METALAST: News Archive

METALAST Goes Global…Spec!

December 7, 2006

METALAST company profile as well as detailed product and service information can now be found on GlobalSpec. GlobalSpec is the leading specialized vertical search engine serving the manufacturing and engineering industries with over 3.1 million registered users. The GlobalSpec search engine will give users the ability to find METALAST general or specific products and services. Whether it is METALAST TCP-HF, or AA-200 or METALAST consulting and training services or the JobPro, manufacturing and engineering professional will find detailed METALAST information, links to the METALAST website as well as contact information. To visit the GlobalSpec/METALAST Listing view http://www.globalspec.com/Supplier/Profile/METALASTInternational.

METALAST Participates in Weekly Finishing.Com “Podcast”

December 4, 2006

Recently the editors from the very popular, finishing.com website, asked METALAST to participate in their weekly “Podcast”. The name Podcast comes from Apple’s “IPod” and the word “broadcasting”. It is simply a method of publishing files, typically audio files, to the Internet, allowing subscribers the ability to receive and listen to files.

After visiting the METALAST website, finising.com was amazed to learn about the very successful T-REX mobile marketing program and how it manages to visit hundreds of companies and thousands of attendee’s yearly. Greg Semas, METALAST Vice President, Marketing was asked to participate in the finishing.com weekly Podcast for the week of November 4^th. During the interview, Greg gives the listener an overview of the T-REX marketing program and some of the visits that T-REX has made over the past two (2) years. To listen to the Podcast, visit: http://www.finishing.com/podcast/podcast061204.mp3

Finishing.com is the leading website for the surface finishing industry and offers technical forums, archived metal finishing questions and answers, directory of metal finishing product and services vendors, reference information and more. In addition to providing content, such as the November 4^th Podcast, METALAST is also listed as a chemistry vendor and product supplier to the metal finishing industry. To view the METALAST directory, visit: http://www.finishing.com/Chemicals/index.html#M

NADEP Selects METALAST JobPro To Improve Efficiencies

November 15, 2006

Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP), already processing parts with METALAST TCP-HF (an environmentally safe and superior alternative to hex chromates), purchased the METALAST JobPro process control computer. One of the primary reasons for selecting the JobPro was their need to produce consistent parts day to day, shift to shift and operator to operator regardless of the size, shape or alloy of the part.

NADEP is no stranger to the JobPro or other METALAST products and services. In 2004, NADEP (Jacksonville) wrote an unsolicited article in the Currents Magazine, regarding the METALAST JobPro process controller, the benefits they have experienced and the value it adds to their finishing operation. Currents" is the official environmental magazine of the US Navy, Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Readiness Division. The magazine is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. This article is available to download here.

Although first introduced to the metal finishing industry in 1995, the JobPro has undergone little change except for annual and semi-annual software upgrades. The new JobPro offers metal finishers many new options and features that make it the most powerful, user-friendly, and versatile controller offered to the metal finishing industry. You can learn more about the JobPro here.

JobPro Upgrades Enable JobShop To Run Multiple Tanks!

October 6, 2006

METALAST just released the new software version of the JobPro, making the process controller even more versatile, powerful and operator friendly. Some of the new features include:

Ability to run more than one processing tank at the same time
Real-time graphing (displaying current and voltage outputs)
Ability to operate by voltage, current or current density
Multi view screen (view all rectifier/processing screens simultaneously)
Detailed process report (process times, work order number, strategy information, process graphic and more)
Windows based operating system

METALAST unveiled the new JobPro at the AESF Sur/Fin conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. METALAST Regional Sales Managers were on hand to showcase the controller as well as demonstrate the new features and reporting functions.

Soon after the show, METALST received a purchase order for a JobPro, with the ability to control three (3) separate rectifiers. In this case, this Job Shop will be operating three (3) separate Type III (hard coat) anodizing tanks. The new JobPro provides needed process control, which will increase product and operator. Additionally, this JobShop elected to also purchase the METALAST anodizing additive, AA-200. Used with the JobPro, the AA-200 will allow this JobShop to anodize difficult alloys (2024 for example), without burning. Also, the AA-200 helps to provide a more consistent and uniform oxide formation.

For more information on the JobPro, click here, and for more information on the AA-200, click here.

Job Shops Looks to METALAST For Facility Upgrades

September 19, 2006

METALAST recently received a RFQ (Request For Quote) for various METALAST products and services from a very well respected metal finishing company. They are planning to upgrade and modernize in an effort in increase production, improve efficiency and quality control.

The first phase of their plan is to install: new rectifier, Type III finishing tank. and a JobPro process controller. The JobPro will allow for greater efficiencies, providing a consistent coating and offering verifiable results through the JobPro PVR (Process Verification Report). The PVR details critical process data such as: voltage, amperage, time, total processing time, bath temperature, peak bath temperature, graphic monitoring and downloadable reporting capabilities. Along with quoting the equipment, METALAST was also requested to quote on-site technical and training for optimizing processing techniques. Additionally, METALAST offers monthly “continuing education” training courses in metal finishing from the METALAST Technical Center in Minden, Nevada.

For more information on the JobPro, Click Here and for more information on Continuing Education training courses, Click Here.

METALAST Gears Up For Sur/Fin- 2006!

August 16, 2006

METALAST will once again participate at Sur/Fin, the nation’s largest convention for the Surface Finishing Industry. Sur/Fin provides a one-of-a kind venue for industry professionals to learn more about new and emerging technologies, participate in technical conferences and visit with exhibiting vendor’s. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sur/Fin will take place the week of September 18-21. Sur/Fin is sponsored by the AESF (American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers Society), MFSA (Metal Finishing Suppliers Association), NAMF (National Association of Metal Finishers) and the SFIC (Surface Finishing Industry Council). For more information on Sur/Fin or to plan your trip to visit with METALAST at the convention, go to the Sur/Fin website at www.sur-fin.net.

METALAST personnel will be on hand to answer any questions and provide information on any of the products or services offered by METALAST. Specifically, professionals interested in METALAST TCP-HF, a drop-in replacement to Hex Chromate, can stop by the METALAST booth #130 at the show. Additionally, METALAST will unveil it’s latest software release for the JobPro. The JobPro is a process control computer that automates the primary processing stage of any metal finishing process. To learn more about the JobPro, click here.

METALAST was invited and will present a technical paper at the conference as well. Harish Bhatt, METALAST, Vice President Technology, will present “Alternatives to Hexavalent Chromium to Comply with European Union’s Directives (ELV, RoHS & WEEE). This presentation will be given on Tuesday, September 21, 2006 between 8:30 a.m.-12:00p.m. The focus of the presentation surrounds industry directives that eliminate the use of hex chrome in the metal finishing industry. METALAST and its product partner, Chemetall-Oakite, offer METALAST TCP-HF, a drop-in replacement for hex chrome. For more information on METALAST TCP-HF, click here.

Large Metal Finisher Chooses METALAST Rectifier!

August 1, 2006

A very large and respected metal finisher contacted METALAST to learn more about it’s equipment line of products, specifically rectifiers. Over the past six years, this facility has operated using METALAST process control and chemistry. During this time they have experienced the benefits of process control while delivering superior and consistent parts to their manufacturing vendors.

Recently, in an effort to expand their processing capabilities, they decided to convert an existing “spare” tank to a primary “processing” tank. As a result, they contacted METALAST to discuss the rectifier’s capabilities, technical information and value/benefits. After learning about the METALAST rectifier product line and trusting the METALAST name, products and technical capabilities over the past six years, they placed an order to purchase a rectifier unit.

Ultimately, the decision to go with a METALAST rectifier came down to two key points, the METALAST name and their experience with other products. The facilities general manager stated “ we trust the METALAST name and all of the products, services and support they have provide provided us”.

For more information on METALAST equipment, including rectifiers, click here.

T-REX Completes Tour Through New York

June 30, 2006

The METALAST T-REX (Touring Research and Educational exhibit) just finished visiting manufacturers in the greater New York region. This impressive list includes; Moog, Lucent Technologies, Lockheed Martin, Delphi and Eaton.

The primary objective of T-REX is to visit metal finishing related Fortune 500 manufacturing companies and present a free seminar to participants. The presentation is geared towards quality control and engineering personnel, engineering and purchasing departments as well as supply chain and compliance managers.

To view the T-REX Calendar and Confirmed Stops or to thumb through the T-REX Photo Album, please click here.

Chemetall-Oakite and METALAST Unite!

June 15, 2006

Chemetall-Oakite and METLAST have formed a partnership to bring METALAST TCP-HF, an environmentally friendly replacement to the known carcinogen, hexavalent chromium, to customers throughout North America. The need to partner with an international manufacturer and supplier along with a company that provides a direct sales force to industry were two of the key reasons for the partnership. METALAST CEO David Semas states, “ We are honored to have aligned with such a prestigious and professional organization as Chemetall-Oakite.”

To order METALAST TCP-HF or to learn more about Chemetall-Oakite please visit their website by clicking here.

METALAST TCP-HF (HEX FREE) QPL LISTED!

May 17, 2006

Effective May 15, 2006, METALAST TCP-HF has received official QPL (Qualified Products List) qualification and listing. This QPL listing is to the new DTL-81706B specification for NON-hex chemical conversion coatings, including all requirements Type 2 A 1 C, Type 2 B 1 C, Type 2 A 1 A, and Type 2 B 1 A.

Additionally, METALAST TCP-HF meets or exceeds corrosion requirements for RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and ELV (End of Life Vehicles) directives.

Learn more about METALAST TCP-HF or to Download MSDS, TDS or other Technical Information.

Quality Improvement..Electrolurgy Says “JobPro!”

May 10, 2006

Southern California metal finishing leader, Electrolurgy Inc., has decided to purchase a METALAST^® JobPro. Located in Irvine, CA, Electrolurgy provides an array of metal finishing services to manufacturers throughout the area.

Electrolurgy informed METALAST representatives that the JobPro is the only controller in the industry that offers repeatability, traceability and the ability to produce detailed process information. Although Electrolurgy already runs at a very high efficiency level, they are looking forward to implementing the JobPro and completely eliminating rejects from their processing. President, Eron Ecklund stated “we didn’t want any process controller.. we wanted an extreme process controller and the JobPro is the only one in the industry!” Additionally, the JobPro will allow Electrolurgy to comply with NADCAP and ISO standards.

To learn more about the METALAST JobPro, Click Here.

T-REX Hosts Curtiss Wright and AESF For Joint Branch Meeting

May 8, 2006

T-Rex Sponsor, American Plating Power, LLC. hosted a joint branch meeting for Curtiss Wright and the American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers Society, Inc. (AESF) in Shelby, North Carolina. In addition to the T-REX video presentation and METALAST TCP-HF video segment, Waasy Boddison, Owner of American Plating Power delivered a technical paper on “Comparing Rectifier Options” to the attendee’s. T-REX proved to be a great venue for the branch meeting. One T-REX attendee noted, “The T-REX Branch Meeting was a hit. I have to admit the truck was awesome and cutting edge.”

The AESF is a well-known and respected international non-profit professional society. Founded in 1909, the AESF has 78 Branches and more than 5,000 members, worldwide. The Society is regarded and respected as the foremost metal finishing authority in the world.

Curtiss Wright is a global leader in many industries, providing products and services to the Motion Control, Flow Control and Metal Treatment Industries.

American Plating Power offers 'state of the art' power supplies for general metal finishing industries. Models include DC, pulse and periodic pulsed reverse rectifiers utilizing switch mode, thyristor, tap switch and variable transformer technology.

Leading Electronics Manufacturer Requires METALAST TCP-HF!

May 5, 2006

A leading electronics manufacturer has required it’s metal finishing vendor base to switch to METALAST TCP-HF for chromate conversion coatings. This Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) cited impressive test results over hex and other trivalent alternatives as the reason for requiring METALAST TCP-HF.

GMP Metal Plating is one of the vendor’s that recently informed METALAST it would be purchasing TCP-HF as a result of this requirement. GMP also expressed a high level of interest in both the METALAST JobPro Process Controller as well as the AA-200 anodizing additive.

For more information, please click, METALAST TCP-HF, JobPro, AA-200.

JobPro Proves Itself to Keystone Rustproofing!

