“Mercury Marine” (the outboard motor people) in Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, USA has always had a large, diversified in house heat treatment department, a department which is characterized by a mix of older, conventional furnaces and new state of the art systems. 
 
In a very interesting development the company recently announced that they would be opening up their shop to outside work, in other words entering the commercial heat treatment industry with these capabilities;
 
Aluminum Heat Treatment; Full T6 and T7 solution and aging cycles for structural and performance-grade aluminum castings and components. Our controlled furnaces and rapid quenching systems ensure uniform hardness, strength and elongation across every part. Optimized T5 heat treatment for high-pressure die-cast aluminum parts. Our precision-controlled process boosts strength and stability while preserving surface integrity and delivering components that perform reliably and maintain an exceptional appearance suitable for the most demanding applications.
 
 
“AUGUST 30;2021; Mercury Marine Advances Heat Treating Processes with ECM Technologies Vacuum Furnace Systems with Advanced Automation
 
Pleasant Prairie, WI – August 30, 2021 – Mercury Marine of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, recently launched a plan to upgrade its heat-treating capabilities with a move to the low-pressure carburization and high pressure gas quench system. Partnering with ECM Technologies, the new plan incorporates completely automated Nano vacuum heat treating systems. The innovative Nano system incorporates 20 bar nitrogen gas quenching along with Low Pressure Carburizing (aka vacuum carburizing). The Nano, with its versatile configuration, will operate several different carburizing, hardening, and spheroidizing processes simultaneously. This change marks a departure from Mercury’s traditional atmospheric carburization and oil quench system while benefiting from advantages that come with vacuum processing:
 
• Innovative vacuum heat treating in lieu of traditional atmosphere (elimination of intergranular oxidation & highly repeatable process with consistent results
• Employs preventive maintenance planning, remote system status access and facility information systems integration
• Relocates heat treat from a secondary location to the clean, controlled environment of the machining centers
• Converts to Small Batch processing principles to maximize process efficiency
• State-of-the-art growth with ECM’s advanced system automation and robot capability with load building and breakdown
• Controls downstream operations by matching incoming dunnage with exiting workpieces
• Takes advantage of vapor and vacuum-based pre-cleaning technology to remove multiple machining lubricants
• Incorporates cryogenic and tempering processes within the automated system
The system uses all CFC workload fixtures and ECM’s advanced automation fixture tracking to maintain a precise cycle count to know fixture life. This improvement for Mercury significantly reduces energy consumption and process cost per piece. Additionally, the vacuum process takes their heat treatment to a near-zero emissions for drivetrain components processed within the system.”
With defense spending increasing around the world “The Monty Heat Treat News” has long felt that this added spending with increase armament manufacturing and consequently heat treatment. Already we have seen two examples of this in the past year, one in New York State, USA and one in Ontario, Canada (more on this later). Today we have yet another example, in this situation a European supplier in the defense sector who is investing in a new vacuum furnace from SECO/WARWICK (please note the last paragraph in this press release from SECO-the company clearly states that increased defense spending will lead to more heat treat investment). 
 
“SECO/WARWICK has signed a contract to deliver a state-of-the-art vacuum furnace to a client in the European defense sector. The partner has chosen a proven single-chamber vacuum furnace.
 
The equipment has been customized to maximize its versatility and provide a broad range of applications for the heat treatment of steels used in the firearm manufacturing industry. In the coming years, Europe is expected to be one of the world’s key markets for investments in armaments and military modernization.
 
SECO/WARWICK has experience collaborating with the defense sector. Every new contract in this segment offers opportunities for in-depth technical consultations and engineering challenges, which contribute to the development of the company’s portfolio and know-how. Thanks to this approach, SECO/WARWICK has developed a furnace configuration that meets the needs of modern manufacturing plants focused on efficiency, reliability, and flexibility in technological processes.

The selection of the SECO/WARWICK solution resulted from a tender procedure announced by the partner. This is the first order carried out by SECO/WARWICK for this client, but it aligns with the broader context of technological transformation in the European defense industry. The transition from gas carburizing technology to modern LPC processes allows the client to significantly improve the quality and predictability of heat treatment, while also optimizing energy and process gas consumption.

 “Vacuum technology in the defense industry is becoming not only a response to the need for modernizing production lines, but also a tool for building technological advantage. Firearm manufacturing requires absolute repeatability and quality in heat treatment. Our equipment meets these demands thanks to precision engineering and advanced process technology. This is an investment in safety and reliability that brings tangible benefits from the very first production cycle,” says Maciej Korecki, Vice President of the Vacuum Segment at SECO/WARWICK.
 
