(March 29 - evening update) - Though we encourage visitors to use our careerbuilder.com supported job search page (above), we also encourage posting job opportunities in our forums.
A couple days back David Pye, of Pye Metallurgical, posted an urgent need for a North America nitride sales engineer. You can visit David's post here or simply read below for more information. As always, job postings (and items for sale) carry no commissions or listing fees.
We have an urgent requirement for a nitride sales engineer for North America. The candidate should have a well balanced knowledge (both practical and theoretical) of the process of nitriding. Knowledge of plasma technology would be a strong advantage (training will be given).
An attractive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate.
Please send your resume of experience to David at Pye Metallurgical Consulting at 814 337 0194 or e mail at davidpye@pyemet.com
Beavermatic Wins Boeing Order
(March 29 - evening update) - Just pulled this one off Industrial Heating's site: read their news column here.
BeaverMatic (Rockford, Ill.) has been awarded a contract from Boeing (Portland, Ore.) to design and build an electric internal quench furnace with a load size of 30 inches wide x 48 inches deep x 20 inches high to harden 1,000-pound loads of aerospace components.
(March 28 - evening update) - Tempers are flaring as UAW leadership responds to Delphi's recent moves to void its labor contracts.
Delphi wants the courts to allow it to negate longstanding labor contracts and offer alternate compensation packages.
UAW President Ron Gettelfinger was not happy:
"Let them go to court and void those contracts, then I'll show you what we'll do," he said. "If they void those contracts, we are going to shut them down, and that's a fact."
The impact of Gettelfinger's comments could be substantial as it puts a complex team of investors looking to help pull Delphi out of bankruptcy in limbo. Nobody wants to invest billions in a company that could be grinded to a complete halt.
In fact, unless a wage-cutting agreement is reached soon, many expect the investment group to back out.
New Two-furnace Order for Solar
(March 28 - evening update) - Industrial Heating is reporting on a new order for two furnaces placed with Solar Manufacturing. Read IH's news here.
System Downtime
(March 27 - evening update) - Please accept our most sincere apologies for our weeklong downtime (although all of our gas/nickel/aluminum/steelinks updates ran as planned).
We flew to a family wedding where we were told there was broadband but, alas, the sand at the beach must have interfered (or the margaritas, we're not really sure).
Anyway, we're back and digging for more news!
Bidding War for Chrysler Looming?
(March 27 - evening update) - In case nobody noticed, DaimlerChrylser AG's stock is soaring ever since rumors of a sale of its Chrysler unit surfaced.
Those rumors (fueled by GM's advances) have spurned lots of interest in the car company that generated nearly $2 billion in profit in 2005.
Also for those who haven't noticed, so far the tentative offers for Chrysler are fast approaching $5 billion with more to come.
Personally, we think it's crazy for a company who was kept in the saved from huge losses in 2005 by their Chrysler unit to put that same unit on the block after their first loss year. Heck Chrysler didn't sell Daimler in 2005, right?
Bodycote and Sulzer
(March 27 - evening update) - The latest "firm" rumor we're hearing on this not-so-hostile-anymore takeover bid is that Sulzer is going to come back with an "offer that shareholders cannot refuse" and walk away the new owner of Bodycote. Our personal guess is no less than 367 pence per share (some $2.26 billion), but time will tell.
For those who don't already know, Sulzer is knows for industrial pumps, but its Metco division is big in surface treatments. Metco runs at about half the profit margin of Bodycote so maybe they're looking to dominate?
Time will tell, though we see a few upper management retirements should the purchase go through.
New Nickel Deposit to be Developed in Australia
(March 20 - evening update) - With nickel prices climbing steadily (okay they're back under $22 today) it sure isn't a bad thing that a new source is going to be developed.
In this case Australian-based Metals X Ltd. is selling 13% of its shared to China's largest nickel producer, Jinchuan Group Ltd. With those funds and national technical assistance they will begin developing the Wingellina deposit - rated the worlds 16th largest undeveloped nickel oxide deposit.
The deposit is estimated to contain approximately 2.04 million metric tons of nickel metal (about 4.5 billion pounds). Can't say if it had anything to do with yesterday's drop in nickel prices but it sure couldn't hurt.