April 7, 2006

Keystone Rustproofing has been using the METALAST JobPro process controller for the past three years. With the JobPro Keystone has experienced increased control and consistency on their hard coat anodized parts. Additionally, the JobPro’s verification report has provided Keystone with a valuable management tool as well as an additional quality control document. As a result of all of the benefits the JobPro provides, Keystone has extended their contract and will continue to use the JobPro for years to come. In addition to hard coat anodizing, Keystone also offers Type II anodizing as well as nickel-plating to their customers.

OSHA Issuees Final Standard on Hexavalent Chromium

March, 24 2006

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have released a final standard for occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. This standard forces companies to reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium and for all Cr (VI) compounds, from 52 to 5 micrograms of Cr(VI) per cubic meter.

"OSHA has worked hard to produce a final standard that substantially reduces the significant health risks for employees exposed to hexavalent chromium. Our new standard protects workers to the extent feasible, while providing employers, especially small employers, adequate time to transition to the new requirements," said Jonathan L. Snare, acting assistant secretary for occupational safety and health.

To view the OSHA National News Release, click here.

METALAST ChemPro Goes International

March, 17 2006

NEC Toppan Circuit Solutions, Inc. is a high tech circuit manufacturer located in the Philippines. TNCSI was looking for software to help the manage their in-house finishing line. After searching the Internet for viable products, they found the METALAST website and ChemPro, the METALAST chemical management software package. TNCSI proceeded to download and review detailed ChemPro technical information. Later, TNCSO accessed and purchased a ChemPro unit via the METALAST On-Line Store. To find our more information about ChemPro, click here.

M/A Com Types In METALAST TCP-HF As Success Story

March, 10 2006

As a result of the European Union directive RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), which bans the use of hexavalent chromium in electronics by July 1 2006, M/A Com mandated that suitable, effective replacements be found wherever possible for environmental, health and economic reasons. M/A Com, a division of Tyco and worldwide leader in high frequency electronics, released an article detailing their efforts to find this replacement for hexavalent chromium coatings of their parts.

After researching potential replacements in the marketplace, M/A Com contacted the United States Navy to learn more about their patented TCP product. The Navy released the contact information of the companies that are licensed to sell TCP. M/A Com proceeded to contact all four companies, requesting the help in developing a specific TCP application to their process, however METALAST was the only company to respond to the M/A Com request.

Discussions and testing proceeded with METALAST and M/A Com. METALAST supplied M/A COM with coupon samples of aluminum and zinc plated steel for salt-spray testing. Initial salt spray tests provided very good results with parts surviving over 280 hours in the salt-spray chamber. The initial production qualification lots showed some signs of corrosion. Since the initial experimental tests were so promising, M/A Com and METALAST ran designed experiments to optimize the production process, which improved METALAST TCP-HF performance. A new set of complex samples were produced utilizing different processing parameters to optimize performance characteristics. As a result, all parts passed using salt spray ASTM B117-03 (industry standard) conditions, with at worst, some evidence of discoloration. METALAST TCP-HF was installed at Coating Systems, Inc. in Lowell Massachusetts and is the first company to begin running parts for M/A Com.

This report is being submitted for publication to TURI (Toxics use Reduction Institute). TURI helps Massachusetts companies and communities find innovative, cost effective ways to reduce toxic chemical use at the source, rather than treat wastes once produced. To learn more about TURI click here.

USA Today Reports "Chromium Industry withheld data on lung cancer"

March, 3 2006

In the February 23, 2006 edition of the USA Today, Health and Behavior section, staff writer Elizabeth Weise details the devastating effects of Hexavalent Chromium in the workplace. The story focuses in on this chemical carcinogen and the Chromium Industry’s attempt to withhold information from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

The health risks of Hexavalent Chromium to humans as well as the environment is the driving force behind industry directives (such as RoHS, WEEE and ELV) prohibiting the use of Hexavalent Chromium in metal finished parts.

To read the USA Today article “Chromium Industry withheld data on lung cancer”, click here.

NAVAIR submits METALAST TCP-HF as Technology Success Story!

February, 24 2006

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) uses their website, TechMatch, to provide valuable information that will help those involved work more effectively with the DoD community. Visitors on the site can access Technology Needs, R&D Opportunities, Events, Laboratory Information and Success Stories.

Recently, the United States Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) submitted their success story to TechMatch. The article entitled “Navy Develops Environmentally Friendly Protective Chromium Coating for Aluminum” outlines the METALAST TCP-HF technology, application, military and commercial significance.

“Until the advent of NAVAIR’s trivalent chromium, no effective alternatives emerged to meet or exceed industry standards", and

"The first drop-in replacement for the ROHS, WEEE, and ELV directive's designated carcinogen hexavalent chromate. The coating is the only coating in the world that is an environmentally safe and economical replacement that meets or exceeds corrosion protection, electrical conductance, and paint and rubber bond adhesion specifications for all hexavalent chromate applications" and

"The technology was licensed to METALAST International in 2005 and is commercially available worldwide,"

To view the entire success story, please click here.

METALAST Announces 2006 Aluminum Anodizing Class Schedule

February, 17 2006

METALAST has announced its 2006 schedule for Continuing Education in Aluminum Anodizing Class.

The class is presented by the professional staff at METALAST, who have years of extensive experience in the field of metal finishing. Presenters include METALAST Vice President, Technology, Harish Bhatt as well as METALAST Vice President, Technical Support Director, Dr. Sjon Westre. METALAST has published 16 papers at technical conferences and has also authored over 50 in-house studies on anodizing. To view these papers along with other information, click here.

The two-day intensive course covers the entire anodizing process, including pre, primary and post-treatment tanks, anodizing chemistry including METALAST TCP-HF (replacement for hexavalent chromium), process capabilities and limitations, benefits of process control, and sound anodizing practices.

To download information on the Continuing Education in Aluminum Anodizing, click here.

2006 T-REX Tour Commences in Florida

February, 10 2006

After a very successful first year (click here for related article), T-REX (Touring Research and Educational eXhibit) kicked off the 2006 Solutions Providers Tour on January 26th in Orlando, Florida. During the first few weeks, T-REX visited six companies, including: New Piper Aircraft, Northrop Grumman (2), Medtronic, United Space Alliance and Honeywell. To view the 2006 T-REX tour schedule, click here.

On board as T-REX Sponsors for the 2006 campaign include: ASC Process Systems (Co-Producer Sponsor, Second Year), Price Industries (Co-Producer Sponsor, Second Year), ME Baker (National Sponsor, Second Year), Penguin Pump (National Sponsor, Second Year) and American Plating Power (Standard Sponsor, First Year). For additional information on T-REX sponsors and links to their website, click here.

There were a few additions made to T-REX, that are expected to increase the T-REX experience for attendee’s in the coming year:

METALAST TCP-HF Video Segment- Additional METALAST TCP-HF video footage was filmed and will be inserted into the existing T-REX video. This 10 minute segment gives viewers a much closer look at METALAST TCP-HF, the background of Hex Chrome as well as information regarding RoHS, WEEE, ELV and other directives and mandates eliminating Hex Chrome from industry.
T-REX Information Center- A fully operational computer has been installed and is available to attendee’s before and after presentations. Attendee’s can download and print product information sheets while on T-REX, or they can email information to their computer back at their office. With the ability to log onto the internet, attendee’s can access the manufacturer section of the METALAST website, which provides METALAST customer lists, manufacturer newsletter as well as a question and answer technical bulletin maintained by the METALAST Technical Support Department.
Processed Parts Display Cases- Two sets of display cases have been installed, giving attendee’s a close look at metal finished and METALAST TCP-HF processed parts. All parts on display were processed using METALAST Solution Series of Products and Services.
Metal Finishing Line Rectifier- American Plating Power rectifier was installed on the replica metal finishing line aboard T-REX. The addition of the rectifier gives viewers an idea of what a rectifier looks like and how it is integrated into a metal finishing operation.

For more information on T-REX, upcoming schedules, tour stops, photographs and more, please visit www.t-rex.metalast.com.

Automotive Finishing Icon, Harish Bhatt, Joins METALAST

January, 20 2006

Internationally respected and former Senior Technical Specialist for Visteon Automotive and Ford Motor Company for sixteen (16) years, Harish Bhatt accepted the position of Vice President, Technology for METALAST International, Inc. Harish has over 30 years in the metal finishing industry and is considered by many, to be one of the top chemical engineering and metal finishing related professionals in the automotive industry. His name is known in automotive circles and also in the aerospace, defense, electronics, sporting goods, consumer products, architectural and marine industries.

Harish served as an active member of SOC (Substance of Concern) committee for US CAR (United States Council of Automotive Research), which was founded by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler as the auto industries leading technology and environmental association consisting of 33 of the top automotive companies in the United States. Additionally, for over fifteen (15) years, he has been the speaker at various technical conferences around the world including the SAE (Society for Automotive Engineers), AESF (American Electroplating and Surface Finishing Society), NAMF (National Association of Metal Finishers), MFSA (Metal Finishing Suppliers’ Association) and the AAC (Aluminum Anodizing Council).

As Vice President of Technology for METALAST, Harish will direct and manage all metal finishing and technical support related operations, including; research and development, training and education, new and existing product/technology validation.

The Award Winning “T-REX” 2004/2005 Tour Concludes

December, 16 2005

The 2004/2005 T-REX (Touring Research and Educational exhibits) Tour concluded with final visits to manufacturers in South Carolina. Officially, T-REX launched 1, 2004, and was on the road presenting in front of the manufacturing and metal finishing industry for just over twelve (12) months or 51 weeks, covering the end of 2004 thru the end of 2005 (excluding extended travel days, weekends and holidays).

T-REX Tour Statistics

•	States Visited:	20
•	Open House Stops:	14
•	Presentation Stops:	150+
•	Registered Visitors:	2,000+
•	Total Companies:	200+

T-REX Recognized Achievements and Feature Articles:

Silver “EX” Award Winner- Best Mobile Marketing Program-Business to Business, Event Magazine
“ B to B Goes Mobile”- Feature article in Trade Show & Exhibit Manager Magazine, February 2005
“This T-REX Is No Dinosaur”- Feature article in Metal Finishing Magazine, November 2005
“T-REX- Marketing Monster Eats Up The Asphalt On Nationwide Tour That Opens Door With a Soft Sell”- Feature article in Business Weekly-Northern Nevada, August 2005

T-REX Attendee Testimonials:

“I attended the metal finishing seminar today and found it to be very informative. The T-REX is very impressive and was the perfect facility for this presentation. The presenter, Doug was outstanding and obviously very knowledgeable in his field. I wanted to convey my thanks to METALAST and everyone involved." Tony Nasta, Manufacturing Supervisor CNIR Greenlawn
"It was very enlightening." Robert McCarrick, Hubbell Inc.
"Everything went very well. Thank you for your support. The team did a great job and it was a very professional demonstration."Brent Frey, EVS Metal
"Just a quick note of thanks for setting everything up for us to host T-REX. If was a great time of learning and it was good to meet the staff. Everything went off well and we had excellent attendance. Believe some interesting things will come out of their visit with us."Glenn DePalantino, Engineering Manager CARDONE Industries

Following the 2005 Holiday Season and minor updates and changes, T-REX will start back up again in Florida, January 2006. For more information on T-REX, click here.

12/09/2005

World Leader in Telecommunications Specifies METALAST TCP-HF

Hughes Network Systems is the latest company to specify METALAST TCP-HF as a replacement to Hexavalent Chromium. Unlike the other specifications, which call out for METALAST TCP-HF to be applied to aluminum parts, this is the first specification for METALAST TCP-HF on Zinc die cast parts.

Hughes Network and its affiliates are the world leaders in providing broadband satellite network solutions for business, government and consumer markets and are in over 85 countries worldwide.

In September 2004, Hughes contacted METALAST to begin discussion and testing of METALAST TCP-HF. Since that time METALAST personnel, including the METALAST Technical Center Scientific Staff have worked closely with Hughes on procedure, application and specification of METALAST TCP-HF.

For additional information on METALAST TCP-HF, click here. Or for METLAST contact information, click here.

11/25/2005

METALAST/T-REX article showcased in Metal Finishing Magazine

METALAST and its 48-foot long mobile marketing tractor-trailer, T-REX (Touring Research and Educational eXhibits), have been showcased in the November issue of Metal Finishing Magazine.

Metal Finishing Magazine is well-respected monthly publication serving all sectors within the metal finishing industry. The publication is geared towards informing, educating and reporting on a wide variety of topics and key issues facing manufacturers and job shops.

