“The Monty Heat Treat News” is currently at the largest Heat treat industry event in North America in 2022, Furnaces North America in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Attendance is expected to be great and as expected lots of interesting stories about the industry are surfacing. To start off let’s follow up on a “Where Are They Now” story we had a few weeks ago about Mr. Jason Jossart (this is the original story)
Jason Jossart, Atmosphere Engineering-Where Are They Now? September 5th, 2022
Also in the “rumour mill” is a story about a USA furnace builder for sale. Our understanding is that a manufacturer of continuous furnaces in the US Northeast is up for sale. Beyond the fact that it is located in the northeast US and has sales of roughly $20 million per year we know little. We will let you know if and when the seller becomes known.
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The highlight of our visit was seeing two large mesh belt furnace lines which CAN ENG announced earlier this year, both lines will be delivered before the end of 2022 with commissioning following shortly thereafter.
The first line is a 6000#/hr CAN-ENG Mesh Belt Heat Treatment Line designed for neutral hardening which will be delivered to a fastener manufacturer in Michigan, this is the 4th CAN-ENG mesh belt system this particular customer has received. This is a complete line with automated loading, pre wash, high heat furnace, quench oil system, post wash, temper and soluble oil system.
Our tour revealed to us that CAN-ENG was founded in 1964 and currently maintains 75,000 square feet of manufacturing space in 2 locations in Southern, Ontario, Canada. While we like many think of CAN-ENG for mesh belt furnaces lines this is not completely accurate. The company is also very strong in systems for the aluminum industry and also steel mills. As a matter of fact while it varies substantially some years have seen almost 50% of production dedicated to the steel and tube industries. Interestingly enough the company has provided systems to almost 20 countries around the world with the US as the largest market, however they are also well represented in Europe, Asia and South America.
On a final note we would suggest that if you ever find yourself in Niagara Falls and have a desire to visit the company we can vouch for the fact that the entire team at CAN-ENG are a friendly bunch, as an example they presented us with a very generous gift as you can see in the one photo. CAN-ENG Furnaces International | Industrial Furnace Manufacturers
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Victor Oreskovich, Tim Donofrio, Mike Klauck, Jordan Montgomery
Mike Klauck, Victor Oreskovich, Gord & Jordan Montgomery, Tim Donofrio
Aad while I have not yet had a chance to visit your plant you have given me enough details for me to realize that you have a very unique operation, consequently I have a long list of questions for you. Let’s start at the very beginning, with a history of your company-when the company was formed, ownership, goals etc.
How large is your company both in terms of sales and number of employees?
Currently we have 25 employees most of which have been with us for many years. As we are a family business, we feel that we offer a very personal touch to our customers.
You offer a number of different processes including nitriding, vacuum hardening, carburizing and induction to name a few but one area of your plant really caught my attention-you have some of the largest pit carburizing furnaces that I have ever come across in a commercial shop. You suggest that you can handle parts up to 20,000 Kg (45,000 pounds), which makes your company part of a very small group, could you please give us some details about the size of your furnaces and what products you run?
I am very proud of the fact that Dominial can offer a number of different heat treatment processes such as; Oil-hardening , vacuum hardening, carburizing, nitro-carburizing, nitriding, Induction-hardening, annealing, stress -relieving, blasting, etc.
Over the past few years Dominial has expanded and installed 4 very large pit furnaces. Each has working dimensions of 2700 mm and a depth of 3500 mm (editor’s note this is roughly 106” diameter X 137” deep). Each can handle a weight of 20,000 kilograms per load (44,000 pounds). These furnaces are especially suited for carburizing very large parts such as gears which is our specialty. We feel these are some of the largest commercially available pit carburizing furnaces in Europe.
Have you ever been asked to quote parts that were too large for your pit furnaces?
Tying in with the previous question where do your customers come from? With the unique size of your furnaces, I would imagine you must get inquiries from around the world.
Several manufacturers of gears have long been important and loyal customers of Dominial, however we can never take anything for granted so we strive for the highest quality, with a fair price combined with a short delivery time. As we have become better known for our gear carburizing expertise, we had to invest in more large pit carburizing furnaces. What we now have are the largest in the Netherlands and some of the largest in Europe. In this era of energy transition there is an increasing demand from offshore energy projects to heat treat very large pieces. Quite often these products are part of big structures for wind power at sea, but we also treat parts for big cranes and ships. This market is growing and therefore Dominial is prepared and ready to measure up to fill all the heat treat demands of this growing market.
