Mödling / Göppingen / Düsseldorf. As part of the integration of NITREX, the AICHELIN Group is strengthening the organization of UPC in Germany and further intensifying the integration of its expertise in plant engineering, process control, and digital solutions. With personnel changes at United Process Controls GmbH (UPC Marathon) in Göppingen and at QMULUS in Düsseldorf, the Group is reinforcing its technological focus and responding to the growing importance of digital solutions in the heat treatment industry.

Daniel Panny Appointed Head of UPC
Effective March 1, 2026, Daniel Panny has assumed management of the UPC site in Göppingen. In this role, he holds overall responsibility for the site and has been granted power of attorney (Prokura). At the same time, he continues in his position as Head of Sales Europe at UPC.

Daniel Panny brings more than 20 years of experience in the heat treatment industry and contributes extensive market, industry, and sales expertise to his expanded role. This combination of operational site responsibility and European sales leadership is intended to further strengthen strategic market development and consistently drive the sustainable growth of UPC.
Karl-Michael Winter, who previously served as Managing Director of UPC and in a dual role as VP R&D / Engineering at NITREX Metal, will in the future support the AICHELIN Group’s R&D team as Senior Consultant R&D NITREX, contributing his many years of expertise in development.

Mike Löpke Appointed Head of QMULUS
Effective February 1, 2026, Mike Löpke has taken over the management of QMULUS. This division of the AICHELIN Group focuses on all software-related topics, primarily on the eponymous product “QMULUS,” an IIoT platform. In addition to controlling industrial plants, the platform places an expanded focus on coordination, analysis, and visualization of real-time data. The objective is to create process transparency, identify optimization potential, and enable more efficient plant control, including through the use of AI and machine learning.
In March, the QMULUS development team will open a new office in Düsseldorf, further strengthening proximity to customers and partners in the German market.

Close Integration of Hardware, Process Know-how, and Digital Solutions
UPC specializes in control and automation systems for heat treatment plants and plays a central role within the AICHELIN Group in the further development of digital solutions. In combination with existing process control systems such as FOCOS 4.0 and the cloud-based analytics platform QMULUS, this creates a seamless connection between plant control, automation, and data-driven optimization.

Energy efficiency, process stability, and transparency are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, demand is growing for digital solutions that capture plant conditions in real time and enable predictive optimization.

“With the further development of our organization in Germany, we are creating the conditions to more closely integrate our technology and software expertise. Our ambition is not only to supply individual products, but to deliver holistic solutions along the entire process chain,” says Christian Grosspointner, CEO of the AICHELIN Group. “The combination of proven heat treatment technology, process know-how, and digital IIoT applications is a key element of our strategic direction.”
The structural adjustments are part of the Group-wide organizational development, ensuring clear responsibilities, faster decision-making processes, and stronger collaboration across locations and companies.

About the AICHELIN Group
The AICHELIN Group, headquartered in Mödling near Vienna and part of the Berndorf AG, is one of the world’s leading providers of heat treatment solutions. Its portfolio includes industrial furnaces, industrial heating systems, nitriding systems, control and automation systems, Industry 4.0 solutions, as well as service offerings. The company’s roots date back to 1868. In addition to the traditional AICHELIN brand, the Group includes AFC-Holcroft, SAFED, BOSIO, NOXMAT, and NITREX, making it one of the world’s top three heat treatment companies with around 1,350 employees. The AICHELIN Group operates subsidiaries in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, France, Poland, Turkey, China, India, and the USA. Its global presence is further strengthened by an international sales network. www.aichelin.com

Requests:
Marco Graf-Karnthaler, Marketing & Communication
T: +43 676 83 646-212
E: marco.karnthaler@aichelin.com
www.aichelin.com

The Atmosphere Group has been an operating holding company in the USA for its subsidiaries: AFC- Holcroft, Atmosphere Heat Treating, Inc., and Austemper Inc. (Previously, Austemper Inc. was announced to be consolidating with Atmosphere Heat Treating.) With the addition of new
subsidiaries—Nitrex NTS (Nitrex, G-M Enterprises, and UPC-Marathon)—from a previously announced acquisition, we are pleased to announce that our operations for Region Americas will henceforth operate under a strengthened and unified identity: Aichelin Americas.

Marty Poljan will continue to lead the region as President and CEO of Aichelin Americas. Poljan beganwith the group in 2021 at Atmosphere Heat Treating and, in 2023, assumed the role of President andCEO of the Atmosphere Group.

