September 18th of this year a reader posed the question to us; “Does Sauder Furnaces Still Exist“? A reader pointed out that at least in Brazil the company still exists under the original name-read on;
“‘I read your article on furnace manufacturer SAUDER and would like to point out that the company is still active in Brazil: http://www.sauder.com.br/”
August of this year “The Monty Heat Treat News” posted an obituary about a very well loved individual in the North American heat treat industry, “Mr. Darius Szczekocki, owner of “Hestia Heat Treat” in Racine, Wisconsin, USA. A “Celebration of Life” will be held for Darius, October 4th of this year, the details can be found below.
‘We should point out that this press release has nothing to do with “Avion Europa” a company which we have mentioned numerous times over the years. While the two firms were related in the past that is no longer the case.”
Delamin Nitriding Salts (DNS), a subsidiary of Parker Netsushori Kogyo of Japan, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Avion Manufacturing, a leading producer of high-quality stop-off paints, headquartered in Medina, Ohio. This strategic acquisition enhances DNS’s capabilities in providing high quality surface treatment solutions and reinforces its commitment to innovation in the heat treatment industry.
Phil Whaley, President of Delamin Nitriding Salts, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Avion Manufacturing into the DNS family. Their expertise in developing and producing high-quality stop-off paint complements our offerings and aligns perfectly with our vision by improving our position as a producer and distributor in this market.”
Mark Ratliff, President of Avion Manufacturing, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, saying, “We are excited to join forces with DNS. This partnership opens up new opportunities for growth and allows us to leverage DNS’s resources and network to deliver even better products and services to our customers. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in our industry.”
With this acquisition, Delamin Nitriding Salts aims to enhance its market position and broaden its product portfolio, delivering exceptional value to its customers while focusing on technological advancements in the industry.
About Delamin Nitriding Salts. Delamin Nitriding Salts is a subsidiary of Parker Netsushori Kogyo, Japan, a producer of high-quality nitriding salts used in various industries. With a commitment to quality and innovation, DNS continues to lead the way in surface treatment technologies.
About Avion Manufacturing. Avion Manufacturing is a premier producer of high-quality stop-off paints, dedicated to providing solutions that enhance manufacturing processes across a range of industries. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted name in the field.
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“Solar Atmospheres of California is thrilled to welcome Eric Cavenee to our Western Region Outside Sales team! In this role, Eric will support customers across the western United States with world-class thermal processing solutions for aerospace, defense, medical, additive manufacturing, nuclear, and power generation metal components—specializing in advanced vacuum furnace technology.
Eric brings over 15 years of experience in metals distribution, with a strong focus on aerospace and high-performance alloys.
Eric shared, “Joining Solar Atmospheres feels like the perfect next step. I’m excited to bring my industry experience into this new role and continue supporting customers with integrity, innovation, and excellence.”
Please join us in welcoming Eric to the Solar Atmospheres family!
For more information about vacuum heat treating services at Solar Atmospheres, visit solaratm.com, or contact Frank Trujillo at 866-559-5994 ext. 1333, or [email protected].”
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The MTI Educational Foundation is pleased to announce that 17 outstanding students have been awarded scholarships totaling $80,000 to support their pursuit of education and careers in materials science, metallurgy, engineering, and related industrial and technical fields.
This year’s recipients were selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, career focus, and contributions to their communities. The awards, which range in amount, are intended to assist full- or part-time students in nationally accredited colleges, technical schools, or certificate programs focused on mechanical, electrical, or industrial sciences.
“These scholarships represent more than financial assistance,” said Doug Glenn, Chair of the MTI Educational Foundation. “They are an investment in the future of the heat-treating and materials industry, helping to build a pipeline of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and quality for years to come.”
About the Scholarship Program
The MTI Educational Foundation opens its annual scholarship application process, typically from January 1 through April 30.
Applicants are required to submit college or high school transcripts, proof of acceptance (if applicable), two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Awards are paid directly to the educational institution or, where applicable, to the holders of student loans.
