Allegheny Technologies Inc. directors have approved a USD 95-M capital investment project to expand the isothermal forging and heat-treating capacities in Cudahy, WI, to address growing demand from the aerospace jet engine market. The three-year project will establish ATI’s fourth isothermal press at that location, which ATI acquired in 2011 as part of its takeover of Ladish Co. Inc.
The Wisconsin plant, known now as ATI Forged Products, has about 700 employees and the new capacity will result in up to 125 more workers, according to local reports.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. approved a USD 7-M enterprise zone tax credit over seven years for the project. The specific amount of tax credits ATI will receive depends on job-creation and –retention targets, and the amount of capital invested.
Isothermal forging is a closed-die process in which the dies and the workpieces are heated to the same temperature, so that forming can take place without loss of temperature in the workpiece. It’s a preferred process for forming engineered parts, including jet-engine and other aerospace components in high-density lightweight alloys.
