Earlier this year “The Monty Heat Treat News” spoke about how heat treater Commercial Steel Treating would be closing their Madison Heights, Michigan, USA facility. This indeed happened and as it turns out the vast bulk of the equipment was purchased by a used equipment dealer and all remaining items will be going to auction in the near future.
“MICHIGAN HEAT TREATER TO CLOSE, FEBRUARY 22, 2024It is the understanding of “The Monty Heat Treat News” that commercial heat treater Commercial Steel Treating in Madison, Heights, Michigan will be closing in the near future. The company has a long and distinguished history which we will try and summarize.
Commercial was founded by Ralph Hoensheid in 1927 making it what we believe is the oldest commercial heat treater in North America. At some point in time Commercial became part of Curtis Metal Finishing which has several locations including in the Chicago, IL area.
In 2023 Curtis was acquired by an Italian Company by the name of Primat Curtis with locations in Brazil, Europe and the US. What precipitated the decision to close the Madison Heights facility we can’t comment on but it is our understanding that this only effects this location.
At one point in time Commercial was a very substantial commercial heat treater with batch IQ furnaces, induction hardening and continuous furnaces, we believe only the continuous furnaces are still in operation. We will keep you posted on any updates which become available.”
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Unfortunately, our “top 3” heat treatment news items for the week starting August 12th, are dominated by obituaries. Regular readers of “The Monty” will know that our “top 3” are selected by readership both on www.themonty.com and on social media and the passing of well known individuals in the industry always attracts a lot of attention as it should.
He was the loving husband of Patti A. (Renner) Jones. The couple celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on March 8, 2024.
Born in Abington, PA, he was the son of William R. and Myrtle E. (Jacobs) Jones, of Telford, PA. He was 1974 graduate of Phil-Mont Christian Academy, Dresher, PA. He then attended Hocking Technical College, Nelsonville, OH.
Roger began his career in the heat treating division of ABAR Corporation in 1975. In 1978 joined the newly formed Vacuum Furnace Systems Corp., known as VFS, and began working with his father, the founder of VFS.
In 1983, Roger assisted in the founding of Solar Atmospheres, Inc., serving as Vice President until 1993 when he was promoted to President. As the company grew, Roger was promoted to Corporate President in 2001 and eventually Chief Executive Officer in 2017. After 45 years of service, Roger retired in 2019 with the title of CEO Emeritus. During Roger’s time as CEO of Solar Atmospheres, the company became an award winning company.
He was a member of the American Society for Materials International (ASM) and locally, the Philadelphia Liberty Bell Chapter, where he chaired nine committees and served as Chapter Chairman. He was an instructor for the chapter’s MEI courses. ASM has awarded Roger with the William Hunt Eisenman Award, the President’s Award, the Meritorious Service Award and the Adolph Schaefer Special Achievement Award.
Roger was also a member of the Metal Treating Institute, where he was a member of the Board of Trustees, President of the Institution and served on various committees. He was awarded the Heritage Award in 2018, MTI’s most prestigious award.
He was a member of Immanuel Leidy’s Church, Souderton, PA where he served on the Finance, Lay Visitors and Hospitality Committees as well as an Usher Coordinator. He has also served on the Board of Trustees for the Grand View Health Foundation, Sellersville, PA.
Roger was a dedicated Life Member of the Perkasie Fire Company where he served as President, Vice President, Trustee and Engineer, a position that he held for over 30 years. He was awarded the Burpee Emergency Services Award in 2006 and the William E. Baringer Distinguished Service award in 2017. He was also a Life Member of the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association.
In his free time, he enjoyed golfing and spending time at the mountain home in New Milford, PA.
In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his children, Jamie A. Jones and his wife Lindsay, of Sellersville, PA, Jennifer A. Jones and her companion Raheem Johnson, of Quakertown, PA and Trevor M. Jones and his wife Brittney, of Doylestown, PA; six grandchildren, Mikayla Jones, Saonna Johnson, Tyshine Johnson, Raheem Johnson, Cole Jones and Presley Jones, a sister, Holly Craven and her husband Bruce, of Carlisle, PA and his two dogs, Teddy and Cooper.