The contract holds strategic and technological significance—both for the client, who is modernizing their infrastructure, and for SECO/WARWICK, which is strengthening its position as a key solutions provider for the defense sector.
 
 “We deliver not only equipment, but above all, the experience and knowledge of how to support industries with the highest standards. Thanks to flexible configuration, our solution perfectly addresses the needs of such clients. The applied solution combines a classic, round heating chamber—enabling the processing of oversized components—with advanced low-pressure carburizing (LPC) technology and a high-pressure gas quenching (HPGQ) system. The equipment stands out due to high temperature uniformity throughout the working space, a convection heating system that increases efficiency at lower temperatures, and directional cooling that allows precise process adjustment to the geometry of complex parts. The graphite chamber is wear-resistant and easy to service, making it a practical choice for multi-shift hardening plants,” explains Łukasz Chwiałkowski, SECO/WARWICK Sales Manager. 
 
Europe increases defense spending

In recent years, defense spending in Europe has reached record levels, reflecting the growing importance of military modernization and strengthening industrial capabilities in the context of a dynamic geopolitical situation. In 2024, total defense expenditures by European countries exceeded € 340 billion, with forecasts indicating further growth in the coming years. More and more countries are surpassing the 2% of GDP threshold for defense spending—a benchmark for fulfilling NATO commitments. A significant portion of these budgets are allocated to investments in modern weapons systems, advanced manufacturing technologies, digital solutions, and research and development. Special attention is given to modernizing industrial infrastructure related to the production of weapons, ammunition, fire control systems, and components critical for modern combat platforms. Europe is also investing heavily in developing industrial capabilities that enhance the region’s technological and military sovereignty and independence. The increase in spending is driving demand for high-quality, reliable, and repeatable processes, which directly contribute to the development of advanced heat treatment technologies used in the defense industry. Observed trends suggest that in the coming years, Europe will continue to be one of the world’s key investment markets for armaments and military modernization.”
 
Today “The Monty Heat Treat News” digs deep in our “Heat Treat Podcast” archives to come up with this golden nugget-an interview with the most enthusiastic commercial heat treater we have ever met-“Mr. Steve Kowalski” of “Kowalski Heat Treating” in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. In this exciting episode our very handsome and articulate host, “Carlos Torres” discusses with Steve how commercial heat treatment processes are evolving, the challenges the industry faces, and what innovations are shaping its future. All this and a great deal more in this episode of “The Heat Treat Podcast”. 

Close up plastic injection mold for mass production (manufacturing process for industrial work)

“The Monty Heat Treat News” has long maintained that the #1 reason manufacturers bring heat treatment in house (as opposed to sending it out to a commercial heat treater) has very little to do with costs and a lot to do with lead times and control over the process. This is yet one more example.
 
“BTOMEC Ferramentaria, one of Latin America’s leading injection mold producers, has invested in a single-chamber Vector vacuum furnace with high-pressure gas quenching (15 bar abs.). This is the first order from the Brazilian manufacturer placed with SECO/WARWICK, a leader in vacuum heat treatment technology, marking an important step towards full independence and integration of in-house processes.
 
Established in 1985 in Joinville, Brazil, BTOMEC has long supplied multi-cavity molds for the global cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food and packaging industries. The new investment in the SECO/WARWICK vacuum furnace is a response to growing production needs. Until now, BTOMEC relied on external hardening services, but limitations in availability, long lead times, rising costs and the need for independence prompted them to create their own heat treatment department.
 
“This is a trend we see more and more frequently. At a certain production scale, many industrial partners begin to consider creating their own small hardening facility. Such an investment means independence from external entities and, above all, full control over the production process and its costs. SECO/WARWICK’s experience in developing technology for both small and large hardening plants, as well as extensive cooperation with entities starting their own heat treatment processes, makes us the technological partner of choice,” said Maciej Korecki, Vice President of the Vacuum Segment at SECO/WARWICK Group.”
July 7, 2025 “The Monty” had an exclusive news item about a manufacturer on the US West Coast updating their heat treat department with 2 new electrically heated batch IQ furnaces with working dimensions of 36″ X 48″ X 36″ (our original story is below)-we can now provide an update to this story. 
 
The furnaces and ancillary equipment is now in the final stages of construction with the furnaces “bricked”, quench elevators functioning, alloy components installed and electrical cabinets nearly completed. According to “Ryan McLaughlin” of “McLaughlin Furnace Group” the furnaces are nearing completion and he expects them to ship on time in the near future.
 
