WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — A new industrial processing facility on Hamilton Road is already operating with 22 employees and more than $9 million invested, with room for further growth, a company spokeswoman told Patch.
Aalberts Surface Technologies will celebrate the opening of its facility at 41 Hamilton Road on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The operation serves manufacturers in aerospace, defense, space, power generation and other industries, according to the company.
In an email response to Patch on Friday, Cynthia Crowley, the company's marketing communication manager, confirmed the facility has begun operating. Asked about employment, she said it has "22 now and potentially around 50."
Crowley said the investment currently exceeds $9 million, with future investment potentially exceeding $82 million. She did not provide a timeline for that investment or for reaching the potential staffing level.
The facility covers more than 100,000 square feet. According to the company's announcement, it is the first operation in the northeastern United States to combine hot isostatic pressing and advanced vacuum heat treatment under one roof.
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Hot isostatic pressing uses high temperatures and pressure to improve materials and reduce internal pores in components, according to a company fact sheet Crowley provided. Heat treatment helps components achieve the material properties needed for their intended uses.
Combining the processes at one location allows manufacturers to use a single supplier for work that might otherwise require moving components between processing facilities, the company said.
"This investment represents an important step in expanding our capabilities and supporting the future of American manufacturing," company President Steve Wyatt said in the announcement.
Wyatt said bringing the two processes together would simplify customers' supply chains and reinforce Connecticut's role in aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
The Nov. 11 grand opening is scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m., with a ribbon-cutting at 9:30 a.m. The event will include a facility tour and remarks from company leaders, according to Crowley's invitation.
Aalberts Surface Technologies provides heat treatment, surface treatment, hot isostatic pressing and related services for industrial manufacturers.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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