From the “Philadelphia Inquirer” we have this story about a massive fire at aerospace fastener supplier “SPS Technologies”in Jenkintown, PA, USA. We mention this story as the company has a very substantial in house heat treat department although at this point in time it is unknown whether the fire originated there. 
 
“A shelter-in-place was still active within a one-mile radius and area schools were closed Tuesday after a 4-alarm fire ripped through an aerospace parts supplier in Montgomery County on Monday night, officials said.
 
Shortly after 9:30 p.m., police received multiple 911 calls of an explosion at SPS Technologies industrial complex on Highland Avenue, in Jenkintown, Abington Police Chief Patrick Molloy said at a Tuesday morning news conference. When first responders arrived, they were met with multiple explosions at the complex, he said.
 
Firefighters from 68 fire companies responded to battle the blaze, Molloy said, and many were still on scene Tuesday morning trying to put the fire fully under control. As of Tuesday morning, no injuries were reported, he said.
 
Due to concerns over air quality and water contamination, a shelter-in-place was activated for residents within a one-mile radius of the scene, Molloy said. Hazmat teams are still monitoring air quality and water runoff from the scene, but have not detected any threats to the public, he said.
 
SPS Technologies manufactures fasteners and other small metal equipment for the aerospace and other industries, said Abington Fire Marshal Chris Platz. Fire officials were initially concerned that if some of the heat treating chemicals used at the facility mixed, they could form arsenic, said Abington Fire Chief Mike Jones.
 
The company was founded more than a century ago as Standard Pressed Steel Company. The Abington complex is described as 560,000 square feet and is a source for parts throughout the aerospace industry.
The site is within a few hundred feet of the nearest homes and an athletic field with several baseball diamonds.”
 
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From controls company UPC-Marathon we have word about an order the firm has just received for an endo generator-this marks the fifth order for an endothermic generator from the same customer; “The 4th repeat order of an Endothermic Gas Generator has been installed for the biggest steel coil annealing customer in China. The 5th system will be delivered in March of 2025 and with this system the customer will have endo gas capacity of 800M3H for one single steel coil annealing plant.”

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“Nutec Bickley has manufactured a heat treat drop-bottom furnace designed for heat treatment of aluminium castings. The furnace will shortly be installed and commissioned at a facility operated by a multinational power solutions corporation. The custom-designed furnace is indirect gas fired using radiant tube burners, and this project also incorporates a motorised quench tank, rails, movement system and load/unload platform with elevator device.
 
The furnace will have a load setting of 123cm wide x 91cm high x 358cm long. This will accommodate up to three baskets, equivalent to around 1635kg of aluminium parts per cycle.
 
Given the nature of the process, this furnace has a single temperature control zone, and it normally operates at 573°C, with a maximum of 580°C. There is an upper limit temperature controller to protect the product and furnace insulation from overheating.
 
Arturo Arechavaleta, NUTEC Bickley’s VP, Metal Furnaces, said: “Efficient and effective solution heat treatment is a vital part of the aluminium casting process, and we are delighted to have been chosen to provide a key component to a highly prestigious customer in the industry. This is the fifth NUTEC Bickley furnace ordered by this brand leader.”
 
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To keep you in the know about the global heat treatment industry here are a number of heat treat news items from around the globe;
 
Defense Supplier Close to Completing New Heat Treat Facility. In 2024 “The Monty Heat Treat News” announced that IMT Corp., Was Investing in a New Heat Treat Department. It is our understanding that the six (6) new batch IQ furnaces have been installed and are currently being tested with production slated for the near future. 
 
Heat Treat Giant Bodycote Appoints President – Global Automotive and Industrial. Bodycote, the world’s largest commercial heat treater has appointed Mr. Rick Llope to the position of President Global Automotive and Industrial effective January of 2025. Mr. Llope joined the company in January of 2023 as President Automotive & General Industrial North America. 
 
“Center for Heat Treating Excellence Names Advisor; Worcester, Mass. (Feb. 13, 2025)–Thomas Wingens, founder and president of Wingens Consultants and an internationally recognized expert in the thermal processing and metallurgy industry, has been named an advisor to the Center for Heat Treating Excellence (CHTE) at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), the center announced today. 
 
Wingens Consultants, established in 2011 specializes in advanced heat treatment processes, metallurgical problem-solving, and furnace technology development. Wingens’ practical experience as a metallurgist and process developer is complemented by his deep technical understanding of thermal systems, materials behavior, and equipment design, making him a singularly important and trusted advisor for complex industrial heat treatment challenges. As Industrial Advisor to CHTE, Thomas will provide CHTE with strategic guidance in business development and assist with CHTE’s project research portfolio.
 
