“In 2018 Mr. Robert Gutierrez, a very well-known individual in the Texas commercial heat treatment industry started his own firm, “Worldwide Heat Treat” in Houston, Texas. Since day 1 the company has thrived by offering a number of different processes. The company has grown so much that they have just moved into a 40,000 square foot building (versus the previous one which was 9,000 square feet) and are adding more equipment. Two pit carburizing furnaces are in the process of being installed, each have working dimensions of 64″ diameter X 84″ deep and are equipped with SSi controls. Other recent or upcoming additions include a very large temper unit and a gas nitriding furnace.”
We can now announce that as of January 2025 the firm is in the process of adding a second location. The new facility, also in the Houston area is 18,000 square feet, sits on 4 acres of land and is equipped with a 10-ton crane. While the new plant will offer several different heat treat processes the focus is on “boronizing” of parts all the way up to 10 tons.
In addition to boronizing the location with have nitrogen generators and ammonia dissociated generators along with pit furnaces capable of handling parts up to 100″ in diameter X 144″ long with a weight capacity up to 10 tons (Editor’s note; last year commercial heat treater Metlab in PA closed depriving the North American market of a great deal of heat treating capacity for large gears. In our opinion this recent addition by Worldwide will help to fill a void for commercial heat treating of very large parts).
Future plans for the company include subzero treatment and a mechanical testing lab either at this location or perhaps in the form of an acquisition. “The Monty” looks forward to announcing all of these future projects as they occur.
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What on earth is happening to commercial heat treating in the great state of Ohio in the USA? Over the past year we have seen several commercial heat treaters in Ohio close starting with “MT Heat Treat” in Mentor in May of 2024, followed by at least two others with two more to come within the next 2 months. Now comes word that two commercial shops in Dayton are closing according to this news item from “The Dayton Daily News”. Overall the US economy is doing well so we can only conclude that there has been excess heat treating capacity in Ohio, leading to the “weaker” players being weeded out.
“Two Wilse Inc. manufacturing plants in Moraine — including one once known as Quality Steels — will close mid-month, affecting nearly 50 employees, workers told the Dayton Daily News and a company leader confirmed. Some 47 workers are employed at the Moraine plant on Arbor Boulevard, employees told this newspaper.
The company in Moraine offers metallurgical, heat-treating, metal-finishing and other services. Asked about his plans for the company, Irvin Vanderpohl, president of Wilse, initially declined to comment by phone Tuesday. Later, he shared with this newspaper a letter the business is sending to customers. “We regret to inform you that due to ongoing challenges in the business environment, we have made the difficult decision to close our facilities located at 2221 Arbor Blvd. and 2671 E. River Road, Moraine … effective Feb. 14, 2025.
“While this decision was not made lightly, please be assured that we are committed to fulfilling our obligations during this transition,” the letter adds. “We will continue processing all current orders and addressing open commitments to minimize any impact on your operations.” A letter to employees on Wilse Inc. letterhead shared with this newspaper states: “For the last several months, Wilse has experienced financial difficulties due to economic changes within our industry. In the past years we have taken action to adapt to this new market with our product and process. Unfortunately, this action has not increased profitability.”
Wilse, an Indiana holding company, acquired what was Miller Consolidated Industries, Inc. (MCI), a Moraine-based metal treating and steels supply company, in January 2021. MCI then was made up of operating units Quality Steels (established in 1929), Metallurgical Services (which got its start in 1946), Day Met Finishing (founded in 1980) and Met Lab (established in the late 1980s). Their services ranged from commercial heat treating, supply of tool steels, metal finishing and black oxide processing to metallurgical testing.
The Moraine business at the time of the acquisition had about 45 employees, said Robert Hochwalt, managing partner of Provest Inc., the merger-and-acquisition broker of record for Miller Consolidated.”
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From tempering furnace experts Pyromaitre we have this press release about an order the company recently from GKN Driveline Mexico for four high speed tempering furnace systems;
“Our team recently finalized the assembly of 4 P-208E oven systems for our client GKN Driveline Mexico. We developed an integrated solution including a high-speed tempering furnace, a chamber for cooling the parts after heat treatment, an automatic loading and unloading system, a smoke collection system, all configured and adapted to meet the customer’s specifications. Pyromaître solves convective heat transfer challenges with precision and efficiency through its integrated solutions. It aims to be a high-performance organization, stimulating innovation, offering efficient solutions in order to be recognized as a creative leader in the stress relief and tempering industry. That’s why the 4 values of the business are integrity, innovation, customer satisfaction and teamwork. Maxime Beaudoin, Pyromaitre.”