Dana in Joint Venture to Produce Axles in China
(March 20 - evening update) - Although Dana sold its engine hard parts business to MAHLE, it's still in the axle business in a big way. Today we have updated news on a Dana joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Co. Ltd. to product commercial vehicle axles in China. Here's the PR:
Dana Corporation (OTC: DCNAQ) (BULLETIN BOARD: DCNAQ) announced today that its subsidiary, Dana Mauritius Ltd., and Dongfeng Motor Co. Ltd. have amended the agreement to develop their 50/50 joint venture, Dongfeng Dana Axle Co. Ltd. Certain terms of the original agreement with Dongfeng signed on March 10, 2005, were renegotiated after Dana filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in March 2006.
Under the amendments and other agreements signed by both companies - and subject to certain government approvals, Dana Mauritius will make an initial payment of 38.8 million RMB (approximately USD 5 million) to Dongfeng for a 4-percent equity interest in the joint venture. Closing of this part of the transaction is expected to be completed by the end of March 2007. Dana Mauritius will purchase the remaining 46-percent equity interest after April 1, 2008, and within three years of receiving the aforementioned government approvals.
Dana Mauritius will invest in an existing Dongfeng subsidiary, which is China's largest commercial vehicle axle manufacturer, to form Dongfeng Dana Axle. Headquartered in Xiangfan, China, the joint-venture company will employ approximately 8,000 employees in three production facilities in Xiangfan and Shiyan, as well as a research and development center that will be established. The technical center will support Dongfeng Dana Axle's commitment to providing its customers with world-class manufacturing processes and axle components and systems.
"We are very pleased to reach this milestone with Dongfeng," said Nick Stanage, president of Dana's Heavy Vehicle Products group. "Dongfeng Dana Axle will be the largest commercial vehicle axle supplier in Asia. For Dana's Commercial Vehicle Systems business, this joint venture also provides a great opportunity to balance and complement our extensive operations in North America."
Another term of the joint venture agreement between Dana and Dongfeng is Dana licensing certain commercial vehicle axle technology to Dongfeng Dana Axle for the term of the joint venture.
Dana has seven other joint ventures in the Asia-Pacific region, including two in China. With more than 4,300 employees in 18 facilities in the region, Dana produces axles, propshafts, structures, and sealing and thermal- management products for a host of light- and heavy-vehicle manufacturers.
About Dongfeng Motor Co. Ltd.
Dongfeng Motor Co. Ltd. is a joint venture between the state-owned Dongfeng Motor Group Company Ltd. and a Chinese subsidiary of Nissan Motors. Dongfeng Motor Group was founded in 1969 and with its affiliates ranks as one of the three largest vehicle makers in China. Dongfeng Motor Co. Limited produces a broad range of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks, as well as buses and passenger cars.
About Dana Corporation
Dana is a leading supplier of drivetrain, chassis, structural, and engine technologies. Dana people design and manufacture products for every major vehicle and engine producer in the world. Based in Toledo, Ohio, with operations throughout the world, Dana is focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles annually. The company's continuing operations reported sales of $8.6 billion in 2005. Dana's Internet address is: 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.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this release regarding Dana's investment in its joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Co. Ltd. constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements represent Dana's expectations based on its current information and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ from those that are anticipated and there can be no assurance that this sale will be completed as contemplated. Dana does not undertake to update any forward- looking statements in this release.
Toyota to Build Plant in India
(March 19 - evening update) - Until now Toyota has only sold the Corolla and Camry in India at a top price for that market. As such it holds only 0.7% of the Indian car market. In order to improve on that Toyota has announced plans to build a new, small car plant in India. No location has been picked yet, nor have the models to be built there.
Update on Thailand Economic Policies
(March 19 - evening update) - We've commented previously on the economic changes made by the new government of Thailand and how they can adversely affect foreign companies operating there. Rather than try to dissect all the ramification on our own we're providing two good links to help illuminate the issues:
(March 19 - evening update) - Toyota official opened its third plant in Thailand last week, this in spite of the new difficulties for foreign companies operating in Thailand (see our stories above and below). Here's the official PR:
Tokyo — TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) officially marked the opening today of the Ban Pho Plant of Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. (TMT), Toyota's automobile production and sales company in Thailand, with a ceremony at the facility. The plant—Toyota's third production base in Thailand—has been in operation since January this year.
Present at the ceremony were Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, TMC Executive Vice President Akio Toyoda and TMT President Mitsuhiro Sonoda. Princess Sirindhorn conducted the unveiling of the corporate logo and planting of a commemorative tree, while Toyoda made the following remarks: "The Ban Pho plant represents the future direction of Toyota in Thailand. We intend to continue contributing to Thai society and to the automobile industry in Thailand."