Dominial has several different departments offering different processes. These include vacuum hardening, induction hardening, gas nitriding, nitrocarburizing, blasting and stress relieving. Which process do you see as growing the most in the near future?
Energy costs. As a North American use to relatively low energy costs I am absolutely shocked to see what electricity and natural gas costs in Europe. How on earth are you managing these costs?
The cost of energy these days is a challenge to all of us. Cost varies from country to country and we are forced to use our energy very carefully. We try to be as economical and “innovative” as possible, and this requires a lot of attention and “good thinking”. Reusing energy as much as possible is a part of this mix.
Energy costs are only one of a number of challenges all industries are seeing these days. What is your number one concern these days, in other words what keeps you up at nights besides energy costs?
If you had a crystal ball, what would it be telling you about the heat treat industry in Europe? Do you expect significant changes in the technology being used? Consolidation within the commercial heat-treating industry-perhaps the large chains getting larger as the expense of smaller companies? Changes within the industry to reduce the number of employees? What do you expect to happen in the heat treatment industry in the next 5 years?
You must imagine that the Heat-Treatment of steel products has already existed for over 2500 years and during that time the principals of heat treating have not changed. You can refine the way you heat treat, you can automate to reduce the number of employees but I believe that hardening will remain pretty much the same as long as steel is being produced.
Aad I very much appreciate your thoughts and comments and hope to see your facility in person in the near future.
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We start off mentioning that long time heat treater Roger Lupien is no longer with Precision Thermal Processing in Clintonville, WI. Roger is quite a well know fellow in the North American commercial heat treating industry having spent a number of years with PTP and before that Nitrex. Precision Thermal is a long established player in the Midwest market with diverse technology offerings including Vacuum, BIQ, Induction, etc. in their 60,000 sq. ft plant. We have always felt that the company with annual sales of between $6 and $9 million USD is very close to making “The Monty Heat Treat News” list of the largest North American commercial heat treaters The Monty Heat Treat News – 50 Largest North American Commercial Heat Treats 2022 | The Monty
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“The Metal Treating Institute, producer of Furnaces North America 2022 is excited to announce that pre-show attendance has exceeded over 1,000 total attendees. With onsite registrations, the show is expected to go over the 1,200 mark. FNA 2022 is being held Oct. 3-5 (next week) in Indianapolis, IN.
They say, “knowledge is power.” At FNA 2022, the 35 technical sessions in 10 educational tracks will be packed with experts and knowledge. The sessions will share how to maximize your efficiencies, the keys to automation and the latest developments in processes, production, and equipment. CLICK HERE to view a grid of the technical sessions.
Over the 3 days, heat treat professionals at all levels will also participate in three networking functions discussing industry trends, best practices, and ideas to capitalize on the future. The events include the energetic opening night kickoff reception, the trade show floor reception, and the final night MTI Member YES graduation and awards dinner. CLICK HERE to view a full schedule.
If you are within driving distance of Indianapolis, IN and you aren’t registered, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to check out over 127 heat treat suppliers. CLICK HERE to register a FREE entry pass into the trade show. Your name badge will be waiting for you when you arrive.
Change is happening faster than ever in the heat treating industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to grab a couple of your key people and come see the future of heat treating equipment, services, and accessories.
CLICK HERE to register you and your team. We hope to see you in Indianapolis at FNA 2022!”
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Furnaces North America (FNA 2022), the largest North American heat treating event of 2022 is being held next week, October 3-5th in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. According to a press release we received from the organizers, MTI (Metal Treating Institute) pre show attendance has now exceeded, 1,000 total attendees which is expected to increase to over 1,200 (this includes both visitors and exhibitors). Out of idle curiosity we asked a long time exhibitor whether this attendance figure was good, bad or indifferent-his response was that he believed the previous record was back in 2018 when attendance was roughly 750 individuals. If this is the case this would represent a stunning record which would be no surprise as so many shows have been cancelled over the past 2 years. “The Monty Heat Treat News” looks forward to seeing you at this event.
