Posted by Courtney E. Howard
AMHERST, N.Y., 13 Sept. 2010. ESM has broken ground on its new Atomized Magnesium Metal Powder production facility in North America. ESM is building a new Magnesium powder atomizing plant at its Saxonburg, Pa., plant. Construction for the first phase of the new facility of a new 4200 square-foot building will start in September 2010 with production to commence in the second quarter of 2011. The new Magnesium powder atomization plant will produce fine and ultrafine spherical Magnesium powders, essential ingredients for military countermeasures (flares) that are used to protect aircraft from missiles.
The contractors for the plant will be all local companies in support of local business and ESM will be specifying the use of domestic building steel for an “All American” shop.
According to Dr. Hartmut Meyer-Grünow, president of ESM Special Metals & Technology Inc. (ESM SMT), the new Division will focus on Magnesium Metal Powders and Technology for Chemical, Countermeasures, Ordinance, Welding, and other applications.
Exact particle size and particle shape control are critical for the proper function of these countermeasures; ESM’s experience with the manufacture and handling of Magnesium powders for other industries and applications provide the basis to diversify into these new applications, says a company representative. ESM is excited about this project that will provide the U.S. Department of Defense with a much-needed second source for critical countermeasure applications.
