August 2007 News Archives

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Bodycote Opens Materials Testing Lab in Singapore 

(August 28 - evening update) - Bodycote is definitely serious about yearly growth and expansion targets throughout Asia. Today we have word of their opening a new materials testing laboratory in Singapore, a very active heat treating market in Asia. Here's the PR:

ASM Technical Paper Preview - Phase Controlled Gaseous Nitriding and Nitrocarburizing

(August 28 - evening update) - As promised we've selected some very interesting abstracts from presentations slated for this year's upcoming ASM Heat Treat Technical Program to preview. We hope it inspires more people to attend and learn about new developments in the industry. This one comes from Nitrex, the premiere supplier of nitriding systems and processes for heat treating: 

Real improvements to measuring and control equipment in the past decade have given way to a new generation of expert systems capable of demystifying nitriding and nitrocarburizing processes. These systems use intelligent multi-sensor measuring devices to precisely determine the atmosphere potentials KO, KN and KC, with the added ability to measure several potentials simultaneously. Devices have a built-in mathematical model that calculates the atmosphere partial pressures and the influence of temperature, atmosphere and time on various steels. This approach enables online prediction of the composition of the compound layer in size, phase and properties. Also, the use of fast predictive control algorithms helps these systems to achieve exact atmosphere control, something that is impossible with classical PID control. More advanced expert systems can also include a process builder application which uses a sophisticated reverse model to target the white layer based on the composition of nitrogen and carbon percentage.

The paper will provide an overview of current process controls, explain the influence of potentials and various process set-ups on material, as well as review the differences in classical PID control and predictive control based on the results of a two-year study using laboratory and industrial equipment.

NEW - Preview Your Upcoming ASM Heat Treat Technical Presentation and Drive Traffic to the Conference and Your Session

(August 17 - morning update) - There's nothing worse than having a great new idea or technology to present and talking to a half-empty room. 

If you're getting ready to present at this year's ASM show and want to get the word out and drive more people to come see your talk, just send us a brief description of what you're presenting and we'll give some free advertising by profiling it here on HeatTreatNews.com in the weeks between August 27 and the conference (September 17th)!

Send by email to admin@heattreatnews.com - you should hear back from us once we return from vacation (see below).

And don't forget that ASM has a complete show preview on  their website here.

HeatTreatNews.com Vacation! (August 20-24)

(August 16 - evening update) - We made an executive decision to grab the suitcases, beach towels and the kids and head off for a nice, relaxing vacation before all that school stuff starts again. 

We'll be back again on the 27th with a low-down on the upcoming ASM Heat Treat Exposition and a profile of some of the technical presentations that might be of interest.

While we're gone be sure to stop by IndustrialHeating.com for the latest in heat treat news.

GM Looks to India for Parts

(August 16 - evening update) - While a bit dramatic ISA's InTech news says that GM is saying "so long Delphi, UAW and the rest of the high-priced North American talent."

They're saying this because Dow Jones Newswires has reported that GM plans to source some $250 million in auto parts from suppliers in India in the current fiscal year. 

While we know this is news and controversial and that $250 million sure sounds like a lot, you have to remember this is a company that did $207 Billion in sales last year. 

No word on which market the Indian-sourced parts are headed.

Solar Vacuum Nitrider Pics

(August 15 - evening update) - Every once in a while we get some some really cool photos as part of a press release. This is one of those press releases. The photos are of a large vacuum chamber delivered to Solar Manufacturing to be used in a 20 foot long vacuum nitriding system. Here are the photos and press release. Click on the photos for the full resolution shot:

Souderton, PA-   Souderton, PA.  Solar Manufacturing was delivered a large vacuum chamber on Friday, August 10, 2007 for an Ion Nitriding System as part of a contract awarded by Advanced Heat Treat Corp. of Waterloo, IA.  Solar Manufacturing designed the car bottom chamber as part of a 20 foot long vacuum nitriding system and will also manufacture an all-metal shielded hot zone, the resistance heating power supply and a gas quench system. 
Advanced Heat Treat Corp.’s engineering staff will provide the pulse power supply, process gas controls as well as the total integrated control package.  The total cost for the project exceeds US$1.5 million.

The double-door furnace will have a 50,000 pound capacity and will include a powered load transfer car with wireless controls. The useable work zone will be 110" wide x 32" high x 240" long.  The gas cooling system will be designed to improve production time.

Delivery is expected in early September for installation in AHT’s new Cullman, Alabama facility.  The system will be used to process large dies for the automotive industry.  Advanced Heat Treat Corp. is the world’s largest ion nitrider and currently has 36 systems in operation.

Solar Manufacturing manufactures vacuum heat treating and brazing furnaces and offers replacement hot zones for various vacuum furnace brands. To learn more about their diverse product line, contact Peter Reh, Vice President of Sales, Rick Jones, International Sales Manager or Dennis Hiddemen, Aftermarket Sales Manager at 267-384-5040 or pkr@solarmfg.com , rick@solarmfg.com, or drh@solarmfg.com . More information can also be found at www.solarmfg.com.