Awards are renewable for one additional year (i.e. a maximum of two years) provided the recipient submits a timely renewal application and meets progress requirements.
Looking Ahead
Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $500,000 in scholarship support, continually increasing its investment in student success and workforce development in the heat-treating and materials fields.
For a full list of student awardees, scholarship criteria, or information on how to apply or contribute to the Foundation, visit www.MTIEducationalFoundation.com
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For several years now “The Monty Heat Treat News” has been featuring “The Heat Treat Podcast” in conjunction with our witty, knowledgeable and enthusiastic host Mr. Carlos Torres.
One of our most popular podcasts featured “Mr. Jim Wilbur” of “Wm Wright & Associates” one of North America’s leading experts on furnace fixturing speaking on this subject earlier this year.
We are pleased to present this to you again.
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We always appreciate reader’s questions about the heat treatment industry and are happy to provide answers if we can.
In this case a reader posed this question; “I am looking at a used car bottom furnace which appears to be in quite good condition and reasonably priced. However the nameplate identifies the builder as “Sauder” a name which I am not familiar with which makes me nervous about spare parts and service. Does the company still exist? Are spare parts available?”
“The Monty Heat Treat News” responds; “It is our belief that this North American furnace builder was reasonably prolific back in the 1980’s and 1990’s but that due to declining sales ownership sold the name, intellectual property and spare parts business to furnace builder Ipsen. While we have not seen a new Sauder furnace in years they do continue to pop up on the used equipment market. Have a question about the heat treatment industry? Ask “The Monty” [email protected]
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“A premium manufacturer in the aviation industry has invested in an advanced vacuum furnace for brazing fuel system components for aircraft engines. SECO/WARWICK will deliver yet another vacuum furnace system for a manufacturer of components for aircraft engines. This is the result of years of collaboration with this Partner.
A single-chamber vacuum furnace with a molybdenum heating chamber and gas cooling up to 1.5 bar abs. has been created with advanced processes in mind for brazing components of fuel systems for aircraft engines. This is another SECO/WARWICK solution that will operate at this site and further evidence of trust from a client operating in one of the most demanding industrial sectors in the world.
“This Partner is one of the most specialized production centers in Europe when it comes to precision elements of fuel installations for aircraft engines. The fact that they once again choose SECO/WARWICK technology is the highest form of appreciation,”says Maciej Korecki, Vice President of the Vacuum Segment at SECO/WARWICK. “Our solution is the result of technical dialogue, adaptation to the client’s requirements and optimization for process cleanliness, high vacuum, and the size of the parts to be manufactured.”
The aerospace industry is one of the most dynamically developing industrial segments, where precision, reliability, and compliance with international (quality and safety) standards plays a key role.”
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Bodycote, the world’s largest commercial heat treater has long been very vocal about it’s ambitious sustainability agenda both under it’s previous CEO, Mr. Stephen Harris and it’s current CEO, Mr. Jim Fairbairn (an interview with Mr. Fairbairn can be found at: “The Monty” Interviews “Jim Fairbairn” CEO of “Bodycote”).
According to this press release the firm has now achieved this ambitious goal at two of it’s locations in the UK, Derby and Rotherham.
“The Monty Heat Treat News” has profiled the “Derby” location twice over the years, most recently in 2021-the full story and photos can be found further down this page and also by following this link: “Bodycote/Rolls Royce-Derby, UK“.
What makes this exclusive story so interesting is the fact that for over 25 years Bodycote has very successfully handled a substantial portion of Rolls Royce’s heat treat requirements from within a Rolls facility-a perfect example of a commercial heat treater taking responsibility for a manufacturers heat treat needs.
“15 September 2025: Bodycote has today announced a significant milestone in its ambitious sustainability agenda; bucking the recent ‘green-hushing’ trend and highlighting both the feasibility of 2030 decarbonisation targets and customer demand for greener practices.