In their latest issue, they wrote a “case study” article, detailing the concept, creation and execution of the T-REX marketing program. Included in the article are key quotes from METALAST personnel, T-REX attendee’s and T-REX Sponsors.

To view the article in it’s entirety click here.

11/18/2005

METALAST Exhibits at Tri-Service Corrosion Conference

METALAST personnel exhibited and attended the 2005 Tri-Service Corrosion Conference in Orlando, Florida. During the 5-day conference, METALAST met with military personnel, key manufacturers and others working with the Department of Defense.

"Transcending and Integrating Corrosion Prevention and Control for the Department of Defense" was the overall goal of the 2005 Tri-Service Corrosion Conference. The conference dealt with traditional difficulties the DOD has faced regarding the awareness of corrosion costs and prevention programs throughout the armed forces, and demonstrate a comprehensive DOD strategy to confront corrosion. This conference allowed for interactions between DoD, private industry, academia, and other Government agencies.

Given the conference goals, this was a perfect venue for METALAST to showcase its superior corrosion protection product, METALAST TCP-HF. METALAST TCP-HF was developed and tested by the Department of Defense and the United States Navy. METALAST TCP-HF outperforms all other trivalent products not only in corrosion protection, but also coating durability, paint and adhesive bonding. Additionally, it can be used on aluminum, zinc, zinc alloy, and cadmium. METALAST TCP-HF is user friendly, can be applied at room temperature, has a pH close to neutral and is cost comparable to other products.

Please click HERE, for more information on METALAST TCP-HF

10/28/2005

October’s Continuing Education Class “in the books”

METALAST conducts monthly classes on metal finishing best practices, tips and techniques. Continuing Education in Metal Finishing classes are held at the METALAST Technical Center in Minden Nevada. The course is available to manufacturers, engineers, metal finishers and all others interested in learning more about best practices in metal finishing.

Moog, Kamatics and Kirim Semitec all attended the recent Ocotber training class. Moog is a worldwide manufacturer of precision control components and systems. Kamatics manufactures high-performance mechanical products used in aviation, marine, hydropower, and other industrial applications. Founded by Kaman Corporation in 1966 to develop improved bearings for its own helicopters, Kamatics now serves over 1,500 customers throughout the world. Both Moog and Kamatics traveled from their corporate headquaters on the East Coast to attend the training class. Kirim Semitec manufacturers equipment parts for the semiconductor industry and made the trip all the way from South Korea to attend the training class.

For more information on Continuing Education in Metal Finishing, click here.

10/21/2005

METALAST Alliance Partners Visit Technical Center

This past week saw three METALAST key alliance partners’ visit the METALAST Technical Center in Minden, Nevada. M.E. Baker Company, MUNK GmbH and American Plating Power LLC all spent time with METALAST personnel covering a variety of topics.

Since 1919, M.E. Baker Company has earned a worldwide reputation for innovation, engineering and product quality. M.E. Baker designs and builds engineered systems for the electronics fabrication and surface finishing industries. Together, METALAST and M.E. Baker provide the metal finishing industry with state-of-the-art process lines and waste treatment systems. During their visit, executives from both companies discussed current and future projects. M.E. Baker also notified METALAST that they will renew and continue as a T-REX Sponsor for the second year of the tour.

Over the past 30 years, MUNK GmbH has been an international leader in development and production of DC power supplies as well as special current rectifiers. Located in Germany, MUNK offers state of the art water, air and oil cooled rectifiers to the metal finishing industry. American Plating Power LLC has been serving the plating industry since 2001. With their partners, including MUNK GmbH, American Plating Power designs, manufactures and distributes a variety of rectifiers from their facility in Florida. During their stay, METALAST learned more about companies products, services and capabilities. Through this key alliance, METALAST can offer power supply systems based on operating parameters and specific tank load sizes. Additionally, American Plating Power announced that they would jump on board as a T-REX Sponsor in the coming 2006 tour year.

10/14/2005

METALAST Customer Access Center Online

The Customer Access Center of the METALAST website is up and operational. This section of the website will allow customers to order all METALAST products and services via a secure on-line form. Customers can choose from the array of products listed in each product category; Process Control, Chemistry (including METALAST TCP-HF), Equipment and Software. In addition once a product is purchased, customers can track their order as it is being delivered. Another feature available is viewing order history. Order history details all the products previously purchased and is helpful for order recall when re-ordering products.

This section is limited to access by METALAST customers. Upon completeing the Customer Access Request form, the customer will be provided a unique user name and password, providing secure online ordering and safe and easy contact information storage.

If you are a customer, and would like to start utilizing the Customer Access Center, complete the Customer Access Request form. Once your information is verified, an access code and password will be emailed to you. You will then be able to access the secure center directly by going to http://www.metalast.com/customer/secure/.

10/10/2005

T-REX Hosting Open House in Philadelphia (October 12)

The METALAST T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour will be hosting a one day open house event in, Philadelphia, PA on October 12 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. METALAST is inviting manufacturers, job shops, local media, and the general public to come view the most unique mobile exhibition and training classroom of its kind.

T-REX is an 81’ long tractor and semi-trailer, 36-seat classroom which was developed to introduce METALAST products and services to companies across the United States, and to assist manufacturers in raising the quality of their metal finishing. T-REX personnel as well as the METALAST Regional Sales Manager for Pennsylvania will be on hand for open discussions.

9/30/05

Two METALAST JobPro Customer's opt to "Re-Up"!

After experiencing the benefits of METALAST Process control, two existing JobPro customers notify METALAST of their intentions.

Anodizing Specialists out of Mentor, Ohio, signed a 3 year rental agreement for 2 METALAST JobPro's in September 2003. Since that time the 28 year old well respected metal finishing facility has been utilizing the JobPro's on both their Type II and Type III anodizing tanks. Due to the JobPro's ability to produce consistency and quality control to their anodizing processes, Anodizing Specialists signed a new 3 year rental agreement.

Navail Aviation Depot (NADEP), of Jacksonville, Florida recently purchased their second JobPro unit, which will be installed the second week in October. After realizing the benefits of METALAST Process Control Technology, including reducing reject and defects, NADEP wrote a feature story in the Winter 2004 issue of "Currents Magazine". Currents is the official environmental magazine of the U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Readiness Division. To read the entire article click here.

9/23/05

Executive Order Compliance Date Approaching

In 2000, President Bill Clinton signed Executive Order 13148. Executive Order 13148 is primarily a environmental directive aimed at reducing and eliminating hazardous materials, including Hex Chromium among others. Specifically, as stated in section 205, “ each agency (defined as military and support functions to all military services) shall reduce it’s use of selected toxic chemicals, hazardous substances, and radioactive waste materials by 50%. President Clinton signed EO 13148 which declares a industry compliance date of December 31, 2006.

9/2/05

Corrosion Failure Leads to Recall of over 800,000 Vehicles for GM

General Motors General Motors Corp. responded to complaints about bad anti-lock brakes due to corrosion failure on GM pickups and SUVs with a recall of 804,000 vehicles. The problem results from road salt that contaminates the wheel bearing casing, creating inaccurate readings by the wheel speed sensor, the Detroit News said Wednesday. The salt causes corrosion that activates the anti-lock brakes at the wrong speeds, making stopping distances longer.

Metal finishing is known to help enhance the corrosion resistance of a number of parts. METALAST TCP-HF, a trivalent chromate coating, has met or exceeded all corrosion resistance requirements in both in-house and independent test environments.

GM said 228 crashes have been blamed on the brake defect with no reported fatalities but 10 injuries. The Aug. 24 recall includes seven 1999 through 2002 full-size models: the Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Avalanche; and the GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL, sold in 14 cold weather states from West Virginia to Illinois and Vermont.

Click view the entire story at MSNBC.

8/22/05

Leading Motion and Control Manufacturer Purchases ChemPro Software

A leading aerospace motion and controls manufacturer has agreed to purchase METALAST ChemPro chemical management software. The company initially became interested in ChemPro as they strive to maintain Nadcap compliance.

Manufacturing and Engineering professionals at the company received a comprehensive online presentation on the software in May. The company's representatives were “blown away” with the functionality of the software say that it’s “exactly what we need for Nadcap.” The company has issued a purchase order for the software and will expedite the installation to meet Nadcap’s final audit later this year.

METALAST ChemPro is chemical management software that ensures consistent, repeatable application of best practices by digitizing the process and all activities as well as providing management with the visibility, insight, and control to improve operational performance. METALAST Alliance Partner TrueLogic developed ChemPro.

Nadcap is an unprecedented cooperative industry effort to improve quality, while reducing costs, for quality assurance throughout the aerospace and defense industries.

8/12/05

T-REX Hosting Open Houses in Boston (Aug. 19) and Providence (Aug. 24)

The METALAST T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour will be hosting a one day open house event in downtown Boston on Friday August 19th and in Providence on Wednesday August 24th. Both open house times are from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. METALAST is inviting manufacturers, job shops, local media, and the general public to come view the most unique mobile exhibition and training classroom of its kind.

T-REX is an 81’ long tractor and semi-trailer, 36-seat classroom which was developed to introduce METALAST products and services to companies across the United States, and to assist manufacturers in raising the quality of their metal finishing. METALAST will be hosting additional open houses throughout the year in various cities across the United States as part of the Solutions Providers Tour.

8/5/05

Leading Electronics Manufacturer to Specify METALAST TCP-HF on Aluminum Products Worldwide

A leading worldwide electronics manufacturer is in the process METALAST TCP-HF on all of its aluminum parts worldwide, the Company has reported. The specification comes as a result of corporate testing and independent testing of METALAST TCP-HF during a long term study of alternatives performed by a major university. The electronics manufacturer performed in-house testing at a northeastern U.S. facility and separate division of the company submitted samples of METALAST TCP-HF to the university for testing, which the product subsequently passed.

A company representative contacted METALAST asking how they should specify the product, which will be "METALAST TCP-HF per METALAST TDS." The company is in the process of notifying vendors throughout their supply chain about the new specification.

7/29/05

First METALAST Titanium Anodizing Line Opens Doors to Vast New Market

The successful installation and operation of the first METALAST Turnkey titanium anodizing line at a customer's facility has launched METALAST into the titanium anodizing market. The line has been operating at optimal levels since its installation in April, the customer has reported.

Titanium anodizing is predominantly used in the medical industry, but is starting to be utilized in a number of other industries. The main use of titanium anodizing is for implants and laboratory instrumentation in the medical industry, which is a rapidly growing portion of the medical field. Titanium is used for implants partially due to the body’s acceptance of the material.

METALAST has close to 10 turnkey titanium process lines out for bid, and the successful operation of the first process line is encouraging to the company and to customers.

7/22/05

Article Focusing on RoHS Directive Stresses Urgent Removal of Hex Chrome

A recent article on the website Purchasing.com entitled "The Clock is Ticking," describes that, with less than a year before deadline, companies are running out of time to meet the RoHS directive. The Restriction on the Use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) law requires that beginning in July 2006 electronics equipment sold in Europe, with some exceptions, must be free of chromium, lead, mercury, cadmium, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers.

The article explains that a number of companies are struggling to define compliance under the directive. Companies looking for alternatives such as METALAST TCP-HF to eliminate the use of hexavalent chromium, are finding that their options are limited.

To read the complete article on the Purchasing.com site, click here.

METALAST TCP-HF is a trivalent chromium "drop in" replacement for hexavalent chromium based post treatments that meets or exceeds performance requirements of current hexavalent products with no adverse environmental impact. TCP meets or exceeds requirements for the ELV, ROHS and WEEE directives. TCP meets or exceeds corrosion requirements of mil Std, MIL DTL 81706, and MIL C 5541 for class 1A and 3.

7/15/05

METALAST TCP-HF Passes Independent University Tests

METALAST TCP-HF has successfully passed third party, independent testing for corrosion, adhesion, and conductivity at a major university, the company has reported. A division of a global electronics manufacturer, submitted the samples of METALAST TCP-HF to the university for rigorous corrosion, adhesion and conductivity tests at the university in a controlled setting. Copies of this test, along with other supporting research on METALAST TCP-HF, can be obtained by contacting the METALAST Sales Department.

The company has an initiative in place that requires the elimination of hex chromates in their finishing processes. The university report was distributed on the company's intranet. The manufacturer uses conversion coatings for increased corrosion resistance and also as a base for wet spray and powder coating. METALAST TCP-HF is now recognized as an approved alternative to hex chromates for the company.