Timken Restructuring Plan to Save $10-20 million

(August 15 - evening update) - Our friends over at Industrial Heating have news up about Timken's restructuring plans. The new model will break down the company into two distinct business groups. Read about it on IH by clicking here.

Refractory Prices About to Climb?

(August 13 - evening update) - Just when we were getting all giddy over lower nickel prices and better natural gas costs, along comes a report that says refractory is about to start climbing. Ironically, for those who continuously say that higher China prices will help US competitiveness, prices are climbing because of the increasing cost of getting raw materials out of China. Get a little, give a little? Here's the news:

Chery (Chinese Auto Manufacturer) Poised to Produce Its Millionth Vehicle

(August 9 - afternoon update) - Chery is the largest independent automotive manufacturer in China. It was founded in 1997 and began making its first vehicles in 1999 on used equipment that, along with engine technology, was purchased form Ford for $25 million. Over the years they've had partnerships with both GM and VW.

The news today is that, sometime in August, Chery will build its one-millionth car. It's averaging some 300,000+ vehicles per year right now.

Reasonably Priced Nickel?

(August 9 - afternoon update) - With the recent memory (pain) of those $23 per pound nickel prices fresh in our minds it makes today's sub $14 prices seem downright reasonable! One rub, however, is that there are still shortages of high temp alloys like RA330. Let's hope the foundries catch up quick.

Great Bodycote Write-up / Analysis on FT.com

(August 9 - afternoon update) - Stumbled across a really nice article on where Bodycote is today and where they're headed. Until reading it we hadn't realized that Bodycote only kept their profitability this last six months thanks to a big bump in demand for testing services. Thanks to some tough markets and that failed, hostile takeover bid from Sulzer, profit and dividends both slip. You can read the article here. Here's an excerpt:

"Bodycote emerged from a difficult six months with its profits intact as the company benefited from growing demand for its testing equipment from power generation companies as well as oil and gas groups.

John Hubbard, chief executive, said Bodycote would take a one-off charge of £2.1m related to its defence against a hostile bid from Sulzer, the Swiss engineering company, which made six indicative offers for the UK group before conceding defeat."

Former Home Depot CEO Takes the Reins at Cerberus-owned Chrysler

(August 6 - afternoon update) - Once upon a time Robert Nardelli was the controversial CEO of Home Depot. By controversial we mean he became a target of rather vocal critics of high CEO pay.

Today Nardelli took over as Chairman and CEO of Chrysler LLC. No word from Chrysler's owner, Cerberus Capital Management, on Nardelli's compensation package other than it will be tied to Chrysler's progress in its turnaround.

Two Former VFSers Join the Upper Management Team at Solar Manufacturing

(August 6 - afternoon update) - These are good times for the vacuum furnace business and Solar Manufacturing just keeps growing. Today we have news that two former, long-term employees of VFS have joined the management team at Solar. Here's the PR:

John (Jay) F. Glick Named President of Lufkin Industries

(August 2 - afternoon update) - Lufkin Industries today announced the election of Mr. John (Jay) F. Glick as president. Glick has been with Lufkin since 1994. Here's the PR (you can download the full PR here):

Lufkin Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUFK) today announced that the Board of Directors has elected Mr. John (Jay) F. Glick as President of the Company effective today. Mr. Glick has been a senior officer of Lufkin since 1994, during which time he has served as Vice President, General Manager of both Lufkin's Oil Field Division and Power Transmission Division. He succeeds Mr. Douglas V. Smith who has served as President since January 1993. Mr. Smith will continue to serve as the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Smith remarked, "We welcome Jay to his new position at Lufkin, which reflects his broad industry experience and the outstanding job he has done at Lufkin. We look forward to his contributions to the continued long-term growth of the Company."

Lufkin Industries, Inc. sells and services oil field pumping units, foundry castings, power transmission products and highway trailers throughout the world. The Company has vertically integrated all vital technologies required to design, manufacture and market its products.

Bodycote Acquires Ion-assisted Nitriding Expert Company

(August 2 - afternoon update) - Bodycote has announce another significant acquisition, this one in France. Although Nitruvid's facilities are no doubt of value, the patented techniques for ion-assisted nitriding are interesting as Bodycote certainly has the organization to take such techniques global. Here's the PR:

Bodycote International PLC is pleased to announce the acquisition of Nitruvid S.A. from Ascometal S.A., a member of the Russian owned SeverStal Group.

Nitruvid was founded in 1985 and has patented a number of renowned plasma assisted nitriding processes especially for stainless steel applications. One of the most notable techniques offered by Nitruvid is a process which dramatically enhances the life expectancy of control rods used in nuclear reactors. Nitruvid operates from three plants located in Paris, Saint-Etienne, and Metz and has annual sales of €6.7m. Other processes available include the nitriding of Titanium and Super-alloys, Low Pressure carburising and Ion Implantation. These processes are used in a number of high profile industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, oil & gas and power generation and complement many existing Bodycote proprietary processes including Kolsterising which is also used in the surface hardening of stainless steels. The Nitruvid website: www.nitruvid.com (shortly to be available in English) provides further details of the technologies offered.

