The Applied Process Inc. plant in Livonia, MI, has been expanded to accommodate an increasing volume of materials needing thermal processing. “Business levels demanded more, and smarter, use of real estate at AP, including warehouse and office space,” the commercial heat-treating company explained.
AP specializes in the austempering process, in which ferrous parts are heated in a controlled atmosphere and then quenched in a molten salt bath to achieve a desired structural quality without scaling.
The company detailed that it was able to increase the total square footage of its Michigan operation to 5,500 sq.ft., including additional office space and a classroom and conference area.
Modifications were made to the plant, too. “Not only do we want to make sure we are able to be everything our customers need,” said Chris Bixler, principal process engineer, “but we want to provide a quality work environment for our employees.”
Some of the improvements reduced process noise, while others improved process temperature regularity.
AP said the changes follow updates to its Oshkosh, WI, plant, completed in 2011. In that project, AP installed the world’s largest integral atmosphere batch furnace, for heat treating large components or for greater throughput of current part designs.
“We are always working to ensure that Applied Process remains a world class company,” Bixler said. “The added efficiency that was gained from these projects will only help AP moving into the future.”