Company profile

Business idea
The business aim of Bodycote Powdermet is to lead the expansion of the market for hot isostatic pressing (HIP), by manufacturing, developing and marketing HIP components, selling HIP-manufactured steel and densification of cast items.

History
At the end of the 1970s the development department of ASEA, together with the Surahammar works, began a co-operative venture with the aim of creating a powder technique that would be able to replace forging. In 1981 the project was incorporated as a company into ASEA. The present owner took over at the end of 1994.

Ownership
Bodycote Powdermet AB is owned by Bodycote International, a British company that is quoted on the UK stock exchange. The Metal Technology Division of which Bodycote Powdermet is a part covers heat treatment, coatings, a material testing service, HIP and powder metallurgy. This Division accounts for 95% of the Group turnover.

The HIP method
Production from molten metal to final powder metallurgic product using the HIP (hot isostatic pressing) method is in three stages. First metal powder is created, by atomising a stream of molten metal. Then a thin sheet metal capsule is made, in which to hold the powder. Finally the powder is compacted to obtain a 100% dense material.

Products
The products consist of semi-finished parts for the process equipment or engineering industries, replacing conventionally produced forged or cast items, and "HIP"-type high speed or tool steel.

Product development
Bodycote Powdermet is aiming at a wide range of applications within the engineering industry, where production costs could be reduced by using the HIP method.

Market
The products can be used within power generation, exemplified by turbine disks and blade rings, and also detail parts for high speed separators in the food and process industries. In addition offshore industry items such as flanges, pipe fittings and valve bodies.

Market share
World-wide, 80% of the volume manufactured using HIP technology to produce semi-finished goods.

Export
The export share is over 75%. The principal markets are Norway, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, the USA and South America.

Customers
ABB Stal and ABB Isy, Alfa Laval, Avesta, Kanthal and Kockums, along with several oil companies and process suppliers to the oil industry.

Organisation
The head office and production plant are located in Surahammar, Sweden, about 20 km north of Västerås. The company has 60 or so employees.

Turnover MSEK 90 (1996), US$ 12.2 million.
MSEK 95 in the 1997 budget, US$ 12.8 m

Managing Director Per Hasselström

Marketing Manager Carl-Gustaf Hjorth

Address Bodycote Powdermet AB
Box 209, SE-735 23 Surahammar, Sweden
Tel +46 (0)220 348 00
Fax +46 (0)220 331 18