Carpenter Technology Plans Superalloy Power Facility Near Newly Completed Athens, Alabama, Plant
01/28/2014
The manufacturer’s recently completed Athens premium metals plant facility includes remelting, forging and associated finishing capabilities along with testing services. Designed with modern technology and optimum product flow to meet customer requirements for reduced lead times, Athens Operations will ultimately be capable of producing approximately 27,000 tons per year of additional premium product, the company said. The facility was built “in response to strong customer demand for premium alloy products primarily in the fast-growing aerospace and energy industries.”
In October the company said it will also build its new superalloy powder facility in Alabama, directly across the street from its $518 million ultra-premium product manufacturing facility near Athens in Limestone County.
The news comes three weeks after Carpenter announced a multi-faceted agreement with United Technologies Corporation, through its Pratt & Whitney Division, which includes licensing technology associated with the production of superalloy powders and a supply agreement for up to 20 years.
The superalloy powder facility is expected to begin production in late 2015. Once the facility is qualified by Pratt & Whitney following construction, Carpenter will supply Pratt & Whitney with superalloy powder for use in aircraft engines. “The capital cost of this project falls within the annual $120 million capital spend guidelines that were previously outlined for the period following the completion of the main Athens plant,” said Tony Thene, Carpenter’s Chief Financial Officer.
“Alabama is proving to be an excellent region for us,” said William A. Wulfsohn, Carpenter’s President & CEO. “There were several reasons why we selected Athens two years ago, including the location being ideal for future growth and expansion. We also remain extremely impressed with our access to a strong pool of skilled workers.”
Global demand for superalloy powder is expected to grow substantially as aircraft engine operating temperatures continue to increase as airlines pursue improvements in fuel efficiency, the company said. Carpenter’s entrance into this market segment reflects its confidence in superalloy powder demand for additional applications such as those used in energy and additive manufacturing. With the addition of the new facility, Carpenter’s Athens Operations is expected to employ 250 people by 2017.
Project Announcements
Jel Sert Company Expands West Chicago, Illinois, Manufacturing Operations
06/16/2025
Technomics Expands Arlington County, Virginia, Operations
06/16/2025
Conveyor Technology Expands North Little Rock, Arkansas, Manufacturing Operations
06/16/2025
Amazon Plans Salem Township-Falls Township, Pennsylvania, Operations
06/16/2025
Sentio BioSciences Expands Maryland Heights, Missouri, Production Operations
06/14/2025
Titan Mechanical Plans Defiance, Ohio, Fabrication Operations
06/12/2025
Most Read
-
First Person: Joe Capes, CEO, LiquidStack
Q2 2025
-
The Legal Limits of DEI in Incentives Agreements, Hiring, and Contracting
Q2 2025
-
39th Annual Corporate & 21st Annual Consultants Surveys: What Business Leaders and Consultants Are Saying About Site Selection
Q1 2025
-
Top States for Doing Business in 2024: A Continued Legacy of Excellence
Q3 2024
-
Navigating the new era of SCIF construction
Q1 2025
-
Rethinking Life Sciences Site Selection in a Resilient and Dynamic Market
Q2 2025
-
Get Your Mega Site ‘Project Ready’
Q2 2025