Cleveland, OH, December 17, 2020 – SIFCO ASC, the global leaders of selective electroplating, has recently been awarded its ISO 14001:2015 certificate, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability.
An internationally recognized standard, ISO 14001:2015 addresses various aspects of environmental management and recognizes companies that identify and control their environmental effect across a variety of areas. SIFCO ASC completed its Phase 1 Audit with Smither’s Quality Management, showcasing how it follows the standard’s framework, which encompasses the products’ entire lifecycle, rather than just its production.
SIFCO ASC met the strict criteria of the standard by taking measures to reduce energy consumption at its US Headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. Savings have been generated by reductions in electrical usage by switching to LED lights, reducing the amount of hazardous waste produced, actively monitoring bottle usage, as well the amount of paper used throughout the office.
Darrin Radatz, Environmental Health and Safety Manager for SIFCO ASC said, “Voluntarily maintaining a Quality and Environmental Management System to ISO standards helps us understand how we can minimize our impact the environment, comply with government regulations, continuously improve and crucially, be as sustainable as possible.
“An audit conducted 18 months ago of our environmental management system revealed that we had already made several positive changes, such as using low energy LED lighting, reducing compressed air use, recycling plastic and cardboard, reusing packaging, and ensuring that all electrical equipment is turned off when it is not being utilized. Since that audit, we have made additional changes to the way we operate, which has led to SIFCO ASC being awarded the ISO 14001:2015 standard for environmental management.”
A Quaker Houghton company, SIFCO ASC provides practical, cost-effective selective electroplating solutions to improve part performance and reduce manufacturing costs through corrosion protection, increased wear resistance, increased hardness, improved conductivity, anti-galling and more. Working in sectors such as aerospace, oil and gas, power generation, general industry and marine to name a few, SIFCO ASC’s contract services, chemical solutions and equipment has been utilized for over 50 years on both OEM components and on parts requiring refurbishment.
“We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts and it is testament to our commitment to improving the efficiency of our operations and the wider focus on our environmental credentials,” said Radatz. “As part of our continuous improvement program and dedication to environmental management, our aim is to further reduce our energy consumption, plastic use, and hazardous waste generated from our chemical processes.”
As a global aerospace manufacturing company which specializes in complex aerospace components for demanding applications, Polamer Precision has a strong focus on quality.
Following working with SIFCO ASC on a plating application for an engine component for many years, the company harnessed the expertise of SIFCO ASC’s engineers to bring the process in-house. The move helps Polamer to increase throughput, save costs and ensure complete ownership of the quality management process.
Selective plating in the aerospace industry
Aerospace components need to be able to withstand friction, high temperatures and corrosive environments while continuing to operate at optimum levels. Performance and reliability of components are paramount, while stringent regulations and market competition mean that manufacturers need to find innovative solutions to fulfil requirements.
Selective plating offers a method of electroplating localized areas without the use of an immersion tank. When compared with traditional tank plating methods, the process uses a lower volume of chemicals, offering a reduced environmental impact at a lower cost. Deposits have excellent adhesion and can be plated at rates that are 30 to 60 times faster than conventional tank plating.
Custom plating workstation
Thomas Chapman, Northeast Sales Manager at SIFCO ASC, said: “The process was previously completed by one of our network of job shops, which undertook the plating process from start to finish.
“In order to increase throughput, shorten lead-times and meet increased demand, we worked with the team at Polamer Precision to specify and install a custom workstation, enabling them to incorporate the process into their own production line.”
The workstation itself is constructed of heavy-duty, chemical resistant polypropylene and is designed with operator comfort and ease of use in mind. The work surface is designed to accommodate auxiliary equipment, including the AeroNikl® Flow System which is used for this particular application.
The in-house facility also features tooling and mounting fixtures, including programmable control software for the power pack which has been designed to identify and reduce special cause variation and reduce re-work.
Programmable control software and Process Control Tracking
The programmable control software allows Polamer to monitor and control the process in two ways. First, it gives them the ability to passively monitor the process by manually adjusting the volts, amps and ampere hours. For tighter process control, the software also facilitates active programming of all steps, mitigating the likelihood of operator error.
In bath plating control processes, similar types of process control tracking software packages are often limited to monitoring per batch of parts. What is unique about SIFCO ASC’s process control tracking is that unlike bath plating, it monitors plating parameters per plating surface.
Accordingly, not only can Polamer collect process control data on a part-by-part basis, they can further collect specific information on the surfaces on individual parts. Achieving this more granular level of data collection allows Polamer Precision to continually implement incremental improvements to its quality management program (QMP).
The benefits of bringing the process in-house
Derek Waszczuk, VP of Operations at Polamer Precision, explains: “By bringing our plating operation in-house, we’ve been able to double our output and reduce lead time by eliminating the need to ship products to an outside supplier.
“Strict quality control is a key facet of our operations. The system gives us complete ownership of the manufacturing and quality control process, from raw material through to delivery, allowing us to better serve our customers.”
For more about SIFCO ASC and its solutions, please visit www.sifcoasc.com.
