Sulzer Metco Completes Extensive Expansion of Worldwide Production Facilities
Significant investment in manufacturing capabilities bolsters company's position as a single source for thermal spray, laser cladding and welding materials, services and process solutions
Westbury, NY - Sulzer Metco, the global leader in surface engineering solutions and services, will be highlighting its thermal spray technology, as well as new and existing brazing, laser cladding and weld overlay products at FABTECH in Chicago from November 14 through 17, 2011 (Booth #5102). The company today announced the completion of major expansions to its manufacturing facilities located in Germany, Canada, and the United States.
The expansion included globally implementing lean manufacturing initiatives, automating various production lines, and adding advanced equipment in order to introduce new products to market and boost the overall quality, speed, and efficiency of its existing offerings. Driven by growing demand for thermal spray, laser cladding, welding materials and surface solutions across various industrial markets, the expansion bolsters the company's reach through comprehensive product and service offerings, greater supply chain security, an increased sales force, and a wider range of sales channels.
"The completion of these global expansion projects allow Sulzer Metco to increase overall capacity and expand its portfolio of coating products and services for markets we've supported for many years, as well as new growth markets," says Friedrich Herold, Executive Vice President -Materials Business. "This latest round of expansions is just one area where we are continuing to make investments to provide our customers with a single source for fast and reliable delivery of high quality products and services at competitive prices, supporting their growth as well as our own."
The enhancements to its manufacturing facilities have allowed Sulzer Metco to broaden key powder and wire product lines. For example, a new generation of abradable thermal spray powders was introduced for industrial gas and steam turbine customers, providing improved engine efficiency, safety and performance. In ceramics, a new line of agglomerated and sintered powders was developed to provide a range of materials options for the aerospace and industrial gas turbine industries. To meet emerging applications in medical, electronics, and alternative energy industries, Sulzer Metco developed new ceramic powders for coatings that create uniquely specialized surfaces. In the metals and alloys area, the company expanded its product offerings for the aero, industrial and automotive markets. In addition, new carbides were developed, enabling increased wear and corrosion protection for oil and gas, aerospace, heavy machinery, paper and agricultural applications. Finally, the company's wire portfolio was extended to provide customizable solutions for boiler and paper industrial applications.
The expansion has allowed Sulzer Metco to increase its process offerings. In addition to thermal spray, new computerized welding processes have emerged as metal inert gas (MIG) and plasma transferred arc (PTA) welding, brazing, and laser cladding. Sulzer Metco developed a leading position with new metallic and carbide material solutions for these processes, including the MetcoClad(TM) portfolio of products for laser clad applications in the oil and gas, heavy machinery, industrial gas turbine and aerospace industries.
In addition to coating products and processes, Sulzer Metco increased its ability to meet demand in emerging markets, expanding its sales force in China and India, as well as strengthening its direct sales presence in Brazil, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Finally, the company strengthened its direct key account sales force in major industrial centers, and launched in October an online shop that offers materials and spare parts for the Americas Region in an initial phase.
"Sulzer Metco recognized the need to serve its new and existing customers with an expanded sales presence and broader range of channels in mature and emerging markets around the world," according to Howard Lang, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing. "An expanded global sales presence, including direct sales capabilities in industrial centers, provides customers with fast and reliable service."
About Sulzer Metco
Sulzer Metco is a global leader in surface engineering solutions and services, offering a broad range of thermal spray, thin film and other advanced surface technology equipment. Sulzer Metco also offers integrated systems and materials, specialized coating and surface enhancement services, and manufactured components for select industries. Sulzer Metco provides a comprehensive manufacturing, distribution and service network, catering to aviation, power generation, automotive, and other strategic growth industries. For more information, please visit www.sulzermetco.com.
