We at “The Monty Heat Treat” have always maintained that our favorite heat treat exhibition outside of the USA is the annual “HK” show held October of every year in Cologne, Germany (before Cologne it was held in Wiesbaden, Germany). 

For a variety of reasons, the show this year which took place from September 30th to October 2nd, moved back to Wiesbaden and took the form of a series of lectures with a few “tabletop” exhibitors. In spite of the much smaller format attendees deemed the show a success with slightly over 300 registered participants. The reduced attendance and the less formal exhibit hall meant smaller and less international but allowed for a more casual atmosphere.

We have these two photos of the show, both courtesy of Mr. Harald Roth of German furnace builder “KGO”. In the first photo we have from left to right: Harald Roth (KGO), Nedelijko Vucemilovic (KGO) and David Xu (FH casting). 

In the second picture we have a number of members of the KGO Team including; “Harald Roth, Georg Cluse, Nedeljko Vucemilovic, Stella Vucemilovic and Max Merschen”. George is a KGO representative based near Kleve, Germany, Stella Vucemilovic is the daughter of the company owner Nedeljko Vucemilovic and Max Merschen is a design engineer for the company.

Our understanding is that the show will return to Cologne in 2026 and will be much larger than this year’s show. 

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For many years USA based furnace controls team “SSi” of Cincinnati, Ohio has relied on a number of European agents (and an SSi division in the UK)  to handle their European sales, one of these agents was [http://Avion Europa GmbH & Co. KG]”Avion Europa”[http://Avion Europa GmbH & Co. KG]  of Germany. Unfortunately earlier this year “Avion” entered bankruptcy “European Heat Treat Industry Supplier Enters Bankruptcy” leaving a “hole” in the firm’s European sales network. 
 
As it turns out the “hole” was quickly plugged. SSi’s European sales network going forward will consist of “Damian Szarapanowski” (formerly of Avion)  based in Poland who is Managing Director, “Matt Cross” of SSi in the UK and “AVT GmbH” of Germany “USA Based Furnace Controls Company Enters Into Agreement With German Partner”.
 
The areas of Scandinavia and Spain will be handled by local independent representatives. 
 
In this photo taken last week, we see “Mr. Damian Szarapanowski” on the left and “Mr. Matt Cross” on the right. 
 
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Collins Aerospace is an American technology company and global leader specializing in advanced aerospace systems and avionics, serving commercial, business, military, space, and airport sectors.

They design and manufacture avionics, flight control systems, and communication solutions for commercial and military aircraft. Collins Aerospace also develops innovative interiors that enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency, along with software that streamlines data management for airlines, airports, and maintenance teams.

VESCO, part of the Busch Group, provides its expertise in installation and service for vacuum systems used in the heat treating and brazing of superalloys, processes trusted by leading aerospace manufacturers such as Collins Aerospace, which utilize Busch Vacuum Solutions technology.

Superalloys are preferred in aerospace for their exceptional resistance to high temperatures and corrosion. By using a dry vacuum system with reliable pumping speeds, Collins Aerospace has reduced maintenance costs and improved production efficiency by 80%.

Heat Treatment at Collins Aerospace

The alloy is heated in a vacuum furnace, a sealed chamber where most air and reactive elements are removed to prevent oxidation and contamination.

A vacuum system connected to the chamber extracts oxygen and nitrogen, creating a clean environment for precise material processing.

Common vacuum furnace processes include vacuum brazing, annealing, precipitation hardening, tempering, normalizing, and stress relieving, each tailored to the specific needs of the material being processed.

Vacuum Brazing Process

Collins Aerospace uses a very precise process that involves several key steps:

1. Clean: Remove dirt or impurities from all parts before brazing.

2. Assemble the Braze: Attach the filler metal (foil, paste, powder, or thread) to the parts.

3. Position: Place the parts on the furnace frame.

4. Heat: Use a vacuum furnace to heat the parts until the filler metal melts.

5. Allow Filler to Flow: Capillary action pulls the liquid filler into the joints between each piece.

6. Cool: Allow the filler to solidify and form a bond between the parts.

7. Inspect: Visually inspect parts for any issues.

8. Test: Perform any final tests on all parts.

Overcoming Challenges

Collins Aerospace previously used an oil-sealed rotary piston pump (OSRP) in its vacuum brazing process but faced several limitations. The pump’s large oil reservoir managed soot by-products, which created an oil waste stream that required time-consuming disposal about 3 times a year.