SIFCO ASC, the world’s leading selective electroplating specialist, are staying operational to support key industries with their vital maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) projects.
The steadily increasing impact of the COVID-19 virus is creating an unprecedented situation across the world. To help tackle the pandemic and keep crucial sectors like power generation, oil and gas, aerospace, military and marine on-line, SIFCO ASC’s sites remain open under social distancing guidelines.
SIFCO ASC’s teams around the world are closely monitoring the situation and following governmental advice on medical, social, and commercial matters to best protect all those that they work with. Only key maintenance engineers and selective plating technicians are on-site at SIFCO ASC’s locations in the US, UK, France and Sweden, while all non-critical office staff are working remotely.
Chic Allen, General Manager at SIFCO ASC, said “We know that the COVID-19 situation is causing a lot of uncertainty for people and businesses across the world. At this time, we want to make sure that we can ease this anxiety and provide the support where needed.
“By remaining operational, we are still able to take on repair projects at our sites, and we are shipping our solutions to trades across the world so that crucial repairs can be done. For industries like power generation, this is critical, as otherwise generators risk unexpected failures if not maintained, which can then go on to affect electricity supplies.”
SIFCO ASC ships its solutions and repair kits globally, including the Americas, Africa, EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. Bespoke customer electroplating solutions are still being fulfilled, while the company is working with its logistics partners to maintain its standard three-day turnaround where feasible.
Operating from seven sites across the world, customers can access SIFCO ASC’s dedicated support and research and development teams at:
Norfolk, Virginia, US
Houston, Texas, US
Cleveland, Ohio, US
East Windsor, Connecticut, US
Bromsgrove, West Midlands, UK
Saint-Thibault-des-Vignes, Seine-et-Marne, France
Rättvik, Sweden
“This is a rapidly evolving incident, so we are all working incredibly hard to react to it and ensure we can lessen the impact wherever possible. All our sales staff and quality management team are still contactable for customers with individual enquiries,” said Allen.
“We also know that economies have been hit hard, so by being able to repair and salvage machinery where possible, we hope we can help reduce capital outlay and lower costs in these extraordinary times.”
For more information and to contact SIFCO ASC, please email info@sifcoasc.com
All SIFCO ASC locations are currently open and staffed to support our customers in this challenging time.
We are following all guidance provided by national, state and local governments and working closely with our suppliers and customers to mitigate business interruption wherever possible.
We have plans in place to respond to this rapidly developing situation and will update our website to reflect any changes to this guidance.
At this year’s ELECTRIC POWER Expo (April 14-17), SIFCO ASC – the world leading supplier of selective plating technology and solutions – will be profiling the SIFCO Process® and raising awareness of the portability of selective plating for surface enhancement within the power industry.
ELECTRIC POWER Expo, hosted at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado, is the premier conference and exhibition supporting power generation in North America and across the globe. SIFCO ASC will be on stand to talk with delegates about the SIFCO Process® and discuss how it can be used to apply adherent, high quality deposits onto localized areas. The process requires minimal disassembly and minimal masking, helping to reduce downtime and minimize repair times.
The SIFCO ASC team will also be showcasing its Silver Non-Cyanide solution. The solution provides a superior quality deposit that can be applied in the shop or anywhere in the field without the hazards associated with traditional cyanide silvers.
Mark Meyer, North America Sales Manager at SIFCO ASC, said: “There are numerous challenges facing power generation and product facilities as they relate to operation and maintenance of generators and turbines. Issues of wear, corrosion, fretting and conductivity must all be addressed, and while there are various methods available for repair, selective plating is often overlooked.
“This show is one of the highlights of the year for us and we look forward to discussing with delegates how the use of selective plating and the SIFCO Process® can reduce downtime and improve efficiencies.”
Visit SIFCO ASC at the exhibition at booth 720. To find out more about SIFCO ASC, visit: www.sifcoasc.com.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About SIFCO ASC
SIFCO Applied Surface Concepts (SIFCO ASC) is the global leader in selective plating solutions. A Quaker Houghton company, at SIFCO ASC we provide practical, cost-effective selective brush plating solutions to improve part performance and reduce manufacturing costs through corrosion protection, increased wear resistance, increased hardness, improved conductivity, anti-galling or slip.
Our surface enhancement technologies and brush plating services have been utilised for over 50 years on both OEM components and on parts requiring refurbishment in the aerospace, oil and gas, general industry and power generation sectors. Visit www.sifcoasc.com to find out more about SIFCO ASC and our solutions.
About Quaker Houghton
Quaker Houghton (NYSE: KWR) is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a robust presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world’s most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, can, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services.
With 4,000 employees, including chemists, engineers and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, located near Philadelphia in the United States. Visit www.quakerhoughton.com to learn more.
Quaker Houghton (NYSE: KWR) has closed its previously announced acquisition of the operating divisions of Norman Hay plc, a private UK company that provides specialty chemicals, operating equipment, and services to industrial end markets, for a purchase price of 80 million GBP (~$98 million at today’s rates), subject to post-closing adjustments. Prior to close, Quaker Houghton received German regulatory approval as required.