Aichelin Americas is proud to announce that Tracy Dougherty has been promoted to President of Sales & Service, Aichelin Americas, and Paul Oleszkiewicz to President of Operations, Aichelin Americas. Together, Tracy and Paul bring more than 50 years of leadership experience in the heat-treating industry. Both leaders have distinguished careers in leading high-performing teams and fostering positive company culture. This level of embedded industry experience sends a clear message: while corporate structures and brands evolve, the people responsible for delivering performance, service continuity, and technical accountability remain deeply rooted in the realities of this industry.

With the strategic alignment of Nitrex NTS, AFC-Holcroft, and Atmosphere Heat Treating, Aichelin Americas is not simply expanding—it is reinforcing its long-standing commitment to serve as a trusted technical partner to OEMs, commercial heat treaters, and specialized processors across North and South America.

The team at Aichelin Americas is passionate about providing industry-leading solutions to our equipment and service customers.

“Our customers don’t simply buy equipment—they make a long-term decision about who they can rely on,” says Poljan. “This leadership structure reflects that reality. We are here to be a consistent, service-driven partner—not just at installation, but through every maintenance cycle, modernization, and capacity expansion that follows.”

On the commercial front, Tracy Dougherty, now President of Sales & Service, brings over 17 years of direct sales and customer lifecycle experience from AFC-Holcroft, navigating both OEM furnace projects and aftermarket service partnerships.

“This industry has shifted,” notes Dougherty. “Customers expect more than a transaction—they expect responsive service, modernization support, and clear accountability over the lifespan of their equipment. That’s where our focus is, and where it will remain.”

Delivering on that promise operationally is Paul Oleszkiewicz, President of Operations, whose three decades at Nitrex have been dedicated to engineering execution, process reliability, and technical precision.

“Engineering leadership in heat treating comes down to repeatability and trust,” says Oleszkiewicz. “A furnace isn’t just a product—it’s a long-term production system. Our responsibility is to deliver with consistency and to stand behind that equipment with real technical support.”

As Aichelin Americas continues to align its manufacturing capabilities, aftermarket service network, and engineering resources across its combined brands, customers can expect more than just broader product coverage—they gain access to a leadership team that has lived the operational realities of all things thermal processing.

Information:

Tracy Dougherty – President of Sales and Service
T: 248-892-0556
tdougherty@aichelinamericas.com

Mödling, Austria / Montreal, Canada — Oct 13^th, 2025 — The AICHELIN Group, a global leader in industrial heat treatment equipment and services, has signed an agreement to acquire the Nitrex Heat Treating Solutions (NTS) and UPC-Marathon (UPC) business divisions of Nitrex, a leading manufacturer of industrial furnaces and advanced nitriding technologies.

This strategic acquisition combines two highly complementary portfolios to strengthen AICHELIN Group’s position as a worldwide heat treatment solutions provider. By integrating Nitrex’s renowned expertise in nitriding furnaces and process technologies with AICHELIN’s broad technology offering, the combined group will deliver an unmatched range of heat treatment systems, digital solutions, and global service support.

“We are proud to welcome Nitrex into the AICHELIN Group. Together, we are shaping the future of industrial heat treatment by combining decades of innovation, trusted brands, and customer-driven solutions,” said Christian Grosspointner, CEO of AICHELIN Group.
“This acquisition allows us to expand our global technology portfolio and better serve manufacturers with reliable, energy-efficient, and digitally connected heat treatment solutions.”

With this move, AICHELIN Group reinforces its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and digitalization in the heat treatment industry. Nitrex’s deep process know-how in nitriding and vacuum solutions, combined with UPC-Marathon’s advanced controls and process automation expertise, will further accelerate the development of data-driven, AI-enabled platforms such as QMULUS.ai, enabling customers to optimize performance, efficiency, and cost of ownership.

About AICHELIN Group

AICHELIN Group is one of the world’s leading providers of heat treatment systems, industrial furnaces, and related services. With a strong focus on innovation, energy efficiency, and digitalization, AICHELIN serves customers in the automotive, aerospace, tooling, and general industry sectors across the globe.

About Nitrex

Nitrex is a global provider of heat treatment equipment, technologies, and digital solutions serving aerospace, automotive, energy, and general manufacturing industries. Its portfolio includes advanced nitriding furnaces, vacuum systems, process controls (UPC-Marathon), and QMULUS, a premium AI & ML empowered platform for data-driven production and maintenance optimization.