7/8/05

Defense Manufacturer Approves METALAST TCP-HF – Sales Directly Result

A vendor of a worldwide defense and aerospace giant has informed METALAST that the company has approved the use of METALAST TCP-HF on their parts. The defense manufacturer has a corporate directive in place to eliminate hexavalent coatings in their supply chain and approved METALAST TCP-HF as the only hex free alternative for this specific application.

The vendor contacted METALAST directly to find a TCP-HF customer to process their parts. After being directed to the Manufacturer Section of the METALAST website, the vendor contacted METALAST GoldPro customer Absolute Finish, Lewiston, ID, due to their proximity to the vendor. A METALAST GoldPro customer designation means that the company has installed or converted all of their facility to METALAST process control equipment and chemistry.

Although Absolute Finish was not using METALAST TCP-HF at the time, the vendor was looking for a company who was currently using METALAST products including process control and chemistries. The vendor, with no previous relationship with Absolute Finish, asked the company to install the product, to which they agreed. In less than a week, Absolute Finish placed their first order of METALAST TCP-HF and have expanded the line of METALAST Products and Services that they offer.

7/1/05

Charged Up! METALAST Aligns with International Rectifier Company

METALAST International, Inc., has reached an agreement with a leading international distributor of high quality rectifiers on an exclusive Alliance Partnership, the Company has reported. METALAST Senior Vice President and the Managing Director of Exports for the company were responsible for negotiating the Agreement. The rectifier manufacturer has also committed to becoming a T-REX Sponsor.

Under the Alliance, METALAST will be bringing to market a private label line of METALAST rectifiers, which will be manufactured by the new Alliance Partner, and distributed internationally. METALAST’s newest Alliance Partner is interested in gaining sales in the United States, and by aligning with METALAST they will gain instant exposure in the finishing market through the variety of sales and marketing channels used by METALAST, including T-REX. The Alliance Partner is currently planning cross-promotion by placing METALAST materials in their sales literature.

In addition, METALAST will receive the first rectifier to use specifically for titanium anodizing process development in the laboratory at the METALAST Tech Center. In addition, a customer who recently purchased a METALAST Turnkey process line, will be the first company to implement the new line of METALAST rectifiers.

6/24/05

T-REX Hosting Indanapolis Open House Friday July 22nd

The METALAST T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour will be hosting a one day open house event in downtown Indianapolis on Friday July 22nd. The open house time is from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. METALAST is inviting manufacturers, job shops, local media, and the general public to come view the most unique mobile exhibition and training classroom of its kind.

Click here to download the complete invitation in PDF form. For more information on T-REX, visit t-rex.metalast.com.

6/17/05

T-REX Begins Journey Through the Midwest

The METALAST T-REX and the award winning Solutions Providers Tour has embarked on its journey north through the Midwestern United States as the 2005 Tour continues. After a successful start to the 2005 Tour in California, the T-REX travelled through Arizona, New Mexico and Texas visiting more than 70 companies along the way. METALAST will be making stops in Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana and Ohio during June and July.

Companies such as Boeing, General Dynamics, LMI Aerospace, DaimlerChrysler, Rolls-Royce, TRW automotive and Raytheon are among the companies who have confirmed stops along the Solutions Providers Tour in the months of June and July. The Solutions Providers Tour will continue into the Northeastern states, including western Pennsylvania and upstate New York, in August. For more information on the METALAST T-REX, visit www.t-rex.metalast.com.

6/10/05

METALAST Makes its Proprietary AA-200 Anodizing Additive Available to Entire Industry

For the first time, METALAST is now introducng its proprietary anodizing additive, METALAST AA-200, to the finishing market. The METALAST AA-200 Additive was previously only available to METALAST Licensees, and now it's available to the entire finishing industry.

METALASTAA-200 is a proprietary anodizing chemical additive utilized in sulfuric acid anodizing electrolytes to improve the performance of anodized surfaces and facilitates the anodizing process itself. The additive is specially formulated to prevent the aluminum from burning during the anodizing process.

Decreasing the tendency for burning allows a high quality, uniform oxide to form even when anodizing at higher current densities. The ability to anodize at higher current densities decreases the anodize time and allows for increased production. METALAST AA-200 is a colorless liquid that is soluble in water, stable at room temperature and has a shelf life of one year.

Because METALAST AA-200 is a combination of organic monomers specially formulated to prevent the aluminum from burning, a high quality, uniform oxide results with improved throughput.

You can purchase the METALAST AA-200 Additive today at the METALAST Online Store. Or, for additional information, please contact you Regional Sales Manager.

6/3/05

Interest in METALAST TCP-HF Continues to Grow as OSHA Rule Looms

The introduction of METALAST TCP-HF to the metal finishing industry is beginning to have an impact as the Company's customer base continues to grow. METALAST is in contact with over 250 companies who have shown significant interest in METALAST TCP-HF as a replacement for their existing hexavalent chromate alternatives. Companies throughout the finishing industry are aware of OSHA's proposed rule to lower the the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium and for all hexavalent chromium compounds from 52 ug/m3 to 1 ug/m3 as an eight-hour time weighted average (TWA).

METALAST TCP-HF is a drop-in replacement that can help companies comply with the proposed rule. METALAST TCP-HF is available and shipping to customers throughout the country as companies move towards compliance with the rule.

Recent estimates on the impact of OSHA’s hexavalent chromium rule indicate the proposed standard of 1 ug/m3 will cost U.S. industry a staggering $3 billion or more annually, with no guarantees of compliance. The major cost impacts of the rule--which OSHA predicts to be $220 million on an annualized basis--will be absorbed by the aerospace, shipbuilding, steel production and plating industries, among others.

5/27/05

METALAST Exhibiting at SUR/FIN 2005 June 14-16 in St. Louis

METALAST will be a proud exhibitor at this year's SUR/FIN 2005 convention to be held June 14-16th at the American's Center in St. Louis, MO. The METALAST exhibit can be found in booth space #726. SUR/FIN is recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce as the leading trade show of the metal finishing industry.

Visit the METALAST booth (#726) to learn about the entire Solutions Series of Products and Services offered by METALAST, including METALAST TCP-HF, a revolutionary replacement for hexavalent chromates. A number of METALAST representatives will be on hand to answer any and all questions about the Company's complete array of products and services.

METALAST has a limited number of VIP passes available to the convention. If you are interested in attending, please contact the METALAST Sales Team at salessupport@metalast.com.

SUR/FIN® is presented by the American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers Society (AESF), a leading metal finishing industry members organization with over 7,000 members in 78 Branches around the world. SUR/FIN is the worldwide focal point for the surface finishing industry. This major international conference provides the best venue to explore the newest technology and practical applications for surface finishing. It is the premiere event at which the science of surface finishing is advanced — the place where professionals can share ideas and experiences to help one another solve industry problems and improve productivity. For more information, visit www.sur-fin.net.

5/20/05

METALAST Technical Center Buzzing with Activity This Spring

The METALAST Tech Center has seen a flurry of activity in recent months. METALAST held is first Titanium Anodizing Course May 3-4. METALAST has recently entered the titanium anodizing field, and installed its first state-of-the-art custom titanium anodizing process line at a customer's facility in April. METALAST also hosted representatives from the San Diego Naval Aviation Depot, as well as representatives from a company who is now a contracted METALAST TCP-HF customer.

In Addition, METALAST held its monthly Continuing Education in Anodizing Course on April 27-28. The course is available to manufacturers, engineers, finishers and all others interested in learning more about best practices in anodizing. METALAST conducts the training courses to discuss aluminum anodizing process and history, the anodizing industry, process capabilities and limitations, and the benefits of process control. For a schedule of upcoming classes, and for more information on the class click here.

5/18/05

T-REX Roars into the Lone Star State - Dallas Open House Scheduled June 3-4

The METALAST T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour is rolling into Texas on May 16th to kick off a month long tour of the Lone Star state. The T-REX will be traveling throughout Texas until June 10th. Some of the companies who have scheduled a T-REX visit include: Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, Raytheon, Tyco Electrics, L-3 Communications, Peterbilt Motors, and Pratt & Whitney, to name a few. The T-REX will then travel into Oklahoma in mid-June as it continues to make its way across the United States during the 2005 Solutions Providers Tour.

METALAST will be hosting a T-REX Open House in downtown Dallas June 3rd and 4th. The open house allows manufacturers, job shops and the general public to learn more about the T-REX and gives people the opportunity to view the mobile classroom. For the full invitation, click here.

5/9/05

METALAST Introduces New Manufacturer Center to METALAST Web Sites

METALAST has created a Manufacturer Center at METALAST Online as a place for companies to find solutions to their finishing problems, learn more about cutting edge technologies, METALAST customer contact information and get all the latest news about the metal finishing and manufacturing industries. The Finishing Forum in the Manufacturer Center offers people the opportunity to find finishing solutions directly from industry experts . Visitors can also access the latest metal finishing and manufacturing industry news and events in the METALAST News Report. The Customer Directory Map will allow visitors to seek out METALAST customers, including METALAST TCP-HF users.

The goal of the Manufacturer Center is to create an open environment and free exchange of ideas as we work collectively to advance the quality and practices of the metal finishing industry. The Manufacturer Center is a one-stop resource to finishing related news and happenings. Click here to access the Manufacturer Center.

4/29/05

METALAST Hires Full-Time Moderator to Keep up with T-REX Demand

Due to the tremendous feedback and exposure of the METALAST T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour, METALAST has hired a full-time T-REX Moderator for the Tour. Doug Gillies is the new T-REX Moderator/Field Operations and will be traveling full-time with T-REX as the Tour continues on through the United States.

To this point, METALAST Regional Sales Managers (RSM) have been traveling with the T-REX, along with Vice President Sales Support/T-REX Moderator Byron Estes. However, with the remarkable feedback METALAST has been receiving as a result of the T-REX presentations, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Greg Semas, decided to bring on a full time Moderator, thus allowing the RSMs to more effectively and efficiently follow-up with companies and perform other sales related duties.

Doug Gillies is a vastly experienced professional in mobile marketing. He comes to METALAST after seven (7) years with Sears where he coordinated mobile marketing exhibits, both domestically and internationally. Doug just finished in-house metal finishing training at the METALAST Technical Center and will join the T-REX tour in the next few weeks. Mr. Gillies is a welcomed member and adds more professional experience to the METALAST Team.

4/22/05

NAVAIR Presentations to Focus on METALAST Products and Services at Aeromat Conference

METALAST International, Inc. will be featured by NAVAIR Representatives during the Aeromat 2005, to be held June 6-9 in Orlando, FL. METALAST and divisions of NAVAIR have worked in tandem on a number of projects over the years. The title of the Conference Session is Elimination of Hexavalent Chromium from DoD Materials and Processing.

The first presentations is entitled Status of Proposed Reduction in Permissible Exposure Limit for Hexavalent Chromium and Potential Effects on DoD Facilities and will be given by members of NAVAIR who worked direrctly with METALAST on the development and licensing of METALAST TCP-HF (Hex-Free).

In addition, NAVAIR in Jacksonville will be presenting their findings on METALAST Process Control as reported in the Winter 2004 Issue of Currents Magazine. The presentation will discuss the advantages of anodizing using the METALAST Process Control Technology for providing optimum and reproducible coatings reducing defects and needless rework.

NAVAIR is proud to be the 2005 host organization for AeroMat - the premier annual event focusing exclusively on process development and advanced aerospace materials, structures and propulsion systems. The AeroMat audience represents metal producers, metal fabricators, OEM’s, government labs and academia. Last year, 260 such companies and organizations were represented in attendance at AeroMat. For more information on the conference, click to visit the official Aeromat web site.

4/20/05

METALAST Takes Home Silver Award at Annual Ex Awards Presentation

METALAST and the T-REX Solutions Providers Tour received the Silver Ex Award for Best Mobile Business to Business Marketing Program. METALAST was competing against Shell Oil and Olympus America for the award which was given to METALAST during the Ex Awards presentation held April 18, 2005 in Chicago, IL. Photos of the event are available on the T-REX web site.

The awards are presented by Event Marketer Magazine. The 2005 Ex Awards drew a record-breaking 375 entries across 18 categories.