The Company continues to expect the acquired divisions to have 2019 revenues of ~63 million GBP (~$77 million at today’s rates) and adjusted EBITDA of ~11.3 million GBP (~$13.9 million at today’s rates). The purchase price represents a multiple of ~7.1x of the divisions’ projected 2019 adjusted EBITDA.
Michael F. Barry, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Quaker Houghton, said, “We are very excited to close the acquisition of the operating divisions of Norman Hay plc and believe that this acquisition adds new technologies with good growth characteristics in attractive core market segments with high barriers to entry such as die casting, automotive OEM and aerospace. We also believe it provides a strategic opportunity to take advantage of external market trends such as the light-weighting of vehicles and 3D printing where we have the opportunity to leverage our global footprint and complementary geographic strengths. In addition, Norman Hay’s engineering expertise, which includes robotics applications, strengthens the existing equipment solutions platform inside Quaker Houghton and further positions the company for Industry 4.0.”
Norman Hay plc was established in 1946 as a decorative electroplating business and has evolved into a global specialty chemicals sealant, surface coatings and engineering group. The company is headquartered at its modern, state of the art production facility in Coventry, England. The company has approximately 400 employees with production and R&D facilities across Europe and the United States. For additional information regarding the Norman Hay operating divisions, please visit:
Non-GAAP Measures
The information included in this public release references certain non-GAAP (unaudited) financial measures. The Company presents EBITDA, which is calculated as net income attributable to the Company before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, net, and taxes on income before equity in net income of associated companies. The Company also presents adjusted EBITDA, which is calculated as EBITDA plus or minus certain items that are not indicative of future operating performance or not considered core to the Company’s operations. The non-GAAP figures of Norman Hay plc’s adjusted EBITDA referenced in this release were calculated in accordance with the Company’s methodologies. The Company believes the non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information as they enhances a reader’s understanding of the financial performance of the Company and the acquisition, are more indicative of future operating performance of the Company, and facilitate a better comparison among fiscal periods, as the non-GAAP financial measures exclude items that are not indicative of future operating performance or not considered core to the Company’s or the acquisition’s operations. Non-GAAP results are presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, intentions, financial condition, results of operations, future performance, and business, including but not limited to statements relating to the contemplated acquisition described above, our current and future results and plans, and statements that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such statements. A major risk is that demand for the Company’s products and services is largely derived from the demand for its customers’ products, which subjects the Company to uncertainties related to downturns in a customer’s business and unanticipated customer production shutdowns. Other major risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, significant increases in raw material costs, customer financial stability, worldwide economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations, significant changes in applicable tax rates and regulations, future terrorist attacks and other acts of violence. Furthermore, the Company is subject to the same business cycles as those experienced by steel, automobile, aircraft, appliance, and durable goods manufacturers. Our forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about the Company and its operations that are subject to change based on various important factors, some of which are beyond our control. These risks, uncertainties, and possible inaccurate assumptions relevant to the Company’s business could cause its actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results.
Other factors, including those related to the acquisition described above, could also adversely affect us including, but not limited to:
potential adverse effects on the Company’s business, properties or operations caused by the implementation of the acquisition;
the company’s ability to promptly, efficiently and effectively integrate the acquired business’ operations with those of the Company;
risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the acquisition; and
the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the companies following announcement of the acquisition and transactions contemplated in the related purchase agreement.
Therefore, we caution you not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. For more information regarding these risks and uncertainties as well as certain additional risks that we face, you should refer to the Risk Factors detailed in Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as amended, and in our quarterly and other reports filed from time to time with the SEC. We do not intend to, and we disclaim any duty or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events or for any other reason. This discussion is provided as permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
About Quaker Houghton
Quaker Houghton (NYSE: KWR) is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a robust presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world’s most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, can, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services. With 4,000 employees, including chemists, engineers and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, located near Philadelphia in the United States. Quaker Houghton will host an Investor Day on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 in New York City at the New York Stock Exchange. Visit quakerhoughton.com to learn more.
On July 7, SIFCO Applied Surface Concepts (ASC) acquired the assets of Liquid Development Company (LDC). Headquartered in Cleveland, OH, LDC has supplied selective (brush) plating chemicals and equipment throughout the US, Europe, Africa, Asia, Canada, China, the Middle East and South America since 1978.
SIFCO ASC’s first priority is uninterrupted access to the products, pricing and service to which LDC customers are familiar. LDC customers can expect “business as usual” following the acquisition, with many of highly knowledgeable LDC team members joining SIFCO ASC to support the continuity of LDC business.
SIFCO ASC has a passion for customer service and assures that customers will experience no disruption to quality or support. SIFCO ASC U.S. General Manager, Chic Allen, believes that the acquisition of LDC aligns with SIFCO ASC’s vision and enhances our ability to deliver value to our customers, partners and employees. The acquisition accelerates SIFCO ASC’s goal to significantly grow the company and widen our industry leadership through superior execution, differentiation and customer satisfaction.
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