Carpenter announces location of new superalloy powder facility
October 22, 2013
Carpenter Technology Corporation has announced it plans to build its new superalloy powder facility in Alabama, USA, directly opposite the company’s nearly completed $518 million ultra-premium product manufacturing facility near Athens in Limestone County.
Carpenter recently announced a multi-faceted agreement with United Technologies Corporation (UTC), 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,” stated Tony Thene, Carpenter’s Chief Financial Officer.
“Alabama is proving to be an excellent region for us,” stated 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. Carpenter stated that entrance into this market segment reflects its confidence in superalloy powder demand for additional applications such as those used in energy and additive manufacturing.
