Thresher Industries in Production at New Plant

Thresher Industries, a metal-matrix composite diecaster, has started producing components on a commercial scale at its new casting operation in Hanford, CA. “We have converted our melting furnaces to run on propane fuel, reducing emissions and furthering our green mission,” the company explained in a statement, adding that it is manufacturing agricultural equipment components using a 100% recycled MMC material specially developed for the application. “This material is designed not only to lighten the product, which allows for farmers to use less fuel, but it is also a highly wear-resistant material giving longevity to their product,” according to the announcement. “Due to the success of this material this is one of the largest production orders we have received from this customer.” In March, Thresher announced it was discontinuing production of aluminum diecastings to concentrate instead on its ThermaLite aluminum-ceramic composite material as the basis for prototyping and high-volume series production. In September, the producer reported it had relocated to a new, 10,000-ft ² plant in Hanford, that is more energy-efficient than the former location nearby. The new plant also has a dedicated metallurgical lab. Thresher said that the success of its MMC material for agricultural equipment has it planning to pursue higher levels of production and material sales in that market during 2012.