These photos tell the story (the one photo shows Ryan along with Ben Tackett standing in front of one of the units). 
 
“JULY 7, 2025 POSTING; USA West Coast Manufacturer Upgrades In-House Heat Treat Department; A specialized manufacturer on the US West Coast very recently signed purchase orders for a substantial upgrade to their existing in-house heat treat department. “McLaughlin Furnace Group” of Avilla, Indiana will be providing two “Tru-Carb” electrically heated batch IQ furnaces with working dimensions of 36″ X 48″ X 36″, associated tempers, washer, charge car and “TRU-MIX™” Endothermic Generator. Ryan McLaughlin of McLaughlin Furnace Group had this to say;
 
“Our Tru Carb furnaces offer larger load capacity, improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs over older, more traditional batch IQ designs. The fact that we won this order against aggressive competition proves that we can compete and win against any other furnace builders in the world when it comes to batch IQ furnaces.” 
 
Delivery is expected late this year. This photo shows a “Tru Carb” installation at a Bodycote (the world’s largest commercial heat treater) in Syracuse, NY, USA.” 
From time to time over the years “The Monty Heat Treat News” plays the “What’s it Worth” game where we look at a used furnace and give our readers an idea about what it is worth in current market conditions.
 
Today we look at a complete furnace line located at a captive heat treater in the US Midwest. The line consists of the following;
 
The vendor in this case is trying to decide whether this line is worth marketing or straight off to the “scrappers.”
 
The plus is that this is a complete line with updated controls, in good condition and ready to go. The minus is the brand (Pacific Scientific-as far as we know the company disappeared long ago) and the size. 24″ X 36″ X 24″ is far too small a size for anybody other than a captive heat treater with small lot sizes or a commercial heat treater in a market with small lot sizes such as the western and north eastern areas of the USA and British Colombia, Canada.
 
“The Monty” has a strong idea about the value of this furnace line but we will leave it up to you, our readers-make an offer or scrap? Cast your vote with Jordan Montgomery; [email protected]. Subject line Keep it or Scrap it-yes it has value; no call, in the scrap guys. We will let you know next Monday.
Back in March of 2025 it was announced that auto parts supplier “Hirschvogel” would be installing a new, automated heat treat line provided by “Aichelin Group” of Austria (the original news item can be found below).
 
Recently the line entered full production with the ability to 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗸𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵. This photo shows the completed line;
 

 
“MARCH 2025 POST; German Auto Part Supplier to Receive New Furnace System; “Hirschvogel Group” of Germany is known as one of the  world’s largest manufacturers of forged and machined steel and aluminum components, primarily for the automotive industry-as such they have a great deal of in house heat treating capacity.
 
The company recently accepted a double-flow chamber furnace (heating capacity: 365 kW), a preheating furnace, an endogas generator (endomat) & comprehensive peripheral equipment. All of the equipment is being provided by “Aichelin Group” of Austria and was built in their “Bosio” facility in Slovenia.
 
“The new, electrically heated system has Kanthal heating elements which stands for efficiency, durability and future-proofing. The furnace handles up to 2,200 kg (roughly 5,000 pounds) per batch.”
 
The attached photos show the “Hirschvogel” team accepting the completed furnace line.
 
Earlier this year Mr. Gord Montgomery of “The Monty Heat Treat News” visited the “Bosio” facility in Slovenia and the result was this summary “Furnace Builder Shows Off Newest Facility” . Interestingly enough if you look closely at the photos in our original article you can see this furnace during final assembly along with members of the “AIchelin” team including the CEO of the company Mr. Christian Grosspointer. 
 
 For more information about “Hirschvogel Group” and their heat treating capabilities we would suggest this story from “The Monty”. “Hirschvogel Automotive Group-In House Heat Treating”

“Cherry Valley, ILLINOIS (February 12, 2026) – Ipsen USA has received a new equipment order from Urschel Laboratories, Inc., a global manufacturer of precision food cutting equipment headquartered in Chesterton, Indiana. The order includes a MetalMaster HR 54×48 2-bar vacuum furnace, which will replace an Ipsen furnace that has been in continuous production since 1986.

The new furnace will be used to heat treat 400-series stainless steel knife systems that are critical to Urschel’s food processing machinery. The replacement of a 40-year-old Ipsen furnace highlights both the longevity of Ipsen equipment and the long-standing trust between the two companies.

