USA ADI Facility Now Closed
Back in 2018 US commercial heat treater “Applied Process” (now part of Aalberts Surface Technologies) announced a new facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas, US which would perform ADI (austemper ductile iron-a relatively uncommon process).
Earlier this year Aalberts stated that this facility would close with an expansion of their Canton, Ohio plant-this statement is below. It is now the understanding of “The Monty” (from current customers of the Fort Smith location) that it is now officially closed ending an era.
“March 7, 2024. AFS Corporate Member Aalberts surface technologies, a global provider of specialized thermal processing, surface treatment, and material coating solutions, has made investments in its Canton, Ohio facility to add austempering capabilities that will provide a logistically favorable option to customers located in the Midwest, Eastern, and Northeastern U.S. markets. To balance the capacity available in the market with demand, the company will be closing its plant in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
“The expansion of our austempering capabilities in Canton provides current and prospective customers in the area with an opportunity to take advantage of our best-in-class value proposition while not having to absorb added logistical costs to do so,” said Steve Wyatt, president of Aalberts surface technologies – HIP | braze | heat treatment. “The decision to exit the austempering market in the South was a difficult one, but the market for austempering in the addressable market for our Arkansas plant simply is not sufficient to sustain the operation. We recognize the hardships that this difficult decision may create and will be working with our Fort Smith Team to minimize the impact as much as possible, including exploring opportunities at one of the many other Aalberts locations.”
The austempering capabilities in Canton were scheduled to begin mid-February and are expected to be fully production ready by the end of March. The decommissioning of the Fort Smith plant began in mid-February 2024, with production expected to cease no later than April 2024.”
“FORT SMITH, AR., Feb. 13, 2018 — Applied Process, Inc., the worldwide leader in austempering heat treatment technology, will expand with a new multi-million-dollar heat treatment plant in Fort Smith, Ark. The 51,000-square-foot plant will house six furnaces and add at least 30 jobs. The plant is expected to be fully operational in the 3rd quarter and will serve customers in the Midwest and South. “We are very excited to announce our expansion in Fort Smith,” said Chief Executive Officer Harold Karp. “Record sales performance in 2016 and 2017, combined with a strong new product forecast, make this the right time to expand.” Applied Process plants in Livonia, Mich., and Oshkosh, Wis., will remain in operation, serving the automotive, agriculture, aerospace, heavy truck, railroad, mining industries, as well as the military.
The Oshkosh facility houses the world’s largest integral quench batch austempering furnace which is capable of austempering parts up to 20,000 lbs. in weight. “The additional capacity in Fort Smith will allow us to continue to offer industry-leading levels of customer service, quality and turn time,” said Steve Metz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The new facility will allow us to expand into new markets and serve a broader geographic customer base.” Rusty Rainbolt, who has been with Applied Process for three years on the sales team, will be plant manager. Rainbolt holds bachelor’s degrees in engineering and marketing from Oklahoma State University. “Rusty’s engineering, sales and product experience, along with a strong, experienced leadership team, will ensure a smooth start-up of the new facility,” Karp said. “Arkansas continues to be a great place where businesses can succeed,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “Our dedicated workforce and low business costs help companies like Applied Process reach their highest potential.”
“Working with the Applied Process team on their site search for the past year has been a pleasure. We were able to introduce them to Fort Smith and find the perfect location for their specific needs,” said Tim Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The community was a perfect match for the company’s expansion requirements and they will be a great complement to the area.” Applied Process, Inc. specializes in the austemper heat treatment process. Compared to more traditional heat treatment methods, austempering makes iron and steel components stronger, tougher, lighter and more wear-resistant. Through technical leadership, an unparalleled number of metallurgical engineers on staff, and dedicated research and development, Applied Process helps customers solve their toughest engineering problems. Visit www.appliedprocess.com for more information.”
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Caption; Applied Process, Oshkosh “Monster ADI Furnace”