The Center for Heat Treating Excellence is a unique industry-university consortium at WPI serving the thermal processing industry by providing the needed knowledge base and confidential problem-solving solutions. Most importantly, it educated future leaders in the thermal processing industry.”
 
Heat Treat Cleaning System Company Enters US Market With a “Bang”. Germany based HEMO GmbH is known around the world as a leader in very high-end cleaning systems (and not just for the heat treat industry, although that is how we know them). The firm announced in late 2024 that they would be setting up a new facility in Michigan which would include technical support, sales, parts and demo systems. The project is well underway with construction of the offices almost completed. By Easter of this year the firm expects the offices will include two demo systems for cleaning trials and two technicians. In the meantime, HEMO landed two new orders from US customers. This photo shows Andreas Fritz, CEO of the company at the German Heat Treat show in Cologne October of last year where he announced the new investment. 
 
Furnace Builder Appoints Manufacturing Manager. Furnace builder AFC-Holcroft of Wixom, Michigan recently appointed Mr. Rob Killius as Manufacturing Manager. This is an interesting change for Rob as previous to this he worked with manufacturers such as KAMAX and Acument Global Technologies, both of which have in-house heat-treating departments. 
 
And Speaking of AFC-Holcroft we Have This Mention About Mr. Mike Coburn;  “I’m pleased to announce that I have taken on the role of Busiess Development Manager for our sister company Atmosphere Group Inc where I will be representing our commercial austemper heat treat operations.” Previous to this Mike was a Sales Engineer with AFC-Holcroft selling new furnaces. 
 
James Hoensheid Joins Ford as Heat Treat Engineer. For most individuals once you enter the heat treatment industry you never leave, such is the case with Mr. James Hoensheid. James’s family owned one of the oldest commercial heat treats in North America, Commercial Steel Treating of Michigan, USA which is presumably where he got his start. After one brief stop at another company he recently joined Ford Motor Company as a Heat Treat Engineer. 
Perhaps celebrates is too strong a word but for good or for bad the headquarters of “The Monty” in North America is seeing near record snowfalls in 2025. This photo taken just a few hours ago shows “Gord Montgomery” of “The Monty” standing in the parking lot of our facility backed by snowbanks almost 7′ high. And the forecast for the next few days-lots more snow, anywhere up to two more feet.  
 
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Late in 2024 “The Monty Heat Treat News” announced in an industry exclusive that fastener manufacturer Simpson Strong Tie was investing in a Brand New Heat Treat Department at their Gallatin, Tennessee, United States facility. In an update to this story Mr. Pat DeRose was very recently hired as Production Manager, Heat Treat & Coating at this facility. Pat brings a lifetime of heat treat experience to this position having worked at companies such as commercial heat treaters Bodycote, Dependable Metal Treating and MP Steel. 
 
“OCTOBER 20, 2024. Fastener Manufacturer Investing in New Heat Treat Department; Simpson Strong Tie, is a global supplier of fastening systems for the building industry-this is how they describe themselves;  “Simpson Strong-Tie is the world leader in structural solutions — products and technology that help people design and build safer, stronger homes, buildings, and communities. As a pioneer in the building industry, we have an unmatched passion for problem solving through skillful engineering and thoughtful innovation. Our structural systems research and rigorous testing enable us to design code-listed, value-engineered solutions for a multitude of applications in wood, steel, and concrete structures. Our dedication to pursuing ever-better construction products and technology and to surrounding our customers with exceptional service and support has been core to our mission since 1956.” 
 
Back in late 2023 the company announced a major investment at a facility in Tennessee, USA and it appears that this includes a new, in-house heat treatment facility. “The Monty” has been led to believe that this will include two brand new batch IQ lines and 2 mesh belt furnace lines with the orders placed recently. If this is true it would mean that production in the heat treat department would commence roughly 1 year from now.” 
 
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“CAN-ENG Furnaces International, Ltd. (CAN-ENG) is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Piotr Pelian, founder of Industrial Process Technology (IndProTech), to enhance support for existing customers and expand CAN-ENG’s presence across Europe.
 