In addition to being labor-intensive and adding operational costs, the OSRP struggled to deliver consistent pump-down times and stable vacuum levels, both critical for high-precision brazing. Its noisy operation also contributed to an unpleasant work environment.

To improve reliability, efficiency, and overall working conditions, Collins Aerospace sought a cleaner, more advanced vacuum solution.

The Right Team, the Right Solution

To improve their vacuum brazing process, Collins Aerospace turned to VESCO, part of the Busch Group, for expert guidance and support. The VESCO team assessed the existing system and, in collaboration with a Busch Group representative, recommended replacing it with the Busch COBRA dry screw COMBI vacuum system, a cleaner, more efficient solution tailored to their needs.

COMBI vacuum pump units are the perfect vacuum generators to meet the precise requirements of Collins Aerospace’s manufacturing process. These compact systems combine a dry screw vacuum pump and a rotary lobe vacuum booster into a single unit. The working pressure and pumping speed can be finely tuned to match virtually any process condition or pumped medium thanks to the customization from the numerous configuration options.

COBRA vacuum pumps maintain high pumping speeds across the entire vacuum range while operating with exceptional efficiency. Their oil-free, contact-free design minimizes wear and significantly reduces maintenance requirements, making this the ideal solution for Collins Aerospace.

COMBRA-COMBI

Since installing the Busch COBRA COMBI unit, the Collins Aerospace team has experienced several significant advantages:

Faster pump down: The new unit allowed their furnace to pump down 80% faster, resulting in quicker production cycles.

Increased production: With the improved pump-down cycle, the customer achieved higher production throughput.

Reduced noise: The noise level significantly decreased, making an easier work environment.

Consistent performance: Reliable pump-down times and stable vacuum levels enhanced process consistency.

Reduced maintenance: The oil-free and contact-free design requires far less upkeep than the previous system.

Cost savings: Eliminating oil disposal and related maintenance tasks cut operating costs.

Keeping it simple: Maintenance has been simplified by eliminating filter replacements and valve deck adjustments.

Streamlined operations: No more 55-gallon oil drum storage or handling.

VESCO Vacuum Expertise

These improvements were made possible by the expert team at VESCO, who managed the installation and integration of the Busch COMBI system. VESCO continues to support Collins Aerospace through preventative maintenance programs that help ensure long-term efficiency, reliability, and vacuum system performance.

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For several years now “Byron Products” of Fairfield, Ohio, USA has been making our list of the “52 Largest North American Commercial Heat Treaters”, however until recently “The Monty“ had never had the opportunity to visit this facility-we rectified this oversight this past week with a visit by Gord & Jordan Montgomery.
 
What we found was a true success story-a company which was founded by Mark Byron in 1982 literally in his garage and which has grown since then to roughly 70 employees in a clean, modern 43,000 square foot building which is complimented by a second 12,000 square foot operation just around the corner. 
 
This NADCAP approved firm (which is also a FAA repair facility) offers a variety of services including;
 
Our host for this visit was “Mr. Charlie Rosenbalm“, General Manager-Charlie proved to be a very knowledgeable fellow who quite obviously takes a great deal of pride in the company. He showed us a facility which includes 8 very modern vacuum furnaces with quenching up to 10 bar, 3 mesh belt brazing lines, two Fluoride Ion Cleaning systems (FIC) which are in very high demand these days and a variety of other equipment ranging from a machine shop to thermal spray systems.
 
We were joined on this tour by “Mr. Will Thompson“ of controls company “SSi“ of Cincinnati, Ohio. Will has been upgrading the controls on a number of furnaces-in one of these photos you can see “Will” and “Charlie” in front of one of the recently upgraded control cabinets.
 
“Byron Products” is a company which sets a good example for our industry, clean, modern and forward looking. We thank the “Byron“ team for their hospitality. 
Will Thompson, SSi, Charlie Rosenbalm, General Manager Byron Products, Jordan Montgomery, The Monty
 
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Over the past few years commercial heat treater “HÄRTHA GROUP”  of  Alsdorf, Germany has been growing by “leaps and bounds” through acquisitions. This press release tells of the company recently making another acquisition, this one being a Dutch heat treater by the name of “Pontus”. With this acquisition the company now has 13 locations around Europe, making them a very substantial player in the European commercial heat treat market. (One of the attached photos shows “Gord Montgomery” of “The Monty” along with Sven Killmer, CEO of HÄRTHA GROUP at their Aldenhoven, Germany location a few years back). 
“With Pontus Heat Treatment B.V., the HÄRTHA GROUP is expanding its presence and expertise in the strategic core segment of heat treatment and coating solutions for aerospace, the semiconductor industry, and other technically demanding applications. 
 