Bodycote, the world’s leading provider of precision heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services, has announced that two of its UK facilities – which specialise in heat treating turbine blades for Rolls-Royce jet engines – are now operating with zero carbon emissions.
In what is believed to be a sector first, the Derby and Rotherham plants are now fully electric with 100% of the electricity covered by renewable energy sources. No fossil fuels are consumed in the plants, and the zero operational emission milestone has been achieved without the use of carbon offsetting.
Bodycote, a FTSE 250 business, operates in a global heat treatment industry worth an estimated $25-30bn. Though energy intensive, the industry’s work is critical to the safety, durability and performance of products that define modern life.
Without Bodycote’s services, an aircraft engine would not survive a single flight, car gearboxes would struggle to survive a week of use, and surgical tools or joint replacements would fail to meet essential safety standards.
Jim Fairbairn, CEO of Bodycote said, “Our customers, many with ambitious 2030 targets, are looking for suppliers who can support their decarbonisation efforts. Recently, a customer with a 90% carbon reduction goal came to us because of the impact offered by our lower-carbon thermal processing. These are real demands, and the clock is ticking.
“For Bodycote, leading in this space is not only the right thing for the planet, but also the right thing for our global business. As well as the progress made in Derby and Rotherham, we are running pilot decarbonisation projects across Europe and North America.”
Supporting the UK Government’s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy, Bodycote’s transition to zero emissions is achieved through investment in industrial heat electrification, energy-efficiency and renewable energy sourcing. A new closed circuit adiabatic cooling system was recently introduced at the Derby plant which is located alongside the Rolls Royce site. Replacing evaporative cooling towers, this innovative installation provides electricity consumption savings (as well as peak electrical load and associated carbon emissions) of 73% as well as a reduction in water use of over 85%, whilst also avoiding the need for chemical dosing and cleaning.
Larissa Lee-Favier, SVP Sustainability, Rolls-Royce, said, “We congratulate Bodycote on achieving heat treatment operations with zero emissions. We encourage all our partners and suppliers to take action to make the operations and activities they can influence sustainable. Bodycote’s achievement sets a strong and commendable example for the industry.”
As the first and only major heat treatment company with a near-term carbon reduction target verified by the Science Based Targets initiative, the business is committed to measurable progress. Its Derby and Rotherham plants now serve as blueprint sites for a global decarbonisation programme, with the next zero-emission site set to be announced in the coming months.
The transformation contributes to regional low-carbon manufacturing networks and the national goal of reducing carbon emissions. The Climate Change Committee, which reports to Parliament on the UK’s progress to adapt to climate change every two years, has recently identified the electrification of industrial heat as a top priority for the UK to meet its future carbon targets.
Baggy Shanker, Member of Parliament for Derby South and former Rolls-Royce engineer, visited the Derby site with Mr Fairbairn, meeting the team responsible for the transformation and day-to-day operations.
He added, “It’s fantastic to see such a milestone achieved here in Derby. I often hear that achieving zero emissions is too difficult or costly, so it’s refreshing to see the drive behind Bodycote’s commitment to reaching this goal at the Derby and Rotherham facilities. It’s a shining example of how industry can lead the way in building a sustainable future, setting a precedent for the sector and beyond. Congratulations to everyone at Bodycote for their vision and hard work.”
Across more than 100 sites globally, the Bodycote group is deploying a programme of energy efficiency, electrification and on-site renewable energy projects to minimise energy use and carbon emissions. Innovations include on-site nitrogen gas generators and application of novel hydrogen electrolysers. The group has also started to source green methanol for use in its processing and is exploring ways to tackle emissions relating to the supply of process gases used in furnaces, which are traditionally road transported.
Brought together, these measures will enable the offering of low or zero emission heat treatment solutions to more customers in the future. With sustainability high on the executive agenda, the group has already made significant inroads. These include a 27% reduction in energy intensity and 29% reduction in associated carbon emissions (compared to 2019 levels), targeting a 46% reduction in operational emissions by 2030.