With over 30 years of experience in the heat treatment industry, Piotr Pelian has held key roles in both local and international industrial furnace companies, including design engineer, chief engineer, and technical director. His extensive expertise encompasses the design, engineering, and commissioning of both batch and continuous heat treatment systems for both atmospheric and non-atmospheric conditions. Since founding IndProTech in Świebodzin, Poland, Piotr has developed a strong customer base by providing essential support to local manufacturers. His services include pyrometry support, thermal uniformity studies, equipment servicing, rebuilds, and chamber furnace offerings. Piotr holds an Engineering Degree from the Technical University of Zielona Gora, with a solid background in mechanical engineering, metallurgy, and heat treatment equipment. This wealth of experience will strengthen CAN-ENG’s long-standing commitment to providing exceptional support and development for its customers.
 
Through this collaboration with IndProTech, CAN-ENG is well-positioned to deliver cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service to European customers. This includes pre-commissioning support, ongoing service, routine follow-up and replacement component assistance.
 
Piotr Pelian of IndProTech shared, “I am thrilled to join the CAN-ENG team. CAN-ENG has long been recognized as an industry leader in thermal processing equipment. Their technical expertise, innovation, and flexibility are impressive. With an extensive installed base of high-quality, reliable equipment in 17 countries, this partnership presents a fantastic opportunity.”
 
About IndProTech: Founded in July 2007, IndProTech quickly established itself by leveraging the experience Piotr Pelian gained through various roles in several renowned companies. IndProTech now serves a broad range of clients, offering medium-sized chamber furnaces heated by both gas and electricity. Their services include gas burner adjustments, pyrometric measurements, and technical consulting. Piotr believes that the partnership with CAN-ENG will help them further expand their reach in the European market and further satisfy our customers.”
 
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“Aalberts Surface Technologies Expands Gas Nitriding Capabilities at Livonia, MI location; We’re excited to announce that our new gas nitriding furnace is now up and running! Along with our existing capabilities in Greenville, SC, we now offer gas nitriding services at our Livonia, MI location.  This new furnace in Livonia, MI allows us to provide Nitriding, Ferritic Nitrocarburizing (FNC), Tempering, and Stress Relieving in addition to Austempering, Carbo-Austempering™, and Marquenching, to meet your precision heat treatment needs. Our latest furnace meets AMS 2750, AMS 2759/10, and AMS 2759/12 standards, ensuring top-tier quality and compliance. It features advanced pre- and post-oxidation control, an ammonia dissociator for zero white layer control, and cutting-edge technology for automatic atmosphere and electronic process gas flow control.

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“In the evening of August 15th, 2023 commercial heat treater Härterei Haferbier in Göppingen, Germany suffered a devasting fire. The fire started in a Sealed Quench (Batch Integral Quench) furnace line from where it quickly spread to the roof and to the other furnaces. Firefights arrived quickly and luckily there was a Haferbier employee in the plant who was able to shut off the natural gas and ammonia supplies. While firefighters arrived quickly the damage is very extensive and estimated at 6 million euros. The facility is still closed almost 3 weeks later but the owner Mr. Bodo Haferbier vows that they will rebuild. Our hearts go out to the entire team at Härterei Haferbier and we hope they are back up and running in the near future.”
 
The owner of the company Mr. Bodo Haferbier vowed to rebuild and rebuild he has. Furnace builder Ipsen of Kleve, Germany stepped up and provided 7 “ATLAS Green” furnaces the last of which was just delivered to “Haferbier”.  The “Atlas Green” system is a sealed quench furnace (Batch Integral Furnace for our North American readers) available in several different sizes and typically with oil quenching.  
 
The delivery of the last of these furnaces combined with the entire facility being rebuilt means the company is well on its way to being 100% back in business, a truly monumental task. These photos show the facility shortly after the fire and as it now looks. 
 
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January 20th of this year “The Monty Heat Treat News” posted the rumor below about Nitrex Heat Treat Services making a large investment in a new project. Well surprise, surprise the rumor has proven to be correct and we now have a photo of the new furnace project. We look forward to providing our readers with the “inside scoop” as more details become available. 

“January 20th, 2025. Nitrex HTS, Aurora, IL-Large Investment? The team at “The Monty Heat Treat News” is hearing a rumor that Nitrex Heat Treat Services is making a multi-million dollar investment in their Aurora, IL, USA facility. What we have been able to gleam is that this will take the form of a new, rather unique furnace system, but beyond that details are very limited. Nitrex is ranked as one of the “50 Largest Commercial Heat Treaters in North America” as ranked by “The Monty”.

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