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Going way back to August of 2024 “The Monty Heat Treat News” had a news item about commercial heat treater “Metals Technology Corporation” in Carol Stream, IL, USA entering into “receivership”. “The Monty” continued to track this story and later in 2024 we announced that a potential buyer had been found in the form of “SWD Inc.”, a firm which offers metal finishing of fasteners, which would make for an obvious fit between the two companies. According to this press release the marriage is now consummated and “SWD Inc.” it now the proud owner of Metals Technology Corp.
One thing that jumped out at us about this press release we believe deserves a mention. Rick Delawder, President of “SWD Inc.” states in this press release that “Metals Technology Corp.”is known for them for their high-quality Austemper and Vacuum Heat-Treating Services”. Why did this attract our attention? Because Metals Technology has always had a substantial batch IQ department and this is not mentioned at all in this statement. We believe this is because the team at “The Monty” had been led to believe that “Metals Technology Corporation” has exited the oil quenching business. All in all, an interesting story in the “North American Commercial Heat Treatment Industry”.
“SWD Inc. Acquires Metals Technology Corporation; Addison, IL – February 5, 2025 – SWD Inc., a leader in the Metal Finishing and Fastener Sorting fields, is proud to announce the acquisition of the assets and retained the employees of Metals Technology Corporation, a renowned Commercial Heat Treater based in Carol Stream, Illinois. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in SWD Inc.’s growth and commitment to providing comprehensive Metal Processing Solutions. SWD Inc specializes in Black Oxide, Passivation, Phosphating as well as superior corrosion resistant Magni, Doerken and Yuken Coating Systems.
Rick Delawder, President of SWD Inc., expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We are excited to welcome Metals Technology Corporation into the SWD family. This acquisition aligns with our vision to expand our capabilities and offer our customers an integrated solution for their metal processing needs. The combined expertise and resources of both companies will enable us to deliver even greater value to the essential manufacturing community we serve.”
Metals Technology Corporation has been a trusted name in the industry for over 60 years. Known for their high-quality Austemper and Vacuum Heat-Treating Services and dedication to customer satisfaction. The acquisition will allow SWD Inc. to enhance its service offerings and strengthen its position as a market leader in the Metal Finishing and Fastener Sorting sectors.
The newly formed entity, Better4, LLC, will operate Metals Technology Corporation, ensuring continuity and maintaining the strong relationships built with customers over the years. The integration process is already underway, and both companies are committed to a seamless transition that will benefit all stakeholders.”
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Ipsen has announced the 2025 schedule for its comprehensive training course on vacuum furnace equipment. Ipsen U will take place on April 1-3, June 10-12, August 12-14, and October 7-9 in Cherry Valley, Illinois.
This immersive three-day program offers detailed training on a wide range of industry-specific topics, delivered by Ipsen’s team of experienced engineers, technical specialists, and quality control technicians. Attendees will gain valuable insights into essential metallurgy, thermal processes, troubleshooting, furnace mechanics, and more. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the principles and practices critical to the operation and maintenance of vacuum furnaces.
Held at Ipsen’s Vacuum Technology Excellence Center, attendees will have the opportunity to see furnaces in assembly, identify components, and learn industry best practices. Ipsen U is ideal for professionals in various roles, including operators, engineers, maintenance team members, plant managers, and project managers. Whether you’re new to vacuum furnace technology or looking to enhance your expertise, this program provides the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
One past attendee shared, “Throughout the 3 day training, every Ipsen employee showed incredible kindness and support. The expertise and willingness to help were invaluable. Learning about the furnace was aweinspiring, and the insights shared by each participant further enriched my knowledge. This experience has undoubtedly boosted my confidence in operating the furnaces effectively.”
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This week our witty and handsome host of “The Heat Treat Podcast”, Mr. Carlos Torres speaks with Mr. Jeff McLaughlin, founder and CEO of McLaughlin Furnace Group. Jeff is known as an opinionated and controversial figure in the heat treat industry but certainly nobody has ever questioned his knowledge of heat treatment furnaces.
Listen to what is a very interesting podcast.
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Perhaps not literally but certainly figuratively the global heat treatment industry is losing a giant. Mr. Scott MacKenzie is one of the foremost experts in the world on quenchants and his retirement, as mentioned below will leave a “gap” in the industry.