4/15/05

METALAST Introduces New Customer Testimonial and Industry Quote Section to METALAST Online

METALAST has expanded the testimonial section of the web site. You can now browse testimonials from Customers who have directly benefited from the use of the METALAST Technology. You can also view quotes from metal finishing industry experts and well respected manufacturing companies on how they view the state of the metal finishing industry.

You can view the testimonials by clicking here.

4/6/05

TCP Sales Soaring

Sales of METALAST new hexavalent chromate replacement, TCP-HF, are beginning to rapidly accelerate, according to the Company. METALAST now has over 50 companies who have, or are in the process of purchasing the product. Many of the sales have come from companies who initially planned to test the product in their finishing environment.

“Customers typically want to test a product before dumping their tanks,” said METALAST VP Sales and Marketing Greg Semas. “Now we’re beginning to see companies come back and re-order larger quantities.” METALAST expects sales to continue to grow, most notably due to pending Qualified Product List (QPL) approval.

3/25/05

METALAST one of 3 Finalists for Prestigious Business to Business Marketing Award

METALAST International, Inc. and the T-REX Solutions Providers Tour has been named as one of 3 finalists for the prestigious 2005 Ex Award. Following a judging in New York City late last week, Event Marketer magazine announced the 2005 finalists. METALAST is up against Shell Oil and Olympus America for the award in the Best Mobile Business to Business Marketing Program category.

Companies in other categories nominated include, Nike, AOL, eBay, Yahoo, Home Depot, Coca Cola, Time, DaimlerChrysler, and others. The METALAST T-REX was paired against a number of companies before becoming one of the 3 finalists. The awards show/presentation will be held Monday April 18 in Chicago.

The judging criteria is based on concept to completion and scored on creativity, ideas execution and results. The vehicle, audience reached, intracasies in design, vehicle capabilities, and many other factors will help decide this year's winner.

3/21/05

Hexavalent Chromium Contamination has Arizona Sounding Water Alarm

Arizona environmental officials are worried that a plume of polluted water under a Pacific Gas & Electric Co. facility near Needles may be threatening drinking water wells on their side of the Colorado River. The facility, which pushes natural gas through a pipeline from West Texas to markets in California, sits atop a pocket of at least 108 million gallons of water tainted with hexavalent chromium, a chemical compound that can cause cancer if inhaled as dust or steam.

To view the entire article click here. The article is courtesy of the Los Angeles Times.

3/4/05

METALAST and T-REX Featured in Tradeshow Magazine

The METALAST T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour was recently featured in the latest issue of Tradeshow and Exhibit Manager. The magazine's February/March 2005 issues showcased the touring exhibit in a 2-page spread. The story focused on the preparation and launch of the multi-milion dollar Tour, which will be on the road for 3 years.

You can view the article in PDF form by clicking here.

Since 1985, TradeShow & Exhibit Manager has been the number one voice of corporate exhibit managers: The men and women at companies large and small who buy exhibits, exhibitry, exhibit transportation services, audiovisual equipment, lead management services, signs, at-show services, and educational materials.

2/25/05

T-REX to Host 2-Day Open House in Huntington Beach March 11-12

The METALAST T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour will be hosting a 2-day open house event in Huntington Beach, CA on Friday March 11th and Saturday March 12th. The open houses times are Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The open houses will be held in the City of Huntington Beach Parking Lot on the corner of Beach Blvd. and Pacific Coast Highway.

METALAST is inviting all shareholders, local media, manufacturers, job shops and the general public to come view the most unique mobile exhibition and training classroom of its kind. The METALAST T-REX will be in Southern California for 7 weeks beginning on February 24 and has confirmed stops at companies such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Teradyne, Honeywell, Alcoa and many others.

For additional information and to view a map to the site of the event, click here to download the complete invitation in PDF form. For more information on T-REX, visit t-rex.metalast.com.

2/18/05

T-REX Makes Lasting Impression at Coherent

Many companies are seeing the value in the Solutions Providers tour and the METALAST T-REX. METALAST and the Solutions Providers Tour recently made a stop at Coherent, Inc. in Santa Clara, CA to hold two (2) presentations to a total of 50 engineers.

After the first presentation, a Vice President and a Manufacturing Engineer asked METALAST representatives to extend the duration of the stop so that more Coherent employees could be brought in to view the presentation. Two (2) additional presentations were added to accommodate Coherent’s request.

Founded in 1966, Coherent has production and research facilities spanning the world, supplying everything from laser measurement and control products to precision optics and lasers systems. Owning a diverse portfolio of technologies, the company offers the widest range of commercial and scientific research products and solutions available to customers in over 80 countries.

2/14/05

T-REX Roaring Through California for Start of 2005 Solutions Providers Tour

The METALAST T-REX kicked off the 2005 Solutions Providers Tour on January 17th in the San Francisco Bay Area. In January, the T-REX made stops at 11 facilities including the likes of United Airlines, UC Berkeley, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, palmOne, Seagate Technology and Meyer Sound.

In addition to the many stops at manufacturing companies in Northern California, T-REX hosted an open house in San Jose on Friday, February 11th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This was the second open house held in Northern California.

"There was great attendance at both events," said METALAST Chairman/CEO David Semas. "Solid leads were generated from the events, and we plan to continue the open houses as we travel across the country as a way for people to be exposed to T-REX."

The open house allows manufacturers, job shops and the general public to get a sense of T-REX. If you are interested in attending the event, please contact the METALAST Sales Department.

Before heading down the coast to Southern California, the T-REX continues its Northern California Tour through February 21st , holding its two (2) hour long seminar presentations to engineering professionals at Lockheed Martin, Coherent Lasers, Northrop Grumman, Parker Hannifin, Dionex, National Semiconductor and Selectron.

T-REX will be in Southern California through early April. To date, there are 29 companies who will be hosting the Solutions Providers Tour in Southern California including companies such as Boeing, Parker Hannifin, Qualcomm, Goodrich, Northrop Grumman, Honeywell, Moog, BAE Systems (British Aerospace) and others.

1/28/05

T-REX to Host Open House in San Jose, CA Friday February 11th

METALAST and the Solutions Providerd will be hosting an Open House event aboard T-REX on Friday February 11th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m in downtown San Jose. All local companies, manufacturers, local media and members of the general public are invited to attend this FREE event to learn more about T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour.

T-REX, or Touring Research and Educations eXhibit, is an 81’ long tractor and semi-trailer, 36-seat classroom which was developed to introduce METALAST products and services to companies across the United States, and to assist manufacturers in raising the quality of their metal finishing. METALAST will be hosting additional open houses throughout the year in various cities across the United States as part of the Solutions Providers Tour.

For more information and details, please view the invitation in PDF form by clicking here or go to www.t-rex.metalast.com.

1/24/05

METALAST to Speak at OSHA Hearing on Hexavaalent Chromium

METALAST International, Inc. has been invited to speek at an OSHA public hearing on the proposed rule on hexavalent chromium. The public hearings will be held in Washington, D.C., to discuss the agency's proposed rulemaking for occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. The hearings will begin on Feb. 1 and are expected to run through Feb. 17. METALAST will be speaking on February 14th.

The hearings will be open to the public and will be held in the auditorium of the U.S. Department of Labor's Frances Perkins Building, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington DC. The hearing will begin each day at 9:30 a.m.

OSHA is proposing to lower its permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium and for all Cr(VI) compounds in construction, shipyards, and general industry from 52 to one microgram of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air as an 8-hour time weighted average. The proposed rule also includes provisions for employee protection such as preferred methods for controlling exposure, respiratory protection, protective work clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical surveillance, hazard communication, and recordkeeping.

For more information on the hearing and to view an itenerary, please click here. Or, for more information on OSHA stance on hexavalent chromium, visit www.osha.gov.

2004

12/15/04

T-REX Leaves Impression at University of Michigan

The METALAST T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour was featured in The Michigan Journal, the student publication at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, after a stop along the Tour. The Solutions Providers Tour rolled into the UM-Dearborn campus on November 19th and held two (2) seminars for over 30 students and faculty members. The article written by Ryan Schreiber that appeared in The Michigan Journal can be read by clicking here.

12/2/04

METALAST Sells First Copy of ChemPro Software

METALAST International, Inc. has made the first sale of their ChemPro chemical management software. Modern Industries, Inc., Phoenix, AZ, has become the first company to purchase the ChemPro software package.

METALAST ChemPro is a chemical management software that ensures consistent, repeatable application of best practices by digitizing the process and all activities as well as providing management with the visibility, insight, and control to improve operational performance. METALAST Alliance Partner TrueLogic developed ChemPro.

11/11/04

T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour Makes Stop at General Motors

The METALAST T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour recently made an all-day stop at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, MI. This was the 7th stop on the Solutions Providers Tour since it's official launch on November 1, 2004.

METALAST conducted four (4) 90-minute seminars to a crowd of over 90 GM engineers and professionals. Click here to view the METALAST T-REX at General Motors.

11/2/04

View T-REX at stops on the Solutions Providers Tour

Now you can view pictures from stops along the Solutions Providers Tour. METALAST has created a photo section on the T-REX web site. You can view the photos by clicking here. Additional photos will be added as the T-REX and the Solutions Providers Tour continues to roll throughout the United States.

9/15/04

First METALAST GoldPro Customer Joins Ranks

METALAST is pleased to announce its first GoldPro customer. Absolute Finish, Lewiston, ID, has signed two (2) JobPro Rental Agreements and is installing 100% METALAST Chemistry. The full implementation of the METALAST Technology will take place and be operational by June 1st.

Absolute had delayed the acquisition of the JobPro units until the completion of their facility renovation. Now completed, Absolute’s increased capacity will allow them to benefit from METALAST customer marketing through T-REX and other manufacturer top-down efforts.

Absolute Finishing will also be attending the Aeromat show in June with METALAST. Absolute has scheduled an open house to coincide with the conference to showcase their new capabilities. Absolute Finishing is a well-respected job shop serving the needs of manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest with high quality finishing solutions.

8/31/04

Companies Queue up for T-REX Stops

The METALAST Manufacturing Department has reported that they have received confirmations from 28 companies who will be hosting stops on the Solutions Providers Tour. The 28 companies, representing 45 total committed tour stops, are in the states of Michigan and Ohio, which are the first states being targeted by the Manufacturing Department. Some of the companies that have agreed to have T-REX at their facility include: Federal Mogul, Alcoa, Ford, TRW Automotive, Dana Corp, General Motors, Tenneco Automotive, Citation, The University of Michigan, and Medtronic, to name a few.

8/15/04

METALAST and TrueLogic Rolling ChemPro into Market

METALAST and Alliance Partner TrueLogic, Inc. have been actively marketing the ChemPro software to a number of companies with very positive feedback. Software demonstrations are performed online and potential customers are guided step-by-step through the ChemPro software.

“Once a customer sees the capabilities and functionality of ChemPro, their interest level raises,” said Greg Semas, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for METALAST. “We have performed seven (7) online demonstrations and based on feedback, we expect those sales to be closed by year’s end.”

TrueLogic Company develops and supports user friendly, quality-focused manufacturing software. Truelogic’s most recent installation took place at ALCOA in Southern California as a pilot operation. Other Truelogic customers include: Northrup Grumman, Texas Instruments, Alcoa, Delta Faucet, Naval Air Depot, Teledyne, Bell Helicopter, Saturn Electronics, Kwikset and ARINC (Egyptian AirForce), and a number of job shops throughout the country. TrueLogic’s software is scalable to meet the needs of the smallest shops to the largest manufacturers.

8/3/04

T-REX Launch Set for November 1st

METALAST has announced that the T-REX Solutions Providers Tour will be officially launched on November 1st at a location to be determined. Senior executives of METALAST, as well as Regional Sales Managers, will participate in a thorough training and education course during the week of October 18^th.

METALAST Co-Producers ASC Process Systems and Price Industries, and National Sponsor M.E. Baker are working on the process line in conjunction with METALAST and will have the line completed in August for installation in the T-REX trailer in September.

METALAST has also completed the organization of its Manufacturing Department, which will be responsible for booking T-REX stops throughout the Solutions Providers Tour. Elaine Hirt has joined METALAST as T-REX Coordinator. In this position, Ms. Hirt will “infiltrate” companies, increasing the scope of corporate relationships after initial acceptance within an organization. Candace Guidry has joined METALAST as Manufacturer Assistant. Ms. Guidry will coordinate all activities within the manufacturing department.