For more information:
AICHELIN Group | Nitrex

Media Contact:
Frederic Sebag
Frederic.sebag@Nitrex.com
Phone: (514) 335-7191

Grand Rapids, Michigan – 📍 Visit Nitrex at Booth #412 | September 21–24, 2025

Nitrex is proud to announce our participation in this year’s Brake Colloquium & Exhibition, one of the premier events for professionals in the braking industry. Taking place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this event brings together engineers, researchers, and industry leaders to exchange insights and explore new technologies shaping the future of braking systems.

Spotlight on the New Brake Rotor Furnace

At Booth #412, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the new brake rotor ferritic nitrocarburizing (FNC) furnace from Nitrex. Purpose-built for rotor applications, this advanced system enhances wear resistance, extends component lifespan, and improves performance while reducing environmental impact. By combining reliability, efficiency, and precision, Nitrex delivers a solution that addresses the evolving demands of modern transportation.

Connect with Our Experts

Our team of specialists will be on site to answer questions, discuss technical details, and explore how Nitrex technology can support your operations. Whether you are seeking solutions for improved production efficiency, higher-quality parts, or sustainable practices, Nitrex is ready to demonstrate why we are a trusted partner for brake manufacturers worldwide.

Nitrex is committed to advancing the science of heat treatment and driving innovation across the automotive industry. We look forward to connecting with you in Grand Rapids and showcasing our latest contributions to the future of braking technology.

📍 Visit Nitrex at Booth #412 | September 21–24, 2025

Webinar Announcement
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM Eastern | 1:00 PM Central
Sponsors: Nitrex & Linde
MC: Bob Braughler

Register Today👉 click here to register for the webinar

Overview

Heat treatment is at the heart of performance and reliability in today’s most demanding industries — from aerospace and defense to automotive, transportation, gear, and tooling. Behind every process, industrial gases and advanced technologies play a critical role in ensuring consistency, safety, and efficiency.

To shed light on this vital topic, Nitrex and Linde are proud to host a live webinar: “Applications of Heat Treatment Processes: How Gases and Technologies Play a Key Role in Transportation, Aerospace, and Defense.”

Join us as leading experts Jack Kalucki (Nitrex) and Karl Sholtz (Linde) share insights drawn from over 40 years of combined experience across global industrial markets.

What You’ll Learn

Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how gases directly impact the success of critical heat treatment processes. Key discussion points include:

• 🔹 Fundamentals of nitriding and nitrocarburizing processes and their applications in aerospace, automotive, defense, and beyond.

• 🔹 Why ammonia (NH₃) is essential for nitriding, and the roles of nitrogen in purging and safety.

• 🔹 The importance of argon purity in vacuum furnaces and coating furnaces — minimizing oxidation while ensuring stable, consistent performance.

• 🔹 The role of gases in additive manufacturing, cryogenic treatments, and gas supply modes for industrial applications.

This session is designed to help engineers, production managers, and decision-makers understand how proper gas selection and management influence process reliability, product quality, and operational efficiency.

Meet the Speakers

Jack Kalucki
Senior International Account Executive, Nitrex
With over 30 years of experience in nitriding and nitrocarburizing process development, Jack has supported aerospace, automotive, defense, gear, and tooling industries in roles spanning customer service, R&D, technical sales, and heat-treating services. He now serves as a technological advisor to Nitrex customers in North America and Europe.

📧 jack.kalucki@nitrex.com | ☎ (514) 335-7191

Karl Sholtz
Global Commercialization Manager, Linde
Karl brings more than 14 years of expertise in heat treatment, with a background that spans production management in copper and brass to gas applications across multiple heat treatment industries. Holding a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, Karl helps customers leverage gas technologies for performance and efficiency.

📧 karl.sholtz@linde.com | ☎ (716) 879-3193

About the Sponsors

Nitrex is the only fully integrated global player in the surface treatment industry. With more than 40 years of experience across 20+ countries, Nitrex delivers turnkey heat-treat systems, high-end instrumentation, and sustainable technologies. From nitriding and nitrocarburizing to vacuum heat treatment and coatings, Nitrex combines expertise with innovation to help manufacturers achieve superior results.

Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company, providing high-quality gases, technologies, and services to make industries more productive and sustainable. With applications ranging from electronics to clean energy, Linde’s solutions support efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility in every market it serves.

Register Today

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the role of gases in heat treatment and discover how leading technologies from Nitrex and Linde can transform your operations.

Register Today👉 click here to register for the webinar

We’re excited to announce a significant stride in digital transformation within the automotive industry, as a leading European automotive parts manufacturer, based in Finsterwalde, Germany, has successfully implemented Qmulus. This collaboration marks a key step in enhancing their operational efficiency and embracing the future of smart manufacturing.