His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Immanuel Leidy’s Church, 273 W. Cherry Lane, Souderton, PA, where family and friends may call from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Immanuel Leidy’s Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Leidy’s Church, 273 W. Cherry Lane, Souderton, PA 18964 or the Perkasie Fire Company, P.O. Box 203, Perkasie, PA 18944. Arrangements are by the Suess-Gahman Funeral Home & Crematory, Perkasie, PA.” https://themonty.com/roger-a-jones/
While it would be difficult to say this is a good news story, we can certainly claim that it is not a bad story either. The company is a long-established commercial heat treater by the name of “Metals Technology” in Carol Stream, IL, USA https://metalstechnology.com/. Established in 1963 it has consistently had sales of over $14 million USD in the past few years and offers austempering, carburizing, vacuum hardening, induction hardening, marquenching and straightening to name a few processes-all in a 70,000 square foot facility.
While the company is temporarily in receivership all suppliers are getting paid on time, all customers are being serviced, no employees are being laid off and plans are that the company will continue operating as it has in the past. Watch for more updates from “The Monty”. https://themonty.com/usa-commercial-heat-treater-in-receivership-metals-technology/
Father to Mandy (Tim) and Colin (Christine). Granda to Stuart, Kyle (Jade), Kayla, Cory and Jordan. Great-Granda to Logan, Keatyn, Aria and Rowen. Step-Granda to Brad (Madison). Great-Step-Granda to Jaxson. ln 1970, with $140.00 in his pocket with his wife, Etta, and daughter, Mandy, immigrated to Canada. Harry started his working career, first with SKF Bearing Manufacturing and then McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Manufacturing in Ontario. After a slowdown in the aerospace industry, Harry landed a job at Toronto lronworks, which started his path in Heat Treating. ln 1989, his strong entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Aberfoyle Metal Treaters Limited near Guelph, Ontario.
Harry established a special business conducting large-scale heat treating for heavy industry including steel mills, nuclear power, hydroelectric, petrochemical and large machining. Harry had participated in many trade and business associations over many years. He was a long-standing board member of Metal Treating lnstitute (MTI), serving as president in 2002, and was recognized as Master Craftsman Heat Treator of the Year for North America. ln 2011, he received the Heritage Award, the most prestigious award from MTI. ln 2009, he was nominated as Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. He also served on the board of directors for Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME Ontario) from 2009 to 2015.
Harry sold Aberfoyle Metal Treaters Limited 2012 to Canerectors which was Toronto lronworks, where his heat-treating career began. Recreationally, Harry was a musician. One of the proudest moments was in 1980 as C.W.O. of the Queen’s York Rangers (1st American) regimental band. Harry led a marching performance for the late Queen Elizabeth and the late Prince Philip with a live audience of 60,000 cheering spectators (CNE grounds) Toronto, Ontario. Harry, with his wife, Etta, loved to travel, and were able to see 80 countries, where they met a lot of friends and still have many of them to this day. Socializing, being with friends and family was Harry’s biggest joy.
Harry’s passion for car racing, mostly Formula 1, which he was able to see many races in Montreal, Canada, Circuit Zandvoort (Dutch) and Autodromo Nazionale Monza (ltaly). He was proud to own and drive his yellow Corvette. Harry is loved and will be dearly missed from his family and friends here in Canada, Northern lreland, London, Scotland, United States, Netherlands and other countries that he had travelled. Visitors will be received at McKersie & Early Funeral Home, 114 Main St. E., Milton, (905) 878-4452, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 5:00 p.m. A limo service from Hwy. 25/401 car park and Aberfoyle car park to and from the family home will be provided immediately following the service. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.mckersieearly.com.
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He was the loving husband of Patti A. (Renner) Jones. The couple celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on March 8, 2024.