As a cutting-edge Toyota plant, the Ban Pho Plant, which builds the popular IMV* series Hilux pickup trucks, has incorporated the latest environmental measures and is positioned as a model plant in Asia in terms of its environmental features.
Total investment in the plant is 15 billion baht. The Toyota Ban Pho Plant has an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles and will produce Hilux pickup trucks not only for the domestic Thai market, but also for more than 90 other markets worldwide.
AK Steel's Union Workers Approve Deal - Strike Ends
(March 14 - evening update) - Union workers voted overwhelmingly to end their strike of AK Steel's Middletown Steel Works today. As a result some 1,800 workers will be called back over the next 90 days and will be working under a new contract that expires September 15, 2011. Member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 1943 had been on strike since March 1, 2006. As you can imagine, a strike that long took its toll on the workers with many losing even their homes. The agreement is a huge relief to the workers and their friends and families in Middletown, Ohio.
MAHLE's Press Release on Dana Engine Hard Parts Acquisition
(March 14 - evening update) - We told you here about MAHLE's pending takeover of Dana's Engine Hard Parts business. Well today we're giving you MAHLE's take on the deal. As you can see they appear to have some significant restructuring plans in store:
Stuttgart/Germany, 9 March 2007 – The MAHLE Group, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Dana’s engine hard parts business.
The acquisition, which includes all worldwide units of Dana’s engine hard parts business including the Clevite® aftermarket organization, was successfully concluded as of March 9, 2007. In addition to the engine hard parts business, MAHLE acquires the exclusive distribution rights to Dana’s retained Victor Reinz® branded products in the independent aftermarket in the US and Canada. Other terms of this transaction include the ownership of three facilities in Argentina and Italy which will be transferred to MAHLE on a deferred basis to allow specific closing conditions to be completed in these locales.
The engine hard parts business of Dana Corp. consists of 39 locations in 10 countries with approximately 5,000 employees. This also includes 13 Aftermarket sales offices and distribution centers. The business had sales of approximately $670 million in 2005. The main products of the engine hard parts business are piston rings, engine bearings, cylinder liners and camshafts manufactured and sold under the Perfect Circle®, Clevite®, and Glacier Vandervell™ brands.
Prof. Dr. Heinz K. Junker, Chairman of MAHLE Group Management Board and CEO, stated, “We believe that Dana’s engine hard parts business is better positioned in the market as a part of the MAHLE organization. This acquisition is a strategic step to fill our product portfolio and to strengthen and balance our global presence. Now, we will start working to integrate the Dana locations into the existing MAHLE production network by appropriate restructuring measures, in order to facilitate all necessary synergy effects for the future.”
The MAHLE Group is a globally leading manufacturer of components and systems for the combustion engine and engine peripherals – from piston systems, cylinder components, valve train systems via air management systems up to liquid management systems. With currently approximately 37,500 employees in more than 80 production locations and in seven research and development centers, MAHLE expects in 2006 a sales of approximately 4.3 billion EUR and ranges, therefore, among the 30 largest suppliers of the automotive industry worldwide.
GM Posts Quarterly Profit but Misses Market Expectations
(March 14 - evening update) - GM has definitely made up some serious ground in its automotive operations and their most recent financial results shows that. GM's net income for the quarter came in at $950 million but much of that was based on the one-time sale of a majority of its GMAC finance arm. GM was hurt seriously by its home mortgage business which lost some $661 million.
In the automotive sector (which is what we in heat treating tend to be most interested in) its results were definite improvements all around:
In North America GM auto lost a mere $14 million compared to $1.4 billion a year ago. In its Latin America, Africa and Middle-Eastern autos it more than double profit from a year ago to $128 million. In Asia profit was stable at $122 million. GM did lose some ground in Europe posting an $8 million loss after a profit of $5 million in the same quarter last year.
While everyone knows GM has loads of work still ahead in their turnaround effort, these numbers seem to indicate that they're moving in the right direction.
Reports: Sulzer Preparing New Bid for Bodycote
(March 13 - afternoon update) - We reported back on March 2nd here about Bodycote's rejection of a takeover offer from Sulzer. Bodycote rejected the offer stating that it significantly undervalued them.