With Pontus, the HÄRTHA GROUP is expanding its presence and expertise in the strategic core segment of heat treatment and coating solutions for aerospace, the semiconductor industry, and other technically demanding applications. 
 
By acquiring the Dutch company Pontus, the HÄRTHA GROUP is continuing its ambitious growth strategy and strengthening its position as a leading European provider of heat treatment and coating technology. The transaction was successfully completed on September 29, 2025. 
 
Pontus, headquartered in Enschede (NL), is a highly specialized service provider in the heat treatment and brazing of metallic components, with a particular focus on technically advanced solutions for the aerospace, defense and semiconductor industries. The company holds internationally recognized certifications such as NADCAP and EN9100, which guarantee the highest quality standards in safety-critical industries. 
 
By joining the HÄRTHA GROUP, Pontus not only strengthens its strategic capabilities but also enables the customers of the entire group to benefit from even broader access to high-precision heat treatment processes—across Europe and within demanding supply chains. 
 
“I am delighted to welcome the Pontus team to our HÄRTHA family. Pontus’ expertise in aerospace fits perfectly with our strategic focus and our commitment to always being where the highest standards of quality and safety are required. Together, we will shape the future of aerospace heat treatment—with technology, passion, and a clear focus on customer needs,” explains Sven Killmer, CEO of HÄRTHA GROUP. 
 
Geert Wubben, Managing Director of Pontus, adds: “For us, joining the HÄRTHA family is a logical step. We share the same values, quality standards, and entrepreneurial spirit. As part of a strong European group, we can accelerate our technological development and provide even better service to our customers—without losing our identity.” 
 
Both companies share a deep understanding of safety-critical applications, longstanding customer relationships, and an uncompromising commitment to quality. By pooling their strengths, an excellent competence center for heat treatment processes in the aerospace sector is created—with sustainable growth potential and innovative strength. 
 
The HÄRTHA GROUP currently operates 13 production sites in Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, employing around 500 people. With more than 5,000 customers, the company is one of Europe’s leading providers of heat treatment and coating solutions. The investment in Pontus represents another step in consistently pursuing the group’s strategic direction: sustainable growth in future-relevant key industries.”
 
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“At the Metal Treating Institute (MTI) fall meeting, Bob Hill, President of Solar Atmospheres of Western PA and Michigan, received the prestigious Heritage Award—the highest honor presented by MTI. This award recognizes an individual’s lifetime commitment and significant contributions to advancing the commercial heat treating industry. 

For additional information about Solar Atmospheres, contact Mike Johnson at 855-934-3284 x2223, email at [email protected], and visit us at solaratm.com.”

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The world’s largest commercial heat treater, “Bodycote” is planning on merging two Michigan, USA facilities according to what multiple sources have told “The Monty”.
 
The “Bodycote”, Livonia location in Michigan has always had a strong focus on vacuum carburizing of automotive transmission components and features a number of “ECM” systems. 
 
“Bodycote”, Romulus is a relatively new location with a number of “AFC-Holcroft” batch IQ furnaces with working dimensions of 36″ X 48″ X 36″ dedicated to serving the automotive industry and from the last visit by “The Monty” it appeared to have excess space. 
 
Hence the decision has been made to move the “ECM” vacuum carburizing (LPC) systems to the Romulus plant which we believe will make the Livonia location redundant. Makes sense to us.
 
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We are honored today to be talking “Vacuum Furnaces” with “Mr. Jay Jefsen”, Director of Sales for “Furnacare Inc.” (TAV), of Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA. Jay is a veteran of the North American heat treat industry and his comments today about vacuum furnaces in particular and the heat treat industry in general make for interesting reading.
 
“Gord: We at “The Monty Heat Treat News” have been looking forward to a discussion with Mr. Jay Jefsen, Director of Sales for furnace builder “Furnacare” of Spartanburg, SC, USA. Jay with your permission I would like to start off with some questions about your personal background and then move on to “Furnacare” and “TAV”. So starting off could you please provide us with some background-specifically how you ended up in the heat treat industry and your previous experience?
 