Born in Abington, PA, he was the son of William R. and Myrtle E. (Jacobs) Jones, of Telford, PA. He was 1974 graduate of Phil-Mont Christian Academy, Dresher, PA. He then attended Hocking Technical College, Nelsonville, OH.
Roger began his career in the heat treating division of ABAR Corporation in 1975. In 1978 joined the newly formed Vacuum Furnace Systems Corp., known as VFS, and began working with his father, the founder of VFS.
In 1983, Roger assisted in the founding of Solar Atmospheres, Inc., serving as Vice President until 1993 when he was promoted to President. As the company grew, Roger was promoted to Corporate President in 2001 and eventually Chief Executive Officer in 2017. After 45 years of service, Roger retired in 2019 with the title of CEO Emeritus. During Roger’s time as CEO of Solar Atmospheres, the company became an award winning company.
He was a member of the American Society for Materials International (ASM) and locally, the Philadelphia Liberty Bell Chapter, where he chaired nine committees and served as Chapter Chairman. He was an instructor for the chapter’s MEI courses. ASM has awarded Roger with the William Hunt Eisenman Award, the President’s Award, the Meritorious Service Award and the Adolph Schaefer Special Achievement Award.
Roger was also a member of the Metal Treating Institute, where he was a member of the Board of Trustees, President of the Institution and served on various committees. He was awarded the Heritage Award in 2018, MTI’s most prestigious award.
He was a member of Immanuel Leidy’s Church, Souderton, PA where he served on the Finance, Lay Visitors and Hospitality Committees as well as an Usher Coordinator. He has also served on the Board of Trustees for the Grand View Health Foundation, Sellersville, PA.
Roger was a dedicated Life Member of the Perkasie Fire Company where he served as President, Vice President, Trustee and Engineer, a position that he held for over 30 years. He was awarded the Burpee Emergency Services Award in 2006 and the William E. Baringer Distinguished Service award in 2017. He was also a Life Member of the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association.
In his free time, he enjoyed golfing and spending time at the mountain home in New Milford, PA.
In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his children, Jamie A. Jones and his wife Lindsay, of Sellersville, PA, Jennifer A. Jones and her companion Raheem Johnson, of Quakertown, PA and Trevor M. Jones and his wife Brittney, of Doylestown, PA; six grandchildren, Mikayla Jones, Saonna Johnson, Tyshine Johnson, Raheem Johnson, Cole Jones and Presley Jones, a sister, Holly Craven and her husband Bruce, of Carlisle, PA and his two dogs, Teddy and Cooper.
His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Immanuel Leidy’s Church, 273 W. Cherry Lane, Souderton, PA, where family and friends may call from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Immanuel Leidy’s Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Leidy’s Church, 273 W. Cherry Lane, Souderton, PA 18964 or the Perkasie Fire Company, P.O. Box 203, Perkasie, PA 18944.
Arrangements are by the Suess-Gahman Funeral Home & Crematory, Perkasie, PA.”
The fact that it is growing lead us to accept an invitation from Americarb, Inc., the only North American producer as far as we can tell to visit their manufacturing facility in Niagara Falls, NY, a visit which took place just last week. As it turns out it was fascinating to see how the material is created from scratch and turned into a finished product suitable for fixturing parts in either a vacuum or atmosphere furnace-this is how the company describes themselves;
While the company has a number of reasons to be proud, one of the main ones is their 16,000 cubic foot carbonization furnace which is shown in these photos. The system is capable of 850C temperatures and furnace cycles are measured in days or even weeks as required. To give you a feel for the size of the furnace we would point to the one photo which shows Gord Montgomery (“The Monty Heat Treat News) and Matt Reineke (Owner Americarb) standing inside of the furnace, a second photo shows the outside of the furnace.
If you have an interest in CFC fixturing and find yourself in Upstate, NY we would suggest that the fellows at Americarb would be happy to give you a tour.