Today there are multiple reports that Sulzer has gone to its shareholders in an effort to get approval for an additional 20% of its share capital to finance another, higher, offer for Bodycote. Bodycote gained 4 pence on the day and closed at 320.25p.
Ford to Invest $200 Million in Sharonville, OH Transmission Plant
(March 12 - evening update) - We've known for some time that Ford has chosen its Sharonville transmission plant as its top choice - its "center for excellence" - for future products. Already products from other plants are being relocated there. Well last Friday Ford sealed the deal further by announcing that they would invest some $200 million into the plant to make it a leader in flexible manufacturing (a la Toyota) and "high-performance, fuel-efficient powertrains." The investment is also supported "significantly" by the state of Ohio, Hamilton County and the city of Sharonville. Initial indications are that the investment "retains" but does not add jobs at the Sharonville plant.
Thailand Tries to Avoid "Shocking" Investors
(March 12 - evening update) - We recently mentioned some of the problems in Thailand with new government rules on investments and currency here. Well the new government of Thailand seems to realize they're scaring off investment and have tried to calm fears. The problem, some say, is that the new government announces new rules that most of the world thinks are a bit loopy so they quickly reverse them. The net result is a weakening in confidence, both within Thailand and amongst investors. Here are some quotes from a recent Bloomberg article:
Thailand's Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn, appointed to the junta-backed government this week, said he has no plans to startle investors still reeling from new ownership restrictions and currency controls.
``Government policies must be implemented to boost confidence, not destroy it,'' said Chalongphob, a critic of his predecessor's investment restrictions. ``There will be no policies that will shock the market.''
Thailand's consumer confidence slid to the lowest in six- months in February and business confidence dropped to a four- month low a month earlier after Bank of Thailand currency controls in December triggered the stock market's steepest slide in 16 years. Discord within the government installed after a Sept. 19 coup led to Pridiyathorn Devakula quitting as finance minister a week ago.
``They would be looking at keeping things quite conventional with the new finance minister against capital controls,'' said Irene Cheung, an economist at ABN Amro Bank NV in Singapore.
Stricter foreign investment rules endorsed by Cabinet in January were too broad and should be scrapped, said Chalongphob, 57. A former World Bank economist, Chalongphob was named Finance Minister by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on March 7, a week after the resignation of Pridiyathorn, the architect of proposed foreign investment law changes and supporter of currency controls.
You can read the entire article here. We mention all this primarily because Thailand, until the coup, was seen as one of the foremost competitors to China's rise in heat treating. For more reading on Thailand's economic issues click here or here.
It's Official: Dana's Engine Hard Parts Business Now Owned by MAHLE
(March 9 - noon update) - As we mentioned earlier this week, now is the time that Dana's Engine Hard Parts Business becomes part of MAHLE GmbH. The official PR of this news just hit the wires so we're putting it up ASAP and will have commentary on the transaction and on MAHLE's rise next week. You can read our preview on this weekend's changes here. Here's the PR:
Dana Corporation Completes Sale of Engine Hard Parts Business to MAHLE GmbH
TOLEDO, Ohio, March 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dana Corporation (OTC:
DCNAQ) (BULLETIN BOARD: DCNAQ) announced today that it has completed the sale of its engine hard parts business to MAHLE GmbH for an aggregate cash payment of approximately $97 million.
The engine hard parts business consists of 39 facilities, which manufacture piston rings, engine bearings, cylinder liners, and camshafts under the Perfect Circle®, Clevite®, and Glacier Vandervell® brands. With annual revenues of approximately $670 million in 2005, the engine hard parts operations employ approximately 5,000 people in 10 countries.
Dana expects to record a non-cash, pre-tax charge of $30 million to $35 million in the first quarter of 2007 in connection with the completion of this divestiture.
Other terms of the transaction include:
- MAHLE acquires the exclusive distribution rights to Dana's retained
Victor Reinz® branded products in the independent aftermarket in the
United States and Canada;
- Three facilities in Argentina and Italy will be transferred to MAHLE
upon completion of specific closing conditions in these locales; and
- MAHLE assumes certain liabilities related to the engine hard parts
business.
Dana Chairman and CEO Mike Burns said, "This divestiture is an important step in implementing Dana's reorganization initiatives and sharpening our focus on our core axle, driveshaft, structural, sealing, and thermal products businesses for the automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway markets."