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“Dear Gord, I wanted to extend an offer to you and your team to visit us here at CAN-ENG so that we can share with you what’s new. Although the recent pandemic years have brought a multitude of challenges to our industry, CAN-ENG has been resilient, developed alternate strategies to overcome these challenges and as a result has prospered during these times.
CAN-ENG entered the Pandemic as the 2019 year ended with a robust mix of projects. As the pandemic ensued, CAN-ENG has successfully attracted new business, partnerships, and market segments. This growth was made possible because we remained committed to our Founders’ guiding principles. Our fundamental values include focusing on customers’ future technological needs and continuous improvement of core products.
CAN-ENG is happy to reveal with you that since the onset of the Pandemic, CAN-ENG has taken part in over Twenty (20) Large Thermal Processing Equipment contracts. The mix of recent projects include: Mesh Belt Quench and Temper Furnaces for High-Quality Fasteners, Mesh Belt Austemper Systems, Aluminum Component/Casting Heat Treatment Systems used for vehicle light weighting initiatives and developments in alternate fuel and electric vehicles, Steel Heat Treatment systems for electrical steel annealing, forged drive component Iso-thermal annealing, rail, construction, military, and aerospace component processing.
With the additional recent support resources provided by our new sister companies JTL Integrated Machine and Trenergy Inc., CAN-ENG is progressing with on-time deliveries of major projects through the end of 2022 and early 2023 that specifically include: Two (2) Mesh Belt Heat Treatment Systems, Electric Vehicle Drive Component Atmosphere Heat Treatment System, Modular T-7 Heat Treatment System with Precision Air Quenching (PAQ™) Technology and Rotary Hearth Rail Car Component Heat Processing system. These contracts will be commissioned globally by our dedicated team of furnace engineers, some of which integrating electric heating systems to meet the demands for reduced carbon footprint processing.
Further to this, we are pleased to share that CAN-ENG’s After Sales Service Team has been actively involved in supporting new and existing customers with system modernizing and repurposing for new demands and applications. Our After Sales Service team representatives have also been working diligently with our customers to develop alternate spare and replacement component strategies to ensure their production processing capacities are protected.
We hope that you find this of interest and look forward to meeting with you at CAN-ENG in the near future.” Tim Donofrio, Vice President – Sales, Can-Eng Furnaces International Ltd.
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This picture was taken the last time “The Monty Heat Treat News” visited Can-Eng. From left to right you can see Gord Montgomery, Tim Donofrio, Jordan Montgomery.
For over 60 years an auto parts maker in Lebanon, TN, USA has been producing automotive parts and heat treating them in house. The current owner Germany based ZF North America announced in December of 2021 that the plant would be closing for good in 2022 and that is indeed what happened. The very substantial heat treating department was part of the auction which is being held this week. “The Monty Heat Treat News” is very familiar with this facility and can vouch for the fact that at one time this was a very impressive heat treat department-alas that was a long time ago. What is left is very tired and worn out heat treat furnaces which will probably attract scrap value offers only.
“December 7, 2021; One of Lebanon’s oldest manufacturing facilities is set to close its doors by the end of March after ZF North America officials informed its 235 employees of the plans last week. The facility, which opened in 1961, produces commercial vehicle steering system components. “ZF is continually assessing its manufacturing footprint globally and in North America to remain cost competitive in retaining and gaining new business in the commercial vehicle market,” ZF North America Senior Communications Manager John Wilkerson said. “Consolidation of commercial vehicle steering systems operations continues in the region to enhance our competitive position. Unfortunately, the difficult decision of the planned closure of the Lebanon facility needed to be made now to align with consolidation plans.” ZF, located at 1103 W. Baddour Parkway at the intersection of Hartmann Drive, has taken many turns since its inception.
Ross Gear and Tool Co. acquired the former Gemmer Engine & Manufacturing in Detroit in 1961 and moved the plant’s operation to Lebanon. Around the same time, Cleveland-based Thompson Products, known for its automotive and aircraft engine parts, merged with Los Angeles based advanced technology business Ramo-Wooldridge, and formed Thompson-Ramo-Wooldridge. In the mid-1960s, the group shortened its name to TRW and purchased Ross Gear. The operation continued under TRW until 2015, when ZF Friedrichshafen AG acquired TRW.