This client, a prominent player in the automotive sector, chose Qmulus to address their critical need for remote control and robust data collection from their industrial furnaces. Prior to Qmulus, they did not have an existing digital system in place, making this their foundational move towards digitalization.

The decision to partner with Qmulus was influenced by their prior positive experiences and familiarity with UPC-Marathon, a testament to the trust and established relationship we’ve built within the industry.

The initial phase of this implementation connects two critical assets – their belt furnaces – to the Qmulus platform. This integration will enable the client to gain unprecedented visibility and control over their furnace operations, regardless of their physical location. This is particularly crucial for a manufacturing environment where precise control and real-time data are paramount to quality and productivity.

This project is secured by a multi-year Software as a Service (SaaS) contract, highlighting the client’s commitment to a long-term partnership with Qmulus and their investment in a scalable and future-proof solution. While it’s early to report specific improvements in efficiency or cost savings, the foundation has been laid for significant operational advancements. We look forward to sharing updates on their success as they continue to leverage the power of Qmulus.

This collaboration with an automotive industry leader highlights Qmulus’s expanding role in helping manufacturers worldwide embrace smarter, more connected, and more efficient operations.

To learn how Qmulus can support your digital transformation, contact us at Daniel Gonschorek or visit www.qmulus.ai.

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, staying ahead means embracing innovation and digital transformation. For manufacturers relying on precise heat treatment processes, upgrading legacy systems isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about securing a competitive edge and preparing for the future.

This is precisely the journey a prominent Swedish manufacturer of specialized industrial tools embarked upon when they chose to integrate Qmulus into their operations in Fagersta, Sweden.

The Challenge: Modernizing for Enhanced Capabilities

Our client, a leader in the production of high-performance tools for heavy machinery, recognized the need to modernize their heat treatment monitoring and control capabilities. They sought a solution that would offer enhanced data insights, seamless integration, and the robust support needed for their demanding production environment. Their goal was to adopt a more advanced and capable system to drive future efficiencies and growth.

Why Qmulus? A Future-Forward Choice

The decision to partner with Qmulus was driven by several key factors:

• Advanced AI Integration: Qmulus’s capacity for AI integration was a major draw, promising deeper analytical capabilities and smarter operational insights. This aligned perfectly with the client’s vision for a more data-driven future.

• Enhanced Statistics and Reporting: Moving beyond basic monitoring, the client recognized the need for comprehensive statistical analysis to optimize their processes and identify areas for improvement. Qmulus offered the sophisticated reporting they required.

• Seamless System Integration: Qmulus provided a clear and efficient path to upgrade their existing infrastructure without disrupting critical operations, offering superior functionality and future-proofing their technology.

A Significant Step Towards Digitalization

This implementation marks a significant leap forward in our client’s digitalization journey. The project involves connecting 10 assets (automat) across one production line, with a broader scope to eventually cover four production lines in total. The partnership signifies a clear commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for enhanced operational excellence.

By proactively upgrading their systems with Qmulus, this leading manufacturer is not only addressing current operational needs but also laying a strong foundation for future growth and resilience.

Curious how Qmulus can transform your heat treatment process?

Reach out today to explore your options or schedule a demo!

Part I – Revolutionizing Braking: Nitrex Smart ONC® for Euro 7 Compliance and Beyond

The automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by the shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids. As tailpipe emissions decline, attention is turning to non-exhaust sources—particularly brake systems—as significant contributors to particulate pollution. With Euro 7 regulations on the horizon, brake emissions have become a critical challenge.

Traditional braking systems, long trusted for their reliability, are now under scrutiny for generating fine particulate matter through friction and corrosion. Meeting these new standards requires more than compliance—it demands innovation that enhances performance, durability, and sustainability.

The Euro 7 Imperative: Tackling Brake Dust at the Source

Euro 7 introduces strict limits on brake particulate emissions, targeting microscopic particles that often contain heavy metals and pose risks to human health and the environment. This regulatory shift is pushing manufacturers to rethink materials and processes.

Rather than a barrier, Euro 7 is a catalyst for innovation. It challenges the industry to develop braking systems that reduce emissions while maintaining safety, performance, and longevity. Nitrex is meeting this challenge with Smart ONC®—a forward-looking solution that aligns with both regulatory and environmental goals.