This purchase marks Urschel’s sixth Ipsen vacuum furnace. In addition to the new MetalMaster, Urschel currently operates two TITAN? LT6 2-bar vacuum furnaces and another MetalMaster HR 54×48 2-bar furnace purchased in 2014. Ipsen furnaces play a central role in Urschel’s heat-treating operations, supporting annealing, hardening, tempering, and brazing processes required for high-performance, food-grade cutting components.

Ipsen and Urschel share a relationship spanning 40 years, built on consistent performance, reliability, and technical support. Urschel’s continued investment in Ipsen technology reflects a long-term strategy focused on operational efficiency, product quality, and equipment longevity.

“This order reflects the durability of Ipsen furnaces and the long-term confidence customers place in our technology,” said Ipsen Sales Director Matt Clinite.

Every Urschel cutting machine manufactured worldwide is produced at the company’s Chesterton facility, where Ipsen vacuum furnaces have supported production demands for decades. As Urschel continues to serve customers in more than 130 countries, Ipsen remains a trusted partner in delivering the heat-treating precision required for their products.

Learn more about Urschel Laboratories: https://ipsenglobal.com/knowledge-center/customer-profile-urschel-laboratories/

View press release online: https://ipsenglobal.com/knowledge-center/ipsen-usa-announces-new-vacuum-furnace-order-from-urschel-laboratories/“

“St. Marys, PA — Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems (Gasbarre) has been selected by a long-standing customer to supply a new 24-inch belt, 4-zone brazing furnace supporting automotive component production. The system will be installed at an established Midwest manufacturing facility as the customer expands capacity to meet increased production requirements.
 
The order represents the customer’s third Gasbarre brazing furnace, building on the success of two existing installations currently supporting day-to-day operations. The new furnace will be used for stainless steel brazing of automotive parts, including braking and fluid line components, where consistent thermal processing and atmosphere control are essential to quality and reliability.
 
Designed for controlled-atmosphere processing, the system will operate in a nitrogen/hydrogen atmosphere and is engineered to support repeatable brazing results, stable production flow, and operator-friendly use.
 
The customer selected Gasbarre based on the proven design and performance of its existing furnaces. Prior installations have delivered dependable uptime with minimal issues, while maintaining a clean, accessible layout that operators find easy to use — a key factor when adding capacity in a high-output environment.
 
“When a customer returns for additional capacity, it’s the strongest validation of reliability and long-term value,” said Ben Gasbarre. “This order reflects the trust we work to earn through durable equipment, repeatable processing, and responsive support.”
 
Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems designs and manufactures engineered thermal processing equipment for demanding industrial applications.
 
To learn more, contact [email protected] or visit www.gasbarre.com.”
 
For More Related news about “Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems”, “The Monty” would suggest these stories;
 
“Powdered Metal Firm Adds Sintering Capacity-“Volunteer Sintered Products”
“USA & European Furnace Builders Enter Licensing Agreement”
“Ben Gasbarre, President, Gasbarre Industrial Furnace Division”
Typical Gasbarre Belt Brazing Furnace
 
(Editors note; for more information about “Nutec Bickley” we would suggest these stories from “The Monty” “Nutec Bickley Installs Roller Hearth Furnace”, “North American Furnace Builder Lands Large Order” & “Nutec Group Announces Change of CEO”)
 
“NUTEC Group Chairman Genaro Cueva and CEO Daniel Llaguno announced that with immediate effect Rodrigo González has been appointed President of NUTEC Bickley, the internationally renowned manufacturer of furnaces, kilns, ovens and leading-edge combustion and control systems. Rodrigo has been with NUTEC Bickley for 24 years and has served in a number of senior positions, most recently as Vice President, Engineering & Project Operations.
 
He said: “I’m honored to be appointed President of the company. I want to thank Genaro Cueva and Daniel Llaguno for their trust and for the opportunity to take on this responsibility. After more than two decades with the organization, working across engineering, operations, projects, and commercial roles, I know this business deeply and believe strongly in our people and our capabilities.
 
“My focus will be on serving our customers, executing with excellence, and continuing to build a strong, committed team that delivers sustainable results. I’m grateful to work alongside such a talented group of people and I look forward to the next chapter together.”
 
Daniel Llaguno commented: “Given his capabilities, commitment, and adherence to NUTEC’s values, I am certain that Rodrigo will successfully lead NUTEC Bickley into the future. He is completely aligned with our ethos, which sees our continued strong commitment to our mission and our business philosophy. My sincere congratulations go to Rodrigo – I am confident that he has everyone’s full support in achieving the objectives we have set.”