The transition to zero operational emissions has been achieved without increasing customer costs, extending lead times or reducing capacity. The most significant outcome is the measurable reduction in carbon emissions associated with outsourced processes for Bodycote customers. Outputs run for specific customer scenarios have shown the potential to reduce emissions by up to 60% for a comparable treatment approach.[1]
Jim Fairbairn continues: “This achievement puts Derby and Rotherham on the map as centres of excellence for decarbonisation. When an energy-intensive industry like heat treatment can show real climate action, it demonstrates that a green future is within reach.”
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The obituary for Wally Bamford paints the picture of an individual who led a remarkable life full of many accomplishments. For the team at “The Monty” we will always think of Wally as the man who brought mesh belt furnace lines to North America, a feat which significantly changed the entire industry.
“CAN-ENG Co-Founder Waldron L. Bamford, P.Eng. passed way Wednesday evening, September 10.
Wally was fighting his 10th round of Cancer and at 93 years old it was a fight he was not going to win.
Wally had an incredible life story, enlisting in the RCN – Royal Canadian Navy who sponsored his Engineering Degree at the University of Detroit.
WELMET was the largest Stainless Steel Foundry in Canada with over 500 people making Stainless and Heat Resistant Castings.
WELMET built Industrial Furnaces under license from SUNBEAM EQUIPMENT COMPANY (Meadville, PA) – later SECO-WARWICK.
In 1964 he formed CAN-ENG along with his partner Arthur Neufeld, P.Eng. Art was the President and Wally was Vice President, and they convinced the Furnace Assemblers at WELMET to join their new Company. Within 1 year (1965) they landed a Five (5) line Leaf Spring Contract in Chatham / Wallaceburg that would anchor the fledgling business.
In 1965 CAN-ENG founded the largest furnace builder in Mexico (SELMEC), and incredible accomplishment at the time.
In 1968 they acquired a Commercial Heat Treater in Kitchener, Ontario renaming it CAN-ENG METAL TREATING. The plant still operates today as part of BODYCOTE Group.
Expansion to Europe (CAN-ENG UK) and successful partnerships with Japanese Industrial Furnace Companies cemented his legacy as one of the most influential individuals in the North American Heat Treat Industry.
Not all businesses were successful (Polythane, Pollution Controls, Cronite Foundry – Paris, ON, Other) but it did not dampen their appetite for growth.
Art passed away in 1988, Wally went on to purchase HARPER (High Temp. Electrically Heated Kilns) in Buffalo NY, a company he remained close to until 2019.
HARPER today is an ESOP – Employee Owned Company and Wally was very proud to sell the business to the Employees.
Mr. Bamford was the first Canadian President of the MTI – Metal Treating Institute and in 2023 made a donation of $1M CAD to the MTI Scholarship Fund to train the next generation of Heat Treat professionals.
The MTI was a very important part of Wally’s life and he included his participation in MTI as one of his greatest life achievements.
Wally officially retired June 30, 2025 after winding down the last of his Holding Companies.
On September 10, a Wally Bamford Roast Dinner was held at his retirement residence in Ottawa, ON.
There were (60) Invited Guests with Theresa Eagles (Executive Assistant) and Michael K. Klauck – CAN-ENG President attending.
The evening was full of speeches, drinks, dinner, live music and socializing with many individuals important to the Heat Treatment Industry.
As a gift, all attendees received a pair of Wally’s famous “funky socks”
Wally approached every day with excitement and optimism that few could match.
Our praise and thanks for Wally – a man who had the drive and courage to help invent an industry.
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August of this year “The Monty Heat Treat News” posted an obituary about a very well loved individual in the North American heat treat industry, “Mr. Darius Szczekocki, owner of “Hestia Heat Treat” in Racine, Wisconsin, USA. A “Celebration of Life” will be held for Darius, October 4th of this year, the details can be found below.