7/20/04

PAVCO Relationship Finalized, TCP-HF to be Available in September

PAVCO, Inc. and METALAST International, Inc. have reached agreement on an alliance wherein PAVCO will manufacture the hexavalent chromate replacement, METALAST TCP-HF. PAVCO will begin marketing TCP-HF to their existing customers as a METALAST product, and will receive commissions for referrals. The companies are finalizing pricing structures and expect the manufacturing of TCP to commence in August for delivery in September.

Founded in 1948, ISO 9002 certified PAVCO is a supplier of products and services to the electroplating industry worldwide. PAVCO also provides research, laboratory services, and R&D to the development and introduction of new products and systems to the electroplating industry.

7/6/04

Companies Queue up for T-REX Stops

The President of Consulting on Government Procurement (COGP), Rear Admiral Joe Sansone, retired, has agreed to become a representative of METALAST International, Inc. in the marketing of TCP-HF and other METALAST products and services, including JobPro, ChemPro, ProcessPro and AnoTrack. In addition to being the former head of United States Naval Procurement, Mr. Sansone was also a consultant to METALAST from 1999 to 2000.

Mr. Sansone has high level contacts with some of the most influential people within most Fortune 100 Companies. Mr. Sansone understands the importance of hexavalent replacements and, considering his long prestigious naval career, the fact that TCP was developed by and patented by the DOD, United States Navy and his past relationship with METALAST, Rear Admiral Joe Sansone will be a strong voice in getting METALAST TCP-HF approved and specified by many U. S. companies.

COGP has since reported that the company is making “excellent” progress in introducing METALAST TCP-HF to their exclusive client base. COGP believes that the company will be able to get TCP-HF as well as all other METALAST products specified by his clients. Specifications will carry throughout all divisions and throughout their respective supply chains.

COGP and METALAST worked jointly on an extensive TCP-HF Unsolicited Proposal package that Mr. Sansone plans to hand deliver to 80 of his most elite clients and prospects. COGP clients include: AT&T, BAE Systems, Bechtel Group, The Boeing Company, Dell, Inc., General Atomic Technologies, General Dynamics, General Electric, Halliburton Company, Honeywell International, IBM, John Hopkins University, Johnson Controls, Lear Corp., Lockheed Martin, Motorola, Northrop Grumman, Parker Hannifin, Raytheon, Rolls-Royce Corp., Textron, Inc., and United Technologies Corporation.

6/8/04

METALAST and Department of Defense, U.S. Navy Finalize TCP-HF License Agreement

METALAST International, Inc. has executed a Nonexclusive License Agreement with United States Government as represented by Secretary of the Navy for the rights to the Navy’s Trivalent Chromium Process, or TCP. METALAST will be marketing the hexavalent chromium free conversion coating under the name TCP-HF (Hex-Free).

METALAST is the first company to enter into the Nonexclusive License Agreement. A total of five (5) Licenses are being issued. METALAST has received the formulations for TCP-HF this week, testing has been completed, and TCP-HF is now available. METALAST Partner PAVCO, Inc. will be manufacturing the product.

It is necessary to treat metal surfaces with a conversion coating, primarily for rust protection and paint adhesion. TCP-HF offers a more environmentally benign coating than the highly toxic industry standard hexavalent chromates, without sacrificing corrosion resistance and other performance characteristics. There is an international directive, the ELV directive, to replace hexavalent chrome containing products from the automotive industry, and other industries are following suit.

In initial tests, METALAST TCP-HF provided 20 times the corrosion test time of all other top coats tested.

Although it was initially thought that the current annual market for chromate conversion coatings was approximately $100 Million, it is now believed to be closer to $1 Billion. METALAST has modestly estimated that at least 80% of the market (approximately $800 Million) will transfer from hexavalent to trivalent chromates. However, the actual market demand for TCP-HF could be substantially larger than originally anticipated based on initial feedback from industry participants and market expansion.

5/26/04

ASC Fills Second T-REX Co-Producer Slot

ASC Process Systems, Chatsworth, CA, has committed to becoming a Co-Producer on the T-REX Solutions Providers Tour. With the decision, ASC has filled the second of two (2) Co-Sponsor vacancies for the 2004-2005 T-REX tour.

In addition, METALAST and ASC have reached an agreement allowing METALAST to market ASC’s proprietary Anotrack software solution. METALAST and ASC had been in partnership negotiations since January of 2004 leading up to the agreement.

AnoTrack is a fully programmable solution for process tracking, alarming, and reporting of products through a manual finishing process. The system uses wireless data transfer of all line inputs through an operator held PDA for each load. Actual run data for each load is tracked and reported to a base station computer and database.

5/19/04

Master Metal Polishing Becomes First T-REX Sponsor

Master Metal Polishing, Woodside, NY, has become a Sponsor for the 2004-2005 T-REX Solutions Providers Tour. Master Metal is in the process of deciding if they want to become a Local or Regional Sponsor. Regional Sponsors receive exclusive, industry respective sponsorship rights within their respective regions. Local Sponsors receive exclusive, industry respective rights for the local region (excluding metal finishing job shops).

5/14/04

Price is Right for First T-REX Co-Producer

Price Industries, Inc., Dutton, MI has joined the METALAST T-REX Solutions Providers Tour as the first Co-Producer.

Price Industries is also designing, engineering, and constructing the wet process line that will be inside the T-REX trailer. Co-Producers of the Solutions Providers Tour receive exclusive rights to be mentioned as such, as well as premiere placement in any and all METALAST T-REX literature, a full-page advertisement in the T-REX brochure, a full minute commercial during the presentation, and other marketing considerations to be determined.

Price Industries has been a leader in design, manufacturing and installation of custom finishing systems since 1983. Price’s state-of-the-art equipment, employee expertise and unparalleled service have enabled the Company to become a leading full-service metal fabricating facility. The Company’s facilities include a 34,000 square foot manufacturing and assembly plant, as well as a 12,000 square foot powder coating facility, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan

5/9/04

METALAST Acquires Software Rights from CH2M HILL

METALAST International, Inc. has completed the acquisition of rights to Ch2M HILL's proprietary PLATO plant management software, the company has reported. METALAST will be marketing the software under the name ProcessPro. The contract was executed in April, and training of METALAST Regional Sales Managers and Management took place during the week of May 10^th in Orlando, FL.

PLATO is a dynamic piece of software designed to optimize plant efficiency for the metal finisher. It monitors water usage, workflow efficiency, process improvements and other essential management functions. By incorporating all of METALAST Process Control and Software Solutions, including the JobPro, ChemPro, and now ProcessPro, customers can take full control over their entire finishing process.

ProcessPro allows users to model existing processes and to analyze “cause and effect” of process changes. Modeled changes include: water stream flow and composition, rinse capabilities, ventilation, material, chemistry usage and utility costs. PlatoPro identifies and quantifies improvements and cost savings to optimize efficiency and productivity of each process line and facility.

4/27/04

Modern Industries and Applied Materials Sign Consulting Agreement

Modern Industries, Phoenix, AZ, along with their customer Applied Materials, have executed a Consulting Agreement with METALAST. Under the Agreement, METALAST will assist Modern Industries and Applied Materials with process support and consulting for the development of anodizing processes that meet Applied’s anodizing specifications.

METALAST will be developing state-of-the-art anodize processes for Modern that meet Applied’s requirements. The METALAST JobPro and METALAST Specialty Chemistry will be used to develop the processes.

Upon successful completion of the process development and subsequent approval, under the contract, Modern has agreed to automate their facility with the METALAST JobPro. In addition, Modern has also agreed to purchase METALAST Specialty Chemistry for their production purposes.

The executed Consulting Agreement comes after nearly four (4) years of assistance provided by METALAST to Modern and Applied.

4/13/04

Visteon Releases Slip-In-Tube Project Update

Visteon Corporation has issued a press briefing regarding their revolutionary Slip-In-Tube propshaft. METALAST conducted extensive R&D and provided Technical Support on the project. METALAST is also referred to in the U.S. Patent for the Slip-in-Tube as the company who provided the proprietary coating for the propshaft.

Click on the link below to read the SAE briefing:

http://www.sae.org/automag/techbriefs/07-2001/techb5.htm

3/25/04

METALAST and JobPro featured in Naval publication

Representatives from the United States Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP) had an article published in the Winter 2004 issue of "Currents Magazine" specifically focusing on the METALAST JobPro and the benefits achieved as a result of using a wide number of METALAST Solution Series of Products and Services.

To read the article in its entirety, click on the following link:

http://www.enviro-navair.navy.mil/currents/winter2004/Win04_Anodizing_Process.pdf

"Currents" is the official environmental magazine of the U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Readiness Division. The magazine is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. The contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the United States Navy. NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technology through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts.

1/18/04

Touring Research & Educational eXhibit (T-REX) Launched

METALAST is preparing the official launch of the T-REX, or Touring Research and Educational eXhibit.

METALAST will be bringing this interactive training and educational program to manufacturers, engineers and other metal finishing industry participants across the United States beginning in the summer of 2004.

The the METALAST T-REX is a 48 foot long mobile marketing, training and information semi-trailer that is fully equipped with a demonstration wet process anodizing/plating line, a state of the art audio visual system, interactive touch screen kiosks, and more.

To find out more about the T-REX visit t-rex.metalast.com.

1/6/04

METALAST Announces Increased Conference Exhibition Schedule for 2004

METALAST has announced its expanded Conference Exhibition Schedule for 2004. Click here to view the entire conference schedule for 2004.

As part of your supply chain management, you can improve your bottom-line, reduce your rejects, improve the finishing quality of your products, and improve efficiency and productivity by taking advantage of the many products and services provided by METALAST - a company devoted to increasing quality standards in the metal finishing industry. Visit METALAST at any of the industry trade shows to find out more about how the Company can help you improve the quality and consistency of your metal finishing today!

CH2M HILL is an employee-owned, global firm providing engineering, construction, operations, major project management and related technical services to public and private clients worldwide. CH2M HILL has more than 11,000 employees working in 165 offices worldwide.

2003

12/16/03

METALAST Decks the Halls with CTRs

The efforts by METALAST to recruit Certified Technical Representatives (CTR) continue to yield great returns. In the months of November and December, METALAST signed an additional five (5) CTR’s bringing the total number of CTR’s to 32 nationwide.

The new companies who have joined the CTR ranks include:

Industrial Process Services, Lexington, TN
Nationwide Installation Corp. Grand Rapids, MI
Kinne Electric, Sunland, CA
MWS Electric Inc., Roanoke, TX
The Electronic Connection, St. Petersburg, FL

12/11/03

METALAST Reps Fly to Tech Center for Additionial Training

METALAST will once again hold a sales training class in December. All METALAST Regional Sales Managers (RSM) were at the METALAST Tech Center December 16th-18th for extensive sales training, strategy development, T-REX education and more.

As mentioned in November, METALAST has hired two (2) new Regional Sales Managers, with a third RSM set to join the Company in January. METALAST Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Vice President National Sales Director Greg Semas will be the presenters.

The METALAST Regional Sales Managers are responsible throughout the entire sales cycle, but concentrating directly on closing the accounts of pre-qualified and hot prospects. They will manage and cultivate relationships with the “network” of METALAST representatives who open doors for the Company, as well as attending and exhibiting during METALAST extensive conference schedule in 2004. In addition, each RSM will be required to spend two (2), two (2) week stints with the T-REX, when the tour is in their respective areas.

12/5/03

METALAST and JobPro Customer Exhibit at POP New York

METALAST International, Inc. and JobPro customer Master Metal Polishing, Corp., Woodside, NY, jointly exhibited at the annual Point-of-Purchase (POP) show held in New York. Master Metal requested that METALAST be a joint exhibitor at the show and distribute joint marketing materials to help heighten awareness of the company’s capabilities and expertise.

“The show was well attended, and both companies received some good quality leads,” said Eric Tocco, METALAST Regional Sales Manager. “It was a great opportunity to foster a relationship with one of our customers, and they were very appreciative.”

ISO 9002 certified Master Metal Finishing is a world-class metal finisher specializing in sulfuric aluminum anodizing. The company employs a synergistic combination of ultra-tight chemistry and performance parameters with a state-of-the-art computer anodizing system. This allows Master Metal to use significantly higher current densities than conventional anodizing systems, resulting in a harder, clearer film, which can be deposited more quickly than ever before.