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It is with incredible regret that we mention the passing of a giant in the North American heat-treating industry, Mr. Roger A. Jones of Solar Atmospheres. While we have few details at this time we do have this brief history of his career in the heat treatment industry;
The manufacturing space will be outfitted with most current fabrication, assembly, and testing equipment needed to enhance the flexibility, capacity and to better serve the changing needs of our global thermal processing equipment customer base.
This expansion will double the current floor space available and integrate enhanced overhead lifting capabilities to accommodate larger thermal processing systems being demanded by EV Component and Battery Material Processors.
Upgrades includes the addition of two (2) thirty-ton and two (2) twenty-ton overhead cranes to accompany the existing large capacity units presently in use. Planning for future expansion efforts have been considered during the design process that include foundation and utility upgrades. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete May of 2025
CAN-ENG offers a wide variety of Thermal Processing and Heat Treatment system designs required by today’s high-capacity manufacturers. CAN-ENG’s designs have served, commercial and captive heat treaters, stamping and fastener companies, electric vehicle and automotive component producers, the iron and steel industries, aluminum foundries, agricultural and construction manufacturers for over 60 years. CAN-ENG is recognized as an international provider of design innovation, quality workmanship and dedication to service.”
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Gord Montgomery, Victor Oreskovich (Owner Can-Eng), Tim Donofrio (Vice President, Sales, Can-Eng)
“SECO/VACUUM has only existed since 2017, but its legacy goes back a lot further than that. Parent company SECO/WARWICK had been building a variety of CAB, aluminum, atmosphere and vacuum furnaces for decades, but by 2017 it was apparent that vacuum heat treating had become so prominent in the heat treating industry that it deserved its own division. That is how it came about that this heat treat Partner trusted a 7-year-old SECO/VACUUM to replace their 40-year-old sintering furnaces.
The 1980s-era furnaces are still working, long after they’ve earned their return-on-investment many times over, but even with proper maintenance and upkeep, they are showing their age. They will be replaced with 6 new furnaces from SECO/VACUUM.
The new furnaces will be Vector furnaces configured as vacuum sintering furnaces with 2-bar gas cooling. The sintering is a critical process used to fuse metals together without reaching melting temperature. Is generally used for fixing the strands of wire mesh in place, consolidating powder metals, or any application where the objective is fusing metals together while remaining below melting temperatures.
The furnace hot zones will be 26” wide, 30” high, and 62” deep (660 x 760 x 1575 mm), which is the same size as the retiring furnaces, allowing them to continue using their existing heat-treat fixtures. The modern controls and improved cycle time will be appreciated, and the SECO/VACUUM reliability means they can depend on these furnaces for another 40 years of sintering.”
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The new 20,000-square-foot expansion of the Solar Atmospheres of Michigan Inc. facility is advancing swiftly. The Delta Industrial team has made significant progress by erecting the entire steel structure in only one week. The new building will not only house additional vacuum and air furnaces but will also serve as a new shipping and receiving space. The project is on track for completion by the end of 2024.
For more information about the Solar Atmospheres Michigan facility contact Chris Molencupp at (586) 264-8100 ext. 1620, or [email protected], and visit us at www.solaratm.com.
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Yesterday we had a news item entitled “USA Commercial Heat Treater Enters Receivership” https://themonty.com/usa-commercial-heat-treater-enters-receivership/ and as promised “The Monty Heat Treat News” followed up on this story-this is what we found out;
While it would be difficult to say this is a good news story, we can certainly claim that it is not a bad story either. The company is a long established commercial heat treater by the name of “Metals Technology” in Carol Stream, IL, USA https://metalstechnology.com/. Established in 1963 it has consistently had sales of over $14 million USD in the past few years and offers austempering, carburizing, vacuum hardening, induction hardening, marquenching and straightening to name a few processes-all in a 70,000 square foot facility.
While the company is temporarily in receivership all suppliers are getting paid on time, all customers are being serviced, no employees are being laid off and plans are that the company will continue operating as it has in the past. Watch for more updates from “The Monty”.
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