Heat Exchanger World Magazine December 2024 | Page 6

Community Update

Sharing good news from the heat exchanger community and wider industry ....
Kanthal wins Sweden ’ s most prestigious energy prize
Kanthal , a division of Alleima Group , has won the E-prize in energy optimization from E . ON , Dagens Industri , and Aktuell Hållbarhet . The award recognizes Swedish companies driving energy and climate transitions . Kanthal was honored for its innovative approach to a 90-year-old invention , enabling fossil-free industrial processes through high-temperature electrification . The jury praised Kanthal as a global leader in sustainable industrial electrification , citing its contributions to fossil-free steel production and sustainable manufacturing of solar cells and batteries . Kanthal ’ s electric heating technology replaces fossil fuels in industries like steel , glass , and semiconductors , reducing emissions and improving efficiency . Kanthal President Robert Ståhl emphasized the potential for emission reductions globally , while Sustainability Manager Nicolai Schaaf highlighted the role of Kanthal ’ s solutions in advancing fossil-free electricity . Industrial heating accounts for 10 % of global CO 2 emissions , and Kanthal ’ s products are instrumental in addressing this challenge , fostering a cleaner , more sustainable future .
Cogne Acciai Speciali acquires Mannesmann Stainless Tubes
Plibrico unveils new production facility in Oak Hill
Cogne Acciai Speciali , one of the leading manufacturers of stainless steel and nickel alloys , has completed the acquisition of Mannesmann Stainless Tubes GmbH from Salzgitter AG . This acquisition was finalized yesterday following approval from all relevant authorities , marking a significant step forward in Cogne ’ s strategic expansion . Mannesmann Stainless Tubes , with its subsidiaries and operating facilities across Germany , France , Italy , and the United States , specializes in the production and global distribution of seamless stainless steel and nickel
alloy tubes and pipes . Its high-quality products serve a prestigious , global client base , further elevating Cogne ’ s market presence . Massimiliano Burelli , CEO of Cogne Acciai Speciali , stated : “ With this new acquisition we realize a further step in our strategy , which brings us a historic player in the seamless tube market , whose upstream integration with Cogne will make it even more competitive . Upon joining the Group , the company will be renamed DMV to strengthen the conditions of excellence and entrepreneurship that have made it great .”
Plibrico celebrated a major milestone with the grand opening of its new production facility in Oak Hill , Ohio , during the GO LIVE Showcase . The two-day event featured a dedication ceremony , training sessions , and facility tours , with guests including Ohio State Senator Shane Wilkin and local leaders . The new facility highlights Plibrico ’ s commitment to growth , innovation , and excellence in the refractory industry . Training sessions covered safety , refractory performance , and innovative materials , providing
attendees with actionable insights and live demonstrations of gunning techniques . Guests toured the state-of-the-art facility , showcasing advanced technologies and expanded production capabilities . Brad Taylor , President and CEO , emphasized the facility as a symbol of Plibrico ’ s future-focused mission , addressing growing industry demands while strengthening ties with the Oak Hill community . The event reaffirmed Plibrico ’ s dedication to collaboration , innovation , and its role as a trusted leader in the thermal processing sector .
Munters acquires Hotraco and strengthens its position in Europe
Munters has agreed to acquire Hotraco , a leading Dutch developer of control systems and sensors for agriculture , enhancing Munters ’ FoodTech portfolio . This aligns with its strategy to build a digital ecosystem leveraging data platforms and software for sustainable food production . Hotraco specializes in premium automation systems for poultry , layer , greenhouses , and crop storage , expanding Munters ’ food supply chain offerings . “ This acquisition complements our market-leading position and supports our digital
FoodTech strategy ,” says Klas Forsström , Munters CEO . With over 45,000 controllers across 50 countries , Hotraco strengthens Munters ’ European presence and enriches its data ecosystem . “ It enables AIdriven analytics to optimize sustainability , yield , and animal welfare ,” adds Pia Brantgärde Linder , President of FoodTech . Founded in 1974 , Hotraco employs 140 people , with 2023 net sales of MSEK 465 ( MEUR 41 ). The acquisition , financed through existing credit facilities , is expected to close in Q4 2024 .
6 Heat Exchanger World December 2024 www . heat-exchanger-world . com