Jay: First off, I want to thank you for this opportunity, Gord. I kind of feel like “I’ve made it” now☺. You have been a major voice in the heat-treating world, and I am honored to talk with you.
 
I got started in the heat treat industry because of my dad (Steve Jefsen). He was the Plant Manager at Woodworth Heat Treating through the 1980s until 1992, and I used to tag along with him on Saturdays. Being in the plant at a young age gave me an early appreciation for the work. When we later moved to Murfreesboro, TN, he joined Bill Stevens at Mid-South Metallurgical, and that’s when I really became involved myself. I spent my summers and after-school hours working there, and once I graduated high school, I went full-time into a tool steel straightening apprenticeship.
 
My dad is still the smartest heat treater I know. Every day he found a way to teach me something practical about heat treatment—no matter how busy things were, he always made time to share his knowledge. That experience and mentorship set the foundation for my career and really sparked my passion for the industry.”
 
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW CLICK HERE
 
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Good news for the entire heat treatment industry-the October/2025 Edition of “The Monty Heat Treat News” is now available! In this 93 page edition we cover the absolute latest (and in many cases exclusive) news stories and trends in the heat treatment industry including these stories;
 
 
In addition to our news stories, we also have these recent surplus heat treatment equipment additions;
 
 
As always, the entire team at “The Monty Heat Treat News” looks forward to your thoughts and comments-feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] Sincerely Gord, Jordan and Dale Montgomery. 
 
CLICK HERE FOR “THE MONTY OCTOBER 2025 EDITION
 

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August 14th of this year it was announced that “AICHELIN Group” of Mödling / Austria would be acquiring the NTS & UPC business units from NITREX Inc., a portfolio company of Novacap “Blockbuster Acquisition in the Global Heat Treat Furnace Industry”. This press release tells us that this acquisition has now been finalized.

The question on heat treat industry insiders lips these days is now; “how will Aichelin reconcile two competing sales networks, that of the Aichelin Group and that of the former Nitrex NTS & UPC divisions”? Rest assured that when decisions are made “The Monty Heat Treat News” will be the first to let you know. 

“Mödling / Austria – The AICHELIN Group, one of the world’s leading providers of heat treatment solutions, has finalized the acquisition of the NTS & UPC business units from NITREX Inc., a portfolio company of Novacap, a leading North American private equity investor. The HTS division of NITREX is not part of the transaction. 

With around 250 new employees in the USA, Poland, Germany, France, and China, the AICHELIN Group is expanding to more than 1,350 employees in total, generating combined revenues of approximately 230 million euros. This represents the largest acquisition in the company’s history and marks another milestone in the implementation of its Strategy 2030. 

The acquisition expands AICHELIN Group’s technology portfolio with leading expertise in nitriding furnaces and strengthens its presence in key industrial regions. The integration of the NITREX sites will take place step by step, in close coordination with the respective local leadership teams. 

“This acquisition is an important step in the execution of our strategy. We want to grow meaningfully, with a strong foundation, local proximity, and technological excellence. Together with NITREX, we are combining know-how and regional strengths for the benefit of our customers, employees, and all stakeholders,” says Christian Grosspointner, CEO of the AICHELIN Group.

 Consistent Implementation of Strategy 2030;  With its Strategy 2030, the AICHELIN Group has set a clear roadmap for sustainable growth and technological advancement. The focus is on diversification into new industries and applications, driven both by in-house development initiatives and targeted acquisitions. Under the motto “think global, act local”, the emphasis lies on tailoring products, services, and structures to regional market requirements in order to strengthen customer proximity and responsiveness. 

With the integration of NITREX, the Group is consistently executing this strategy: the portfolio is being expanded with leading nitriding technologies, while at the same time strengthening its presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia with additional sites. 

About the AICHELIN Group The AICHELIN Group, headquartered in Mödling near Vienna and part of the Berndorf AG, is one of the world’s leading providers of heat treatment solutions. Its portfolio includes industrial furnaces, industrial heating systems, nitriding systems, control and automation systems, Industry 4.0 solutions, as well as service offerings. The company’s roots date back to 1868. In addition to the traditional AICHELIN brand, the Group includes AFC-Holcroft, SAFED, BOSIO, NOXMAT, and NITREX, making it one of the world’s top three heat treatment companies with around 1,350 employees. The AICHELIN Group operates subsidiaries in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, France, Poland, Turkey, China, India, and the USA. Its global presence is further strengthened by an international sales network. www.aichelin.com“

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