Employees of the operation have faced trying times within the last decade, including a 400-person strike in 2013 for better pay and benefits and increased safety in the plant. The strike followed the 2008 economic crisis rebound, which employees said did not result in a return to desired salaries after many took pay cuts for the business to remain open. Last year, nearly 300 employees were laid off as a part of a wider company layoff that affected more than 1,000 employees.
“We are announcing well ahead of the plant ending date to give employees more certainty regarding the future and allow them to prepare for new employment when the time comes,” Wilkerson said. “The company will support them in seeking new employment while the plant closes out their customer commitments.” Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell said the company has been an important employer in the community. “There’s generations of people that worked there and were able to raise their families here in this community. It’s been a great employer for a long time,” Bell said. “It’s a sad day. It’s sad for the community because we’re losing a large employer, but it’s really sad on an individual level because these are people who have worked there for a long time and now, they’re going to have to look for something else.”
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Leading furnace servicing company Vacuum & Atmosphere Services is continuing to build the next generation of furnace engineers by welcoming two new level 3 engineering apprentices.
Reece Lappin and Tom Long joined VAS on September 12th as engineering apprentices and will now embark on a four-year apprenticeship to become qualified furnace engineers.
With the skills shortage in the engineering sector growing, VAS are leading the way to recruit, train and retain a cohort of highly skilled and experienced apprentices who will progress to multi skilled field service engineers.
Working in partnership with apprenticeship provider Make UK, the intensive four-year apprenticeship combines a mix of classroom based and on the job learning. As the course progresses, learning shifts towards more on the job learning as apprentices are given more responsibility.
In year one, Reece and Tom will learn a wide range of engineering skills including software control, electrics, machining and benchwork.
Their second and subsequent years, when not at college, will include integrating within the VAS engineering departments and working at customer sites, learning all aspects of heat treatment systems.
Reece Lappin commented:
“I joined VAS after beginning a degree in sports science at university. I wanted to join a business where I could learn on the job and gain a skill set that could see me progress through the business.”
Tom Long added:
“I feel really privileged to be completing my apprenticeship at VAS. I was put through a rigorous interview process which not only looked at technical skills but also attitude to development and work ethic. I’m looking forward to the next four years.”
VAS Quality, Health & Safety Manager, Andy Nisbet said:
“The VAS business strategy for recruitment encourages 100% of recruits to join the business through an apprenticeship route. This approach to apprenticeships not only addresses the skills shortage within the engineering sector but also creates a solid talent pipeline for years to come.
“We currently have five apprentices in the business, all at various stages of their qualification. We are currently recruiting for another apprentice to join us in November and going forward, plan to recruit two per year so that we have a rolling cohort of apprentices in the business.
“Our apprenticeship programme produces talented, multi skilled furnace engineers who have a varied skill set enabling them to progress through the business. An example of this are two former apprentices who have both progressed to senior service engineers.
A trusted partner for leading brands, VAS was launched in 2000 by two engineers to offer vacuum and atmosphere furnace services and has progressed to offer the full service package for the heat treatment industry, ranging from bespoke new furnaces to spare parts.
Employing 35 staff and providing furnace services for the likes of Mercedes, GE Power, Moog and Collins Aerospace, VAS is promoted as an engineering company run by engineers.
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Engineer apprentices Tom Long and Reece Lappin with VAS Andy Nisbet and Mike Long
According to this press release General Motors will be investing heavily in their Toledo, Ohio, USA propulsion facility-the question for the readers of “The Monty Heat Treat News” will of course be; does this include more heat treating equipment? Currently the Toledo facility has a very impressive vacuum carburizing department which is only a few years old. As mentioned by “The Monty Heat Treat News” just a week ago the GM operation in Ramos, Arizpe, Mexico is in the process of installing VC equipment which certainly signals a trend. So will the auto giant invest in more heat treat equipment? This is a question which we can’t answer at the current time but it is certainly an interesting possibility.
“General Motors Co. (GM) will invest $760 million at its Toledo, Ohio, propulsion manufacturing operations to prepare the facility for production of drive units that will be used in future Ultium-based battery electric trucks, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV and GMC Hummer EVs. Toledo Propulsion Systems will be GM’s first U.S. powertrain or propulsion-related manufacturing facility transformed for EV-related production. Once the plant is converted, it will produce GM’s family of EV drive units, which convert electric power from the battery pack to mechanical motion at the wheels. GM’s EV drive units will cover front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive propulsion combinations.”
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