About Dana Corporation
Dana is a leading supplier of drivetrain, chassis, structural, and engine technologies. Dana people design and manufacture products for every major vehicle and engine producer in the world. Based in Toledo, Ohio, with operations throughout the world, Dana is focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles annually. The company's continuing operations reported sales of $8.6 billion in 2005. Dana's Internet address is: 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.
SOURCE: Dana Corporation
CONTACT: Chuck Hartlage of Dana Corporation, +1-419-535-4728, or chuck.hartlage@dana.com
Web site: http://www.dana.com/
http://www.dana.com/reorganization
(March 8 - evening update) - It's official, SECO/WARWICK beat out Solar Manufacturing and has won the coveted "Most Press Releases in One Week" award!
Okay, that's just a joke, but there sure was a lot of news coming from SECO/WARWICK this week.
The latest PR is about and upgrade at Temp-Rite Steel Treating, Inc. The new upgrade is a SECO/WARWICK jet heated solution heat treat furnace to process aluminum engine blocks.
Temp-Rite Steel Treating is adding equipment in their Michigan facility with the purchase of a SECO/WARWICK Jet Heated Solution Heat Treat Furnace to process aluminium engine blocks.
Jet Impingement Air Flow Technology
Jet impingement air flow technology was developed to reduce the process time and improve the work uniformity during heating and throughout the soaking portion of the heat treat cycle. The new technology has achieved +-1 degree F uniformity of product in actual production resulting in higher quality metallurgical results, distortion control and reduced total cycle time.
Temp-Rite Steel Treating, Inc.
Temp-Rite Steel Treating was established in 1986 to provide premium quality metal treating services including vacuum hardening, salt bath hardening, carburizing, atmospheric hardening, precipitation hardening and sand blasting up to 6 feet in their 20,000 square foot Michigan facility, equipped with a full inspection department and in-house lab. Temp-Rite provides heat treating services for non-ferrous metals including solution annealing, precipitation hardening and aging.
SECO/WARWICK Worldwide manufactures industrial heat processing equipment including heat treat furnaces, vacuum furnace technology, atmosphere generators and aluminum reverb melting and holding systems. SECO/WARWICK provides heat treating equipment and services worldwide for customers involved with primary aluminum, aluminum recycling, automotive, aerospace, commercial heat treating, fuel cells, HVAC, electronics, lighting, medical equipment, nuclear applications and high temperature sintering. The globally integrated organization includes SECO/WARWICK Corp. in the USA, SECO/WARWICK S.A., ELTERMA S.A. and SECO/WARWICK China. The company has over 600 employees worldwide and is an industry leader in industrial heat processing equipment and processes. More information can be found at www.secowarwick.com.
###
Press Contact:
Beth Ryan, ABC
Marketing Communications Director
814/332-8437 bryan@secowarwick.com
MAHLE Set to Take Reigns at Dana's Engine Hard Parts Businesses
(March 7 - evening update) - As we understand it, this Saturday morning, at 12:01 AM, the facilities that compromise Dana's engine hard parts business officially become part of German-based MAHLE. Prior to the acquisition MAHLE employs some 38,000 people at about 80 different manufacturing locations around the world. MAHLE has a reputation for quality and extensive R&D and big changes are expected at the soon-to-be-former Dana locations.
One source told us that MAHLE is having all workers come in this Sunday for an introduction to MAHLE and the changes they have in store. While we're sure that many folks are nervous about this change, our hopes are that MAHLE invests and grows these facilities the way they have done with others over the years.
Over the next few days we'll be profiling MAHLE and its businesses so stay tuned. Here's an aerial shot of their headquarters:
Looking for a New Opportunity?
(March 7 - evening update) - Our CareerBuilder.com sponsored Careers page has links to Heat Treat Operations Manager, Furnace Operators and more. Have a look! See the link at the top of the page or click one of these links: - Heat Treat Manager - Metallugist - Furnace Operator
Does it seem like SECO vs. SOLAR Week? - More News From SECO/WARWICK
(March 7 - evening update) - We have yet another press release from our friends at SECO/WARWICK this week. It's starting to feel like a heated competition between the marketing departments at SECO/WARWICK and Solar Manufacturing, but we know it's just a really good week for furnace builders and these are two of the best. Here's SECO/WARWICK's PR:
S.C. ALRO S.A. is adding an additional production line to their Slatina, Romania facility with the purchase of a SECO/WARWICK Age furnace system for processing aluminium plates for the aerospace industry. The Age system will reduce cycle time, labor and energy costs while improving product quality using the latest techniques in airflow management and PC control systems. The SECO/WARWICK system is fully automated, equipped with a material handling system to load and unload product from the furnace. The finished plate will meet AMS 2770 and AMS 2750D specifications.
