Ametek purchases titanium powder producer Reading Alloys

AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME) has acquired Reading Alloys, a privately held producer of specialty metal powders for a range of markets including Metal Injection Moulding (MIM) and Powder Metallurgy (PM). With annual sales of approximately $80 million, Reading Alloys is a global leader in specialty titanium master alloys and engineered metal powders used in the aerospace, medical implant, military and electronics markets.

‘Reading Alloys is an excellent acquisition. Its titanium master alloys are experiencing outstanding growth driven by increasing demand for titanium in the commercial aerospace, military aerospace and power generation markets,’ stated Frank S. Hermance, AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

‘Reading Alloys’ titanium powders expand our position in customized titanium products, adding to our capabilities in strip and foil products used in medical devices, electronic components and aerospace instruments. As well, Reading Alloys’ metal powder production techniques complement our existing gas and water atomization capabilities,’ adds Mr. Hermance.

Reading Alloys joins AMETEK as part of its Electromechanical Group (EMG). In addition to specialty metal products, EMG is a leader in electrical interconnects, microelectronic packaging, technical motors and systems, and electric motors for floor care and other applications. EMG had 2007 sales of approximately $937 million.

In September 2007 Powder Injection Moulding International Magazine covered Reading Alloys’ $7.2 million expansion of its fine powder manufacturing facility at its corporate headquarters in Robesonia, Pennsylvania, USA (see PIM International September 2007, Vol.1 No.3, p6). This state-of-the-art 25,000ft2 fine powder manufacturing facility was developed as a result of the global demand for high purity titanium powders. The Reading Alloys manufacturing process for titanium powders is based on the Hydride-Dehydride (HDH) route. The new facility featured streamlines the current HDH manufacturing process and significantly increases capacity with the installation of new production equipment.

Continuous development of titanium and other alloy powders has enabled expansion into markets such as coating powders for orthopaedic medical devices, powder metallurgy and metal injection molding applications. Medical grade powders are certified to ASTM F1580-01 chemistry limits.

Interested in developments in titanium processing? Don’t miss the June 2008 issue of Powder Injection Moulding International, scheduled to feature a full review of titanium injection moulding for the medical and dental sectors – subscribe today.

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