This follows the companies’ decision in 2010 to create a new special metals and technology division in order to grow its non-steel industry business. The new division, which started business at the beginning of 2011, will focus on magnesium metal powders and technology for chemical, countermeasures, ordinance, welding and other applications.
Construction for the first phase of the US$7 million+ new facility, a 4200 ft2 building, began in October 2010 with production to commence in the second quarter of 2011. The atomization plant will produce fine and ultrafine spherical magnesium powders, used for military countermeasures (flares) that are used to protect aircraft from missiles. Exact particle size and particle shape control are critical for the proper function of these countermeasures. ESM says that this project that will provide the US Department of Defense with a much-needed second source for these critical applications.
ESM SMT plans on commencing production in the middle of 2011 and will make test shipments to customers early in the 3rd quarter of 2011.