With its worldwide network of over 300 facilities, Bodycote intends to transfer Nitruvid’s expertise across Europe, America and the emerging markets to provide our broad customer base with state of the art solutions. Details of Bodycote services can be found at www.bodycote.com

Bodycote Interim Results

(August 2 - afternoon update) - Bodycote, perhaps the world's largest commercial heat treater, continues to roll along with nice numbers posted in their interim results last week. You can download the whole thing on their website but here are their posted highlights:

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Revenue rose by 14% to £317.6m (H1 2006: £279.3m)
• Operating profit grew by 19% to £48.2m (H1 2006:£40.6m)
• At constant exchange rates:
• Revenue increased by 19%
• Headline* operating profit increased by 23%
• ROCE continues to improve – now over 11%
• Headline* profit before tax increased by 23% to £43.2m (H1 2006: £35.1m)
• Profit before tax £42.6m (2006: £34.8m)
• Headline* earnings per share rose by 23% to 10.3p (H1 2006: 8.4p)
• Basic earnings per share 10.1p (2006: 11.6p)
• Interim dividend 2.75 pence per share (H1 2006: 2.5p), up 10%

* Stated before exceptional items. Refer to Notes 1 and 3 in the full results

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

• Robust first half demand in Aerospace, Power Generation and Oil aND Gas markets
• Outsourcing now comprises 22% of Group sales (H1 2006, 20%) - 118 new outsourcing agreements
• 4 new acquisitions in Thermal Processing in H1, 2 acquisitions already completed in H2
• Expansion of Heat Treatment into Asia and developing markets continues as planned
• Global demand for HIP remains high and expected to increase further
• Energy cost increases now fully recovered

Heat Treat Expert David Pye Becomes Licensed Minister

(August 2 - morning update) - Most folks who've been in the industry for a while know David Pye. He's been helping people (training consulting, etc.) with the metallurgy of heat treating for many years and has a long list of publications and contributions to surface chemistry science. 

Yesterday we received word that David is now a Licensed Minister in the Full Gospel Baptist Church. A big congratulations to David! Here's the note from the Bishop and a copy of David's certificate:

Dana Lands Renault Truck Axle Deal

(August 1 - morning update) - Looks like bankrupt Dana just landed a nice new contract to supply its Spicer truck axles to Renault for Renault's Mascott RWD vans and chassis-cab vehicles. Here's the PR:

Dana Corporation announced today that it has been selected to supply Spicer® rear beam axles for the new Renault Mascott rear-wheel-drive vans and chassis-cab vehicles produced by Renault Trucks.

Dana earned this new business by offering axles that are lightweight and could be brought to market very quickly.  Features include a compact design for increased ground clearance and a differential locking option for enhanced traction in hazardous conditions.

"We are pleased that Renault Trucks has chosen Dana technology for this important light commercial-vehicle platform," said Michael J. Burns, Dana chairman and CEO.  "Dana has a proven history of expertise in the design and production of competitive drivetrain solutions, and we are proud to apply our expertise for the benefit of Renault Trucks."

Designed to increase end-user productivity, the rear-wheel-drive Renault Mascott features some of the lowest loading sills and highest payload capabilities on the market.  The vehicle also delivers higher torque and pick up, even at low engine speeds.

Spicer® axles offer superior quality, strength, and durability, contributing to higher vehicle payload and operating capabilities.

"The rear beam axle is an integral component in a drivetrain system, and an optimized design can offer significant benefits that assist in providing competitive advantages to our customers," said Tom Stone, president of Dana Traction Products.  "This program reinforces Dana's global reputation for robust axle design."

About Dana Corporation

Dana is a world leader in the supply of axles; driveshafts; and structural, sealing, and thermal-management products; as well as genuine service parts.  The company's customer base includes virtually every major vehicle and engine manufacturer in the global automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway markets, which collectively produce more than 65 million vehicles annually. Based in Toledo, Ohio, the company's continuing operations employ approximately 35,000 people in 28 countries and reported 2006 sales of $8.5 billion, with more than half of this revenue derived from outside the United States.  For more information, please visit http://www.dana.com/.

Dana and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries are operating under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code as debtors in possession.  Information about the bankruptcy proceedings can be found at http://www.dana.com/reorganization.  While Dana continues its reorganization under Chapter 11, investments in its securities are highly speculative.  Although shares of Dana common stock continue to trade on the OTC Bulletin Board (OTCBB) under the symbol "DCNAQ," the trading prices of the shares may have little or no relationship to the actual recovery, if any, by the holders under any eventual court-approved reorganization plan.  The opportunity for any recovery by holders of Dana common stock under such reorganization plan is uncertain and shares of Dana common stock may be cancelled without any compensation pursuant to such plan. 

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