIP processing for critical aerospace and high-performance components. The Ohio facility adds significant large-format and high-pressure capability, including HIP systems capable of processing components up to 44 inches in diameter by 100 inches in height at pressures up to 25,000 PSI.

The facility features HIP systems manufactured by American Isostatic Presses, Inc. (AIP) of Columbus, Ohio, further reinforcing the region’s role as a center for advanced manufacturing and thermal processing technology.

“Our investment in Ohio reflects our commitment to supporting customers with certified capacity, responsive service, and direct technical engagement,” said Tyler Persaud, General Manager of ITS-Ohio. “The addition of ITS-Ohio strengthens our global network and positions us to meet growing demand across aerospace, additive manufacturing, and advanced industrial markets.”

Building on the company’s reputation for quality and customer support, ITS-Ohio has achieved NADCAP accreditation, AS9100D certification, and key customer approvals, including Rolls-Royce, enabling the facility to support both qualification programs and production requirements. These accomplishments were achieved with the guidance and strategic support of Farah Ally at Taproot Strategies Consulting, whose expertise helped facilitate the successful certification and approval process.”

(Editors Note; “Rochester Steel Treating Works” in Rochester, New York, USA is one of the oldest commercial heat treaters in the state and a long standing, profitable well run company. “The Monty Heat Treat News” helped facilitate this sale. More on this story and Diffusion Group of Companies to come-we promise you will find this interesting).

“Diffusion Group Expands U.S. Presence with Acquisition of Rochester Steel Treating Works

“RSTW has built something special over decades—our job is to protect that, strengthen it, and make sure it continues to grow for the next generation.”— Tim Thompson, Diffusion Group

Rochester, NY – June 2026; The Diffusion Group of Companies has completed its acquisition of Rochester Steel Treating Works (RSTW), marking another step in the group’s growth across North America and strengthening its position in the U.S. heat treating market.

RSTW is a long-established, highly respected operation with deep roots in the Rochester manufacturing community. Known for its quality, reliability, and technical capability, the business serves customers across aerospace, defense, automotive, tooling, and medical markets, supported by key industry certifications and a reputation built over decades.

The acquisition reflects Diffusion’s long-term approach—identifying strong, well-run businesses and investing to support their continued success.

Diffusion would like to acknowledge and thank Gene and the Miller family for the trust they have placed in the group. The business they built stands as a testament to their commitment to quality, discipline, and customer service, and that legacy is not taken lightly.

“RSTW has built something you don’t see every day—a combination of technical capability, strong culture, and customer trust,” said Tim Thompson. “We have a lot of respect for what Gene and the Miller family created here, and we’re proud they’ve trusted us to carry that forward.”

Operational continuity remains a priority. RSTW’s existing team and leadership remain in place, and there are no immediate changes to day-to-day operations. The focus is on reinforcing the business’s foundation while investing thoughtfully in areas that improve quality, reliability, and long-term capability.

“What has made RSTW successful will continue,” Thompson added. “Our focus is disciplined growth—practical investments, better systems, and giving the team the tools they need to succeed long term.”

Looking ahead, Diffusion plans to leverage its combined technical knowledge and operational experience across the group to support RSTW’s next phase of growth, expanding customer relationships, improving processes, and strengthening its position in key end markets.

The transaction also signals the group’s continued expansion strategy.

“We’re building a focused group of companies in this space,” said Thompson. “RSTW is an important addition, and we’re actively looking for other strong operations that fit what we’re building.”

“ Reuters News” June 5 (Reuters) – Apollo Global Management (APO.N), opens new tab and Britain’s Bodycote (BOY.L), opens new tab have ended talks over a £1.52 billion ($2 billion) takeover proposal, the groups said on Friday, sending shares of the British thermal processing services group down as much as 12%.

The ​U.S.-based alternative asset manager had submitted a conditional all-cash bid to Bodycote two weeks ago ​following several previous approaches, sending its shares surging as the 885 pence per ⁠share offer was at a nearly 27% premium to the closing price before the bid was ​disclosed.

Despite losses which were the biggest on the FTSE 250 (.FTMC), opens new tab on Friday, Bodycote shares are up ​about 9% for the year.

Several UK- and Irish-listed companies have in recent years attracted interest from overseas buyers for their relatively cheap valuations. However, global markets have been rattled by the Iran war, prompting businesses to try to conserve ​cash.

Apollo said on Friday it did not intend to make a firm offer for Bodycote, giving ​no reason for the decision.

It will now be restricted from making another approach for six months under British ‌takeover ⁠rules, apart from under some specific conditions.

“Apollo continues to hold Bodycote and its management team in high regard, is appreciative of the discussions with them and Bodycote’s board of directors and would like to thank them for their time and consideration of the proposal,” it said in a statement.

Bodycote ​said separately that it ​was no longer in ⁠an offer period and was confident of its strategy.

“The Board of Bodycote has strong confidence in Bodycote’s potential and its strategy to create a ​high-performing, resilient business with attractive growth prospects.”

The company provides heat treatment and ​other metal ⁠processing services to improve the performance and durability of metal components used in industrial sectors including aerospace, defence, automotive and energy.

Last week, Bodycote maintained its full-year 2026 guidance, adding that it remained mindful of ⁠ongoing geopolitical ​uncertainty and would continue to tightly manage costs.”

Over the years “The Monty Heat Treat News” has had several stories about additive manufacturing firm and captive heat treater “Burloak Technologies” of Burlington, Ontario, Canada investing in the latest and greatest heat treat technologies including vacuum furnaces and “Hot Isostatic Pressing” systems.

These stories can be found at;

“Burloak Technologies Completes In House Heat Treating Department”

“Burloak Technologies Installing In-House Heat Treatment Department”

Now comes word that the firm was recently sold to “i3D Manufacturing, a division of BTX Precision”. Read on for the details.

“May 12, 2026 – Samuel, Son & Co., Limited (Samuel), a leading metals distributor and industrial products manufacturer, announced today that it is selling its additive manufacturing business, Burloak Technologies, to i3D Manufacturing, a division of BTX Precision.

“While additive manufacturing is on the leading edge of technology, and Burloak has developed a position of technical leadership in the 3D printing and aerospace markets during Samuel’s ownership, we believe i3D is the right long-term strategic partner to support Burloak’s growth objectives,” stated Colin Osborne, President and CEO of Samuel. “With their support, Burloak will continue to not only benefit from expansion in existing areas but also from growth in new markets.”

Effective today, Burloak Technologies will transition to i3D Manufacturing. Samuel continues to operate more than 70 Service Center, automotive and diversified manufacturing locations across North America, offering customers extensive services, including metal processing and finishing, and automated solutions.”

Welcome to the June 2026 edition of “The Monty Heat Treat News” featuring over 100 pages of the most up to date heat treatment industry news and trends combined with updated surplus heat treat equipment listings. This issue features these industry exclusive stories and lots more;

Recent surplus heat treat equipment listings include these;

As always, the entire team at “The Monty Heat Treat News” appreciates your thoughts, comments and interest. We sincerely look forward to hearing from you whether it involves a heat treatment question, a furnace appraisal, a press release or an advertising question. Sincerely, Gord, Jordan and Dale Montgomery.

“The Monty Heat Treat News” is a division of “WG Montgomery Ltd., a family owned business serving the heat treatment industry since 1969.”

Phone 705 259-3650, [email protected], [email protected] www.themonty.com