11/20/03

METALAST Attends Electroless Nickel Conference

Representatives from METALAST International, Inc. attended the Metal Finishing Supplier’s Association (MFSA) Nickel Conference, held Thursday, November 13, 2003 at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI.

In light of current regulatory trends and their global consequences, the Metal Finishing Suppliers’ Association organized the one-day conference to assess the current state of the science, the potential for future regulation and possible market impacts in Europe, the U.S. and beyond.

The conference included a panel discussion by USCAR on the future of nickel in the automotive industry and featured industry leaders from Ford Motor Company, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Delphi and Visteon. Other topics covered included the current state of the science and the European outlook, the consumer “love affair” with nickel, and Electroless nickel.

The confirmed attendance was over 400 senior executives and engineers.

The Metal Finishing Suppliers’ Association (MFSA) is a network of suppliers dedicated to the advancement of the metal finishing industry. The association offers its members networking, industry promotion, survey and research information and the opportunity to be an active player in industry concerns through committees and government relations.

11/17/03

CTR to Help Light Up the South

American Electrical Contractors, Inc., Memphis, TN, is the latest electrical contractor to sign a METALAST Certified Technical Representative (CTR) Agreement. American Electrical Contractors is a well-respected 75-80 employee electrical contracting firm that services Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi and southern Illinois. They have 6-8 service techs with experience with rectifiers and service to the metal finishing industry.

11/11/03

METALAST Hires 2 New Sales Managers to Bolster Efforts

METALAST has added two (2) new Regional Sales Managers to its sales department, as sales momentum begins to accelerate in the Company. METALAST Regional Sales Managers are responsible for all CTR’s and other outside reps through their respective regions, as well as all JobPro accounts existing, leads, and demo’s.

Juan Munoz has joined METALAST as a Regional Sales Manager covering the south. Mr. Munoz is a seasoned sales professional with experience business/channel development in computer related industries. His territories include TX, AR, MS, LA, OK, NE, CO, and NM.

Wayne Triplett has also joined METALST as a Regional Sales Manager for the New England area. Mr. Triplett has extensive experience in finishing processes. Mr. Triplett was a former sales executive with PLASFAB and has negotiated high-level contracts with a number of companies. Mr. Triplett will cover NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, NH, VT, and ME.

11/8/03

METALAST Presents at AESF Technical Meeting

Dr. Sjon Westre, METALAST Vice President Technical Support Director, gave a presentation on process control at the American Electroplater and Surface Finishing Society’s (AESF) technical meeting held in Montreal.

At this year’s AESF SUR/FIN 2003, Dr. Westre was invited to be the keynote speaker by Peter Gallerani, President of Integrated Technologies, Danville, VT. Approximately 30 technical fellows were present at the meeting, which included and extensive look into the benefits of process control in metal finishing environments.

10/23/03

METALAST Signs 2 More CTR's

METALAST International, Inc. has announced that Electrical Resource Contractors (ERC), Minneapolis, MN, and Allied Electrical Systems, St. Petersburg, FL have joined the Company’s nationwide network of Certified Technical Representatives (CTR’s).

10/19/03

Respected Aerospace Shop Signs up For JobPro

Another Southern California job shop has entered into a METALAST JobPro Rental Agreement, the company has reported. METALAST Sales Representatives performed a JobPro demonstration in September while visiting the area for a regional Job Shop trade show.

“Demonstrations are key to our sales efforts,” said Greg Semas, Vice President National Sales Director of METALAST. “Once companies see the unit and its capabilities, they immediately realize the benefits of acquiring one.”

The Company will be installing the JobPro on their Type II/decorative anodizing line. In addition, The Company has ownership interests in another finishing facility and has requested that METALAST give the operators of a JobPro demonstration in the very near future.

10/15/03

First Plating Application with JobPro a Success

The METALAST JobPro is passing it’s first test in a plating environment with flying colors. A METALAST Jobpro Customer, and Licensee, recently installed one of 3 recently acquired JobPro units on an acid copper plating line. The Company will be installing two (2) additional JobPro units on other plating lines at their facility in the coming weeks.

10/10/03

METALAST to Quadruple Sales Staff

The METALAST Sales Department will be undergoing a transformation in the coming months with as many as six (6) additional representative being added to the METALAST Sales Team. METALAST Sales Representatives will all be titled ?Regional Sales Managers,? and will be directly responsible for all business developed in their respective regions. In addition, the Regional Sales Managers will work more closely with current and future CTR’s to help further brand and expand the presence of METALAST in their regions.

The METALAST Sales Team will be expanding to a total of 10 in the next 12-18 months, bolstering the sales effort of the Company. METALAST previously had a sales Team of only 3 representatives throughout the country. This increased representation will no doubt support continued sales and growth for the Company.

10/8/03

Southern California Anodizer Signs up for JobPro Unit

A San Diego, CA, finisher is the latest company to enter into a METALSAT JobPro Rental Agreement. The Company has contacted a METALAST CTR and is planning on installing the unit in early November. The Company has entered into the Rental Agreement under the 6-month introductory offer. Upon successful evaluation, the Company plans to purchase the unit and intends to acquire additional units for their other lines.

8/5/03

METALAST To Expand Presence at Trade Shows For Remainder of 2003

METALAST is planning to extend its conference presence throughout the final two quarters of 2003. The decision to expand exhibition at conferences is based on the overwhelmingly positive response gained at the Northern California Job Shop Show held in May in Santa Clara, CA.

“The response was tremendous,” said METALAST VP National Sales Manager Greg Semas. “The shows are an extremely cost effective way to enhance our presence and to further promote our line of products and services to both manufacturers and finishers.”

METALAST is planning to attend a total of seven (7) shows beginning in September and running through the end of the year. The shows will be held regionally, and are sponsored by both the Job Shop Network as well as AMCON, the American Contract Manufacturers Show.

You can visit METALAST at the following conferences:

Greater Chicago Job Shop Show - September 9-11
AmCon - Novi, MI - September 9-11
Southern California Job Shop Show - Ontario, CA - September 23-25
AmCon - Mineapolis, MN - October 1-2
AmCon - Baltimore, MD - October 15-16
New England Job Shop Show - Marlbrough, MA - October 7-9
Southeast Job Shop Show - Greenville, SC - november 12-13

For more information on the conferences visit www.amconshows.com or www.jobshopshows.com.or contact Dana Foster, Sales Administrator.

6/18/03

METALAST To Hold Anodizing Training Course In July

METALAST has announced that it will be holding its METALTrain Anodizing Education Course July 15-16, 2003. METALTrain is a two-day course covering the METALAST Technology and sound anodizing practice. The METALTrain course is available to manufacturers, engineers, anodizers and all others interested in learning more about best practices in anodizng.

METALAST conducts METALTrain courses to discuss aluminum, anodizing process and history, anodizing industry, process capabilities and limitations, and the benefits of process control. The training classes allow both manufacturers and anodizers to sit in the same room and discuss problems, concerns, and potential solutions, with METALAST leading the discussion.

The course takes attendees through basic principles in anodizng, through chemistry, and then into a discussion on the benefits of process control. All attendees will participate in sample processing in the METALAST laboratory utilizing the METALAST JobPro.

METALAST plans to continue training and education as a means to inform manufacturers and anodizers about sound anodizing practices, process control, and the METALAST Technology, and induce them to submit samples for processing, visit the Tech Center, and/or approve and specify the METALAST process.

All METALTrain courses are held at the METALAST Tech Center in Minden, NV. For more information, please contact Dana Foster, Sales Administrator.

6/4/03

METALAST Introduces Online Shopping

METALAST has completed development of the METALAST Store, and online shopping component to the METALAST web site. Currently, customers can easily and securely purchase or rent the IPC JobPro process controller online under any of the programs. Rental customers can choose either of the rental programs available, and purchase customers have the flexibility to customize their JobPro unit with any of the available upgrades.

Customers can pay the deposit on their JobPro with the comfort of knowing that their transaction is highly secure. Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover are all accepted forms of payment for the deposit. METALAST will be adding other products to the Store, including all pre and post treatment chemistry for anodizing.

5/12/03

Read Dr. Art Kushner's Article On Process Control from the May issue of Products Finishing

Dr. Arthur Kushner has written an expose on the benefits of process control in the May issue of Products Finishing magazine. Dr. Kushner is the author of Plating Clinic, a monthly question and answer column published in Products Finishing. In the May column, Dr. Kushner is asked how to receive information on the implementation of process control.Dr. Kushner makes reference to Dr. Sjon Westre's recently completed research report "The Inherent Benefits of Process Control in Metal Finishing Environments."

Dr. Kushner is a strong proponent process control in electroplating. Dr. Kushner believes that one of the major reasons U. S. plating shops are losing out to locations like Mexico and China is that many of domestic plating shops "have not seen the light regarding process control."The May 2003 Plating Clinic feature by Dr. Kushner can be found by clicking the following link. http://pfonline.com/articles/clinics/0503cl_plate2.html.

Dr. Arthur Kushner of Kushner Electroplating School is the metal finishing industry’s foremost authority on training and education in electroplating.

5/8/03

Free Anodizing Sample Processing and Strategy Development for Manufacturers Offered by METALAST!

Manufacturers this message is for you: You now have to ability to improve the quality of your metal finished product at no cost to you!METALAST now offers free anodizing sample processing and strategy development to manufacturers worldwide, in an effort to improve the metal finishing of their products.By improving the quality of your metal finishing you can:

Cut Costs
Improve Product Quality
Increase profits

Under the program, manufacturers can send sample parts to the METALAST Tech Center for processing. The METALAST Technical Support Team, using the IPC JobPro Process Controller and METALAST Chemistry, will anodize the parts according to each specification. METALAST will custom develop a strategy to process the part or parts. Click here to read more about how to improve the quality of your finished product today!

4/26/03

New JobPro Software Upgrade Now Available!

METALAST Engineering has completed development on JobPro software version 4.80. Version 4.80 is now availabe to JobPro rental customers (free of charge) and purchase customers (charge required). The upgrade is delivered to JobPro customers on a 3.5" floppy disk. Customers then simply insert the disk into the disk drive on the JobPro unit and reboot the machine.Some of the new software features include:

An enhanced process bath temperature monitor.
Materials Handling System (MHS) interface
Ampere-hour meter to greatly enhance run-to-run consistency.

For more information on the software upgrade and to get a copy of the upgrade, contact your METALAST Sales Representative.

4/11/03

METALAST to Exhibit at Northern California Job Shop Show May 6-8th.

METALAST has registered and will be an exhibitor at the Northern California Job Shop Show. METALAST will be giving hands-on demonstrations of their latest product, the IPC JobPro - an affordable mass market process controller designed for the entire metal finishing industry (electroplating and anodizing) and available NOW with a 6-month introductory trial program, with no License Fees or Royalties required.

Job Shop Shows, Inc. sponsors the 22nd annual Northern California Job Shop Show held at the Santa Clara Convention Center. This is the region's largest and longest running contract manufacturing event and the only tradeshow in Northern California that is dedicated, solely, to promoting job shop parts and services. For more information about the show click here.

3/19/03

METALAST Introduces 6-month Introductory Trial Period on IPC JobPro Controller

METALAST has introduced a 6-month introductory trial program towards companies wishing to install a METALAST IPC JobPro process controller. Under the trial program, a customer may return the JobPro after 6-months if not completely satisfied with its performance, with no further obligation.

Click here to read the complete press release.

3/3/03

METALAST Completes Research Report on the Benefits of Process Control

Dr. Sjon Westre has recently completed the research report "Inherent Benefits of Process Control in Metal Finishing Environments." The paper discusses many of the direct and indirect benefits realized when computerized process control is implemented in a metal finishing process line. Direct costs are lowered, quality is improved, and the number of rejected and defective parts is reduced.

The paper also explains the improvements manufacturers might expect from a vendor's implementation of process control in all areas of industry - automotive, aerospace, electronics . Dr. Sjon Westre is METALAST's Vice President Technical Support Director. Click here to read the report in PDF form (registration is required). Viewing the report requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

2002

A new product release on the METALAST IPC JobPro was published in the November 2002 issue of Modern Metals Magazine. Click here to read the PDF file (7.8MB). Viewing the article requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

METALAST Alliance Partner, and recognized plating expert, Dr. Arthur Kushner is holding a two-day training course in electroplating at the METALAST Tech Center September 5-6. METALAST sales representatives, as well as METALAST independent marketing reps, will attend the 2-day course to become more familiar with all aspects of the plating process.