Smart ONC®: Advanced Surface Engineering for Modern Braking

At the core of Nitrex’s solution is Smart ONC® (Nitrocarburizing with In-Process Controlled Post-Oxidation)—a dual heat treatment that fundamentally enhances brake rotor surfaces. Unlike conventional coatings, Smart ONC® diffuses nitrogen and carbon into the metal, forming a hard, wear-resistant compound layer. A subsequent post-oxidation step creates a dense, chemically bonded oxide film that boosts corrosion resistance and surface stability.

This process is carried out in Nitrex’s advanced NXL furnace systems, ensuring precise control and consistent quality. The result is a rotor surface that resists wear, corrosion, and thermal distortion—key factors in reducing brake dust and extending service life.

Smart ONC® Rotors: A Cost-Effective, Sustainable Solution

Smart ONC® is designed for mainstream passenger vehicles and light-duty applications, offering a practical path to Euro 7 compliance without the cost or complexity of high-performance solutions. Key benefits include:

• Reduced Brake Dust Emissions
  The hardened surface and oxide layer minimize material loss during braking, significantly cutting particulate emissions—especially when paired with compatible pad materials.

• Superior Corrosion Resistance
  The oxide film protects against rust and environmental wear, ideal for vehicles exposed to moisture, salt, and temperature fluctuations.

• Extended Rotor Life
  Dual-layer protection reduces wear and degradation, lowering maintenance costs and replacement frequency—especially valuable for fleet operators.

• Stable Braking Performance
  While not intended for high-performance sports cars, Smart ONC® rotors deliver consistent, reliable braking under normal driving conditions.

• Environmentally Friendly
  The process avoids toxic chemicals and supports sustainability by reducing waste and raw material consumption.

Heavy-Duty Applications: Alloying Required

While Smart ONC® is highly effective for standard applications, heavy-duty trucks require enhanced materials. Standard rotors are not suitable unless paired with alloyed gray cast iron (GCI). Alloying significantly increases both core and surface hardness, enabling rotors to withstand high thermal loads and extend service life under extreme braking conditions- at moderate cost.

Scalable Technology for Global Manufacturing

Smart ONC® is built for industrial scalability. Nitrex’s modular NXL furnace systems support high-volume, automated production, making it easy to integrate into OEM manufacturing lines. This ensures consistent quality, cost-efficiency, and readiness for global deployment.

Partnering for a Cleaner Future

Smart ONC® is more than a product—it’s a platform for sustainable innovation. Nitrex invites automotive manufacturers, engineers, and partners to explore the full potential of this technology. Together, we can shape a cleaner, more efficient future in braking.

Part II – Niobium Alloying and Niobium Carbides: Enhancing Wear Resistance in FNC Brake Rotors

As braking systems evolve to meet stringent Euro 7 regulations, especially in heavy-duty vehicles, the materials used in rotors must withstand extreme thermal and mechanical stress. This is where niobium (Nb) alloying and the formation of niobium carbides (NbC) play a transformative role.

1. Role of Niobium in Alloyed Gray Cast Iron (GCI)

Niobium is a powerful microalloying element that, even in small amounts, significantly improves the mechanical properties of cast iron:

• Grain Refinement: Niobium refines the microstructure of cast iron by promoting the formation of fine pearlite and reducing the size of graphite flakes. This leads to a denser, tougher matrix that resists cracking and deformation.

• Carbide Formation: Niobium reacts with carbon to form niobium carbides (NbC)—extremely hard, stable particles that are uniformly distributed throughout the iron matrix.

2. Niobium Carbides (NbC): The Wear-Resistant Backbone

Niobium carbides are among the hardest known ceramic compounds, with a hardness exceeding 2000 HV (Vickers Hardness). Their presence in the rotor material offers several advantages:

• Abrasion Resistance: NbC particles act as micro-scale reinforcements that resist abrasive wear during braking, especially under high loads and temperatures.

• Thermal Stability: NbC maintains its hardness at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for rotors subjected to repeated high-energy braking cycles.

• Reduced Material Loss: By resisting wear, NbC reduces the generation of brake dust—directly supporting Euro 7 goals.

3. Synergy with Smart ONC® Surface Treatment

When niobium-alloyed GCI is treated with Smart ONC®, the benefits are compounded:

• The diffused nitrogen and carbon from ONC® further harden the matrix around NbC particles.

• The post-oxidation layer protects both the matrix and the carbides from corrosion and oxidation.

• The result is a multi-layered defense against wear, corrosion, and thermal fatigue—ideal for commercial vehicles, buses, and delivery fleets.