About Alro
Alro is a public Romanian company with shares traded at the Bucharest Stock Exchange. Producing 240,000 metric tons of primary aluminium, Alro is the largest aluminum smelter in Central and Eastern Europe (excluding Russia).
SECO/WARWICK Worldwide manufactures industrial heat processing equipment including heat treat furnaces, vacuum furnace technology, atmosphere generators and aluminum reverb melting and holding systems. SECO/WARWICK provides heat treating equipment and services worldwide for customers involved with primary aluminum, aluminum recycling, automotive, aerospace, commercial heat treating, fuel cells, HVAC, electronics, lighting, medical equipment, nuclear applications and high temperature sintering. The globally integrated organization includes SECO/WARWICK Corp. in the USA, SECO/WARWICK S.A., ELTERMA S.A. and SECO/WARWICK (Tianjin) Industrial Furnace Co. Ltd. The company has over 600 employees worldwide and is an industry leader in industrial heat processing equipment and processes. More information can be found at www.secowarwick.com.
(March 7 - morning update #2) - One day after announcing a horizontal vacuum furnace order from a Southeastern metals manufacturer, Solar Manufacturing is back with an announcement of an order for two more vacuum furnaces, these for a Northwestern powder metal supplier. Here's today's PR:
Souderton, PA – Solar Manufacturing has received an order for two new horizontal vacuum furnaces from a major powder metal supplier in the North Western region of the United States.
The furnaces will feature molybdenum shielded hot zones for operating temperatures up to 1450°C, with the work zones measuring 24" wide x 24" x 48" deep and a gross load capacity of 2,000 pounds. Molybdenum heating elements will heat work loads rapidly, meeting AMS 2750D specifications, while improved molybdenum gas nozzles will direct quench gas on to the work load for optimum gas cooling. A newly designed, external gas quench system will consist of a 10 HP motor, fan wheel, heat exchanger and diffuser with the pumping system being used for high vacuum applications up to 10-6 Torr.
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. Download sales literature at www.solarmfg.com.
Selas Heat Technology Launches New Web Site
(March 7 - morning update) - Selas Heat Technology has just launched a new web site that improves navigation and usability. Selas has been around for over a century and provides a wide range of heating products to numerous industries. Here's their PR:
Montgomeryville, PA - Selas Heat Technology Co. LLC today launched their new web site at www.selas.com. In redesigning the site, the goal was to significantly improve navigation and usability for both new and existing customers. Its other main objective was to update the company's image and brand promise while also capitalizing on the firm's long-time reputation and core competencies.
The new web site features detailed content and specifications on Selas'
burner products, pre-mix combustion systems, gas blender valves, brazing systems and furnaces. This content is critical to companies using all types of industrial thermal processing systems. The new site also facilitates matching the proper thermal processing components with market applications.
Because Selas components are widely used in a broad range of the company's installed base across the globe, the new site's aftermarket support services section has been improved to make it easy for users to get the help they need.
Selas Heat Technology Company LLC has been dedicated to providing quality heat technology solutions since 1896. In that time, Selas has served the advanced thermal processing needs of tens of thousands of customers, providing radiant and low NOx burners, combustion gas mixers, gas blender valves, flame arrestors and blowouts, BTU monitors and controls, flow meters, heat processing furnaces, and much more. Selas delivers heat technology solutions to the glass, steel, non-ferrous metals, chemical, petrochemical, automotive, and plastics industries with the highest quality products, customer service and aftermarket support.
For more information, contact Van Mai, Marketing Manager, Selas Heat Technology Company LLC., 130 Keystone Drive, Montgomeryville, PA 18936
Jay Poko
Director, Account Services
Praxis Communications
215-947-2080 x 16 jpoko@praxisagency.com
SECO/WARWICK Vacuum Furnace Order from Bodycote France
(March 7 - morning update) - Our second SECO/WARWICK PR of the day covers a new vacuum furnace for Bodycote's Neuilly en Thelle facility in France. Here is the PR:
Bodycote’s Neuilly en Thelle, France facility will expand their vacuum heat treatment capabilities with the purchase of a 2,000 kg (4,400 pound) capacity top loading Vacuum Furnace with 6 Bar Gas Quenching. The custom engineered system will be equipped with an all metal uniform zone 1200 mm (47“) in diameter by 4500 mm (14’9”) high.