As mentioned before, Arthur Kushner, Kushner Electroplating School and METALAST have an alliance agreement in which both companies will cross promote the plating and anodizing expertise, respectively, of each company.

Dr. Kushner will serve as an electroplating technical consultant to METALAST. Dr. Kushner will assist the Company in electroplating technical support and troubleshooting issues to customers, and provide training in electroplationg, as METALAST expands into the plating industry with the introduction of the IPC Pro Series, a mass market process controller product line for the entire metal finishing industry.

Dr. Kushner will also provide technical support during further WorkPro and LinePro development and will assist METALAST Engineers and Scientists. METALAST will offer information on anodizing to Dr. Kushner and his organization’s clientele.

METALAST License Erie Plating Company on METALAST Process Control and the METALAST Technology:

"Metalast International Inc. approached our company, not only with their plan for providing us with a system of superior anodize finish but also with able and responsive technical support.

Once in operation with Metalast, one of our customers called and asked; "What did you change to get this improved finish?" We have been able to provide repeatable consistent anodize finishing with the proprietary Metalast process.

Technical support comes easily and willingly from on site visits from professional Metalast Account Representatives, technical discussions ("Tech Talk") over the phone with Metalast Engineers and Scientist at the Metalast Technical Center, and online computer support direct from Metalast computers to ours.

We appreciate the technical edge and advantage that Metalast and theMetalast process provides our company as they assist us in becoming more technically proficient about anodizing every day.

Erie Plating Company
656 W. 12th. St.
Erie, Pa. 16501
mailto:dbriggs@erieplating.com

Anodizing Specialists, Inc., Mentor, OH, a METALAST Licensee, has become the first company to enter into a METALAST LinePro Rental Agreement, the Company has reported. The Agreement has been signed, and a deposit check has been received to reserve one (1) IPC LinePro for the company.

In addition, Anodizing Specialists will remain a METALAST Licensee. Anodizing Specialists wants to continue to utilize METALAST Technical Support and R&D under their License Agreement, and will be installing an MPCS later this year, in addition to installing a LinePro.

METALAST International, Inc. has formed a strategic alliance agreement with Remote Controls, Inc., Mishawaka, IN. Remote Controls is an ISO 9001 certified testing facility for the metal finishing industry and also provides manufacturing services.

Alpha testing of the METALAST IPC is nearing completion and beta testing is expected to commence in February at the facility of a METALAST Licensee in Southern California. The IPC will be tested on anodizing lines and also on some of the various electroplating lines at the Licensee's facility. Alpha testing has taken place on the pilot line at the METALAST Tech Center.

According to METALAST VP of Engineering Rodney Friedline, the goal is trying to get the IPC to fail. "So far it's running better than we expected, we're actually trying to make the parts fail. We're very pleased with the results thus far." The IPC is scheduled to be available in the Spring of 2002.

METALAST will be sending representatives from their Technical Support Team to AESF Week 2002 in Orlando, FL January 28-February 1. METALAST VP Technical Support Director, Dr. Sjon Westre, is a member of the AESF Light Metals Finishing (LMF) Committee which will be meeting to discuss their 2002 program and the LMF training course held at SUR/FIN 2002 in Chicago, IL.

For more than 20 years, AESF’s annual winter meeting has provided outstanding opportunities for staying on top of regulations impacting our industry, for networking with others, and for learning new things. AESF Week 2002 continues this important tradition, with its theme: "Technology for Tough Times." For more information on AESF Week click here.

Continuous research by METALAST R&D and Technical Support have yielded a number of technical reports and bulletins. METALAST now offers full versions of published reports and in-house studies online. Click here to view a comprehensive listing of METALAST research and to download technical papers.

METALAST Licensee Erie Plating Co., Erie, PA, is celebrating its 75th Anniversary by looking ahead and reinforcing a strong commitment to continual improvements in performance. Erie will be enhancing resources, installing new equipment, and furthering technical support capabilities. These state of the art capabilities include advanced management information systems, analytical laboratory resources, a sophisticated product integrity and quality assurance program, and high-efficient material handling systems.

Visteon Corp. and METALAST International, Inc. were once again mentioned in conjunction with Visteon's new Slip-In-Tube propshaft. The July issue of Automotive Engineering International, published by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), featured the Slip-In-Tube propshaft in their Tech Briefs section. To read the entire article click here.

The hardcoat anodizing of the Slip-In-Tube was done using the METALAST Technology. In performance tests, the Slip-in-Tube propshaft significantly outperformed traditional propshafts. The aluminum Slip-in-Tube propshaft also provides an overall weight reduction of 30% compared to conventional steel slip between propshafts. Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service supplier that delivers consumer-driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide.

METALAST International, Inc. introduced a new line of Anodizing Chemistry and their next generation process controller at SUR/FIN 2001 in Nashville, TN, June 26-28. METALAST had a total of 12 executive, research, engineering, sales, and marketing staff on hand.

METALAST Anodizing Chemistry products were featured at the show. The comprehensive line of chemistry includes:

In addition, METALAST introduced its second-generation process controller, the “Integrated Process Controller” (IPC). Based on its highly successful predecessor, the MPCS, the IPC features the same superior metal finish consistency, process repeatability and verification, and reliability.

The METALAST IPC easily integrates into both new or existing production systems reducing installation complexity and cost. The IPC is compatible with an anodizer’s existing production equipment. A working demo of the IPC was in the booth for demonstrations.

A video feature on METALAST International, Inc. that aired on CNBC is now available for viewing on the Internet. The video was produced by Pat Summerall Productions and is narrated by Pat Summerall. The video aired on the CNBC "Champions of Industry" segment in September of 2000.

METALAST International, Inc. has officially received approval of a Supplier Code from a major U.S. automaker, the company reported. The awarding of the supplier code comes after over three (3) years of extensive R&D on joint projects between the company and METALAST. The significance of the award is that it comes at a time when automakers are trying to reduce their respective supply chains. This major step for METALAST continues the company's successful penetration into the automotive market through technical support and R&D.

This week, METALAST put on their latest METALTrain anodizing course. Representatives from an industry leader, a METALAST Consulting Agreement (MCA) client, licensee Santa Clara Plating and representatives from an international anodizer attended the three-day course covering the METALAST Technology and sound anodizing practice. The program is available to licensees, non-licensees, manufacturers, and anodizers on a pay-for-service basis.

METALAST is reporting an international semiconductor manufacturer has signed a Manufacturing Consulting Agreement (MCA). The signing comes after the December visit of the company’s President, R&D Manager, and Sales Manager, and will allow the two companies to work together on product development. This also represents the first step towards the planned $640,000 METALAST-PLASFAB anodizing line. The company will send technical staff to the Tech Center for a METALTrain course. The company originally discovered METALAST via the Internet.

A leading player in the aerospace industry has issued a purchase order for the METALAST AA-200 Chemical Additive. The company plans to test the AA-200 in one of their smaller baths to determine if they want to use it throughout their facility. The company is also interested in devising a surface area calculation that would allow them to use current density anodizing, and the MPCS or MIPCS software solution.

METALAST has announced the tentative 2001 schedule for their quarterly METALTrain anodizing training course. The dates are as follows: January 17-19, April 18-20, July 18-20, October 17-19. METALTrain is a three-day course covering the METALAST Technology and sound anodizing practice. METALAST requires its Licensees to attend the seminar before installation. The program has been made available to non-Licensees, manufacturers, and anodizers on a pay-for-service basis.

METALAST was featured in a total of three (3) trade publications between October and December of 2000. An eight page technical article by METALAST R&D was printed in its entirety in the December issue of Metal Finishing. METALAST also provided the cover art for the yearly issue devoted to anodizing. Work performed by METALAST for Fermilab was printed in the October issue of Advanced Materials & Processes. And, the results of efforts by METALAST Technical Support for Licensee Universal Metal Finishing were published in Modern Metals’ November issue.

METALAST Licensee AOTCO Metal Finishing, Billerica, MA, recently received both ISO 9002 and AS 9000 certification. AOTCO, a licensee for nearly 2 years, is a high tech job shop and now one of two (2) ISO certified METALAST Licensees.

Representatives from METALAST held a METALForum presentation at at the facility of a major player in the global aerospace industry, last week. Six of the company’s top Technical Managers attended the seminar. The company has an immediate interest in lower fatigue life, corrosion resistance, and salt spray testing. The company is seeking a solution to a part whose estimated life needs to be increased by 66% for a current project.

The company is sending samples to the Tech Center for processing. A solution by METALAST would lead to approval and specification, the company stated.

METALAST Licensee Erie Plating Company,m Erie, PA, received two consecutive awards from the city of Erie for standards of excellence in wastewater pretreatment and pollution prevention.

The most recent award was received for manitaining 12 months of continuous compliance with Erie's Wastewater Discharge Permit limitations during the 1999 calendar year and achieving ongoing compliance with all federal, state and local pretreatment regulations during the period. This award follows the company's receipt of the Pretreatment Excellence Award given for demonstrating excellent wastewater pretreatment and pollution prevention.

A midwest job shop has inquired to METALAST about the installation of a new anodizing facility. The company is trying to procure a multi million-part job and is very unsatisfied with the response from anodizer's. The company is interested in setting up their own anodizing line that will give them the color consistency that other anodizers have called unattainable. The owner had been trying to find resources/vendors to help with the project when he found METALAST on the Internet. PLASFAB has submitted a budgetary proposal to the company.

Representatives from METALAST International, Inc. and Alliance Partner CH2MHILL held a METALForum presentation at the facility of worldwide leader in transportation manufacturing last week. There were 26 engineers from the company in attendance. The focus of the presentation was highly technical. The company was impressed by the fact that the METALAST Technology can reduce process time over current anodizing times. The engineering group also expressed an interest in learning more about METALAST's silver impregnation process, which has the ability to restore electrical conductivity to anodized parts.

A Principal Process Consultant at CH2MHILL, also spoke to the group regarding a chemical process that the host is having problems with. Further discussions are planned in the near future. The company is a worldwide manufacturer of transportation equipment including well-know business and consumer brand names.

A global communications leader has informed METALAST International, Inc. that a purchase order has been issued effectively representing the signing of a METALAST Consulting Agreement (MCA). The signing of the MCA stems from work performed at the METALAST Tech Center on one of the company’s confidential consumer products in 1999.

A full time consultant to CH2MHILL in their Corvallis, OR office and surface finishing expert, will be visiting the Tech Center next Monday to help strengthen the alliance relationship between the companies. The consultant will receive a tour and METALForum.

Representatives from METALAST International, Inc. traveled into Michigan this week to continue discussions with the automotive industry. METALAST visited with reps at an automotive industry supplier to discuss a research project. METALAST also attended the Automotive Aluminum Association Seminar and the Ford magnesium exhibition, which included everybody involved in magnesium technology in the U.S. and Europe.

Last week, METALAST put on a METALForum seminar at the headquarters of a leading printer and copier manufacturer. In attendance were the Vice President of Research, a Project Manager, an Engineering Specialist, and a Manufacturing Engineer. The METALForum allowed the company a chance to see what METALAST offers to the entire anodizing and manufacturing communities. As previously reported, based on samples processed at the Tech Center, the company awarded a job to Licensee Universal Metal Finishing.

A company in Southern California recently met with METALAST to discuss samples processed at the Tech Center. The company manufactures ammunition. METALAST Tech Support came up with two basic designs. The company will continue to utilize METALAST on a pay for service basis, and is also considering the construction of a METALAST-PLASFAB line at their facility.

Also, a Florida manufacturer of ammunition has an interest in a METALAST-PLASFAB line. The President was interested in the turn-key capabilities of METALAST, including alliance partners PLASFAB, CH2MHILL, and Rapid Power. Additional discussions are planned in the very near future between the ammunition manufacturer and METALAST.

Senior executives from a leading yacht manufacturer visited the METALAST Tech Center this week. The President/CEO sees a definite potential for anodizing in their business and is planning to arrange for his Vice President and the manufacturing team to visit the Tech Center for technical discussions with METALAST Tech Support. The company said that initial use of a product by an industry leader could result in the specification of the process with other boat manufacturing companies.

A leading time piece manufacturer and METALAST International, Inc. have begun talks regarding anodizing solutions. The Engineering Manager has told METALAST that the company is having problems with color consistencies. He was very attracted to the process control and consistency of the METALAST Technology. The company will be sending