“I have decided to retire from my current position at Quaker Houghton. It has been a good experience. I have been all over the world, visiting different customers, giving papers at conferences, and meeting interesting people. I think now is the time I start slowing down and play more bridge (among other things), like astrophotography, genealogy, amateur radio and variable star photometry. I think I have enough to do 🙂 .”
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At Phoenix Heat Treating, we’re always striving to push the boundaries of what we can offer our customers. This month marks a significant step forward as we bring new furnaces online and continue to expand our process capabilities. Here’s a closer look at our latest updates and what they mean for our operations and customers.
New Freeze/Temper Unit Enhances Aluminum Thermal Cycling
The first addition to our lineup is a state-of-the-art freeze/temper unit capable of reaching temperatures as low as -270 degrees and as high as 200 degrees. This cutting-edge system plays a crucial role in our aluminum thermal cycling processes, enabling precise control over temperature profiles for optimal material performance. Notably, the new unit’s capacity is roughly double that of our previous maximum, allowing us to handle significantly larger loads and meet growing customer demand.
High-Temperature Oxidation Furnace for Space Components
As part of our commitment to supporting advanced industries, we’ve also introduced a high-temperature oxidation furnace specifically designed for space components. This furnace boasts a maximum operating temperature of 1975 degrees and operates in an air atmosphere, providing the thermal stability and precision needed for the rigorous demands of aerospace applications. With this addition, we’re further strengthening our ability to serve the evolving needs of the space industry.
Rebuilt Furnace Back Online for Nickel-Based Alloys
In addition to these new units, we’re excited to announce the return of a fully rebuilt furnace to our production lineup. This furnace is tailored for processing primary long Inconel 718 and A286 age cycles. With a maximum weight capacity of 2000 lbs., it’s perfectly suited to handle heavy and complex loads, ensuring consistent and reliable results for critical nickel-based alloy applications. In the near future, our goal is to increase the number of Inconel 718 cycles per week, further enhancing our capacity and efficiency.
Major Capacity Increase in Mar-quenching
Finally, we’re pleased to share an upcoming enhancement to our mar-quenching operations. Materials have been ordered to increase load sizes from 25 lbs. per load to an impressive 250 lbs. per load. This upgrade, expected to be complete by mid-February, represents a tenfold increase in capacity, allowing us to better serve our customers with faster turnaround times and larger batch processing capabilities.
Additional Furnace Approvals for Pratt & Whitney and Bell Helicopter
In our continued efforts to meet the specialized requirements of our customers, we are proud to announce that more of our furnaces have recently received approvals from Pratt & Whitney and Bell Helicopter. These approvals enable us to increase our capacity to process orders that require specifically approved furnaces, ensuring compliance with stringent aerospace and defense standards. This expansion enhances our ability to support critical components and maintain our reputation for delivering exceptional quality.
Looking Ahead
These improvements underscore our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service and staying at the forefront of heat-treating technology. By investing in cutting-edge equipment and expanding our capabilities, Phoenix Heat Treating continues to position itself as a leader in the industry. Stay tuned for more updates as we advance our processes and look for new ways to meet the needs of our valued customers.
Thank you for choosing Phoenix Heat Treating—the most customer centric heat treater.
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The link below will take you to the February 2025 edition of “The Monty Heat Treat News” your source for the most up to date news and trends in the global heat treatment industry. Some of the stories you will find include these;
US Defence Supplier Increases Heat Treat Capacity
Fastener Manufacturer to Bring Heat Treat In-House
Do Heat Treat Salaries Vary by Geographic Region?
Commercial Heat Treat Acquisitions 2024
“The Monty” Speaks With Mark Hemsath of “Nitrex”
Furnace Builder Ships Two Gas Nitriding Systems
In this edition you will also find a number of additions to our “Surplus Heat Treat Equipment” listings”. These include;
We promised our readers we would mention a small acquisition in the North American commercial heat treat industry which we knew would happen early in 2025, we can now share the details. February 1, 2025 “Atlantic Heat Treating” in Ajax, Ontario, Canada acquired “All-Source Heat Treating” in St. Catherines, Ontario, Canada. “All Source” was founded in 1997 by Mr. Wayne Howard and is a relatively small shop which offers vacuum hardening, carburizing, stress releiving and several other processes.
“Atlantic Heat Treating” was in the news recently when they Acquired another small heat treater in Ontario by the name of “Surface Heat Treating & Coatings”, December 2, 2024. When the dust has settled the 3 operations will be merged into 2 locations, one in Ajax, Ontario and the second in St. Catherines with Surface being closed and the equipment moved to the St. Catherines facility.
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