The furnace will be equipped with a 6 Bar orbital cooling system that provides uniform gas distribution during the cooling cycle which is particularly important in multi-layer and large loads for commercial heat treating. This system is equipped with a fully automated controlled system and will meet CE mark requirements.
About Bodycote
The Bodycote Group is the world’s leading supplier of specialist testing and thermal processing services – a vital provider of heat treatments, hot isostatic pressing, metallurgical coatings and testing services to the metals industry. The Neuilly en Thelle location currently provides a variety of vacuum and atmosphere services focused on Aerospace. For more information, visit http://www.bodycote.com.
New SECO/WARWICK Pit Furnaces Installed by Elterma
(March 7 - morning update) - SECO/WARWICK appears to be starting the new year off with bang. Today we have two press releases on new furnace orders. The first is for pit furnaces destined for Germany and Spain here's the SECO/WARWICK PR and a photo of a Typical Pit Furnace, ELTERMA S.A., SECO/WARWICK Group.:
ELTERMA SA, SECO/WARWICK Group began 2007 with multiple orders for controlled atmosphere Pit furnaces:
Germany
A German producer of CNC machine tools has purchased two pit furnaces, the first with a load diameter of 2000 mm (78 inches) rated at 8000 kg (17,637 pounds), and the second unit is 3200 mm (125 inches) in diameter, rated at 20,000 kg (44,092 pounds). Both furnaces are used for carburizing various sizes of gears and shafts for machine building as well as for the marine industry.
Technology Contact: Paul Huber, Global Team Leader - 814-332-8497 - phuber@secowarwick.com
Europe: Beata Tustanowska, Marketing Coordinator - ELTERMA S.A. Seco/Warwick Group Poland - Direct phone no + 48 68 3819 804 - B.Tustanowska@elterma.com.pl
Solar Receives Horizontal Vacuum Furnace Order
(March 6 - morning update) - Looks like another good order for Solar Manufacturing. This one comes from an undisclosed "major metals manufacturer" in the Southeastern U.S. Here's their PR:
Souderton, PA - A major metal manufacturer in the South Eastern region of the United States has placed an order with Solar Manufacturing for a new vacuum furnace.
The furnace features a high efficiency, all graphite insulated hot zone for operating temperatures up to 2850°F, with the work zone measuring 36” wide x 36” high x 48” deep and a gross load capacity of 3500 pounds. Thin-profile, curved graphite heating elements will heat work loads rapidly, meeting AMS 2750D specifications, while improved, tapered graphite gas nozzles will direct quench gas on to the work load for optimum gas cooling. A diffusion pumping system is used for high vacuum applications up to 10-6 Torr. The newly designed, external gas quench system will consist of a 50 HP motor, fan wheel, heat exchanger, and diffuser.
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. Download sales literature at www.solarmfg.com.
Bodycote Rejects Unsolicited Takeover Offer
(March 2 - afternoon update) - A few weeks back we reported on rumors (published in the Financial Times of London) that a private equity group, Apax Partners, was interested in buying Bodycote. Well it turns out that rumor wasn't quite right.
It turns out that a Swiss firm, Sulzer, made an unsolicited offer of 325p per share for Bodycote that was flatly rejected today (Friday). Bodycote started the day at about 260p per share but ended up close to the offering price at about 315p per share.
Sulzer now says it may make a hostile bid.
You can read the news on Bloomberg. Here's Bodycote's official rejection:
“The board believes that the unsolicited, conditional and unwelcome proposal as announced significantly undervalues the group and its prospects and therefore has been rejected,” Bodycote said on Friday.
AK Steel Middletown, OH - Tentative Agreement to End Strike Reached...after 365 days!
(March 1 - evening update) - A full year of striking workers at AK Steel's Middletown works may finally be coming to a close. The company and union leaders reached a tentative agreement to end the strike today and ballots have gone out to union members for ratification.
The 54-month deal has "wins" for both sides in this long dispute. Among them the workers get a secured pension plan, lower health care costs and a guaranteed 40-hour work week. The company gets the right to contract out certain work and a much simplified job class/pay scale system.
We'll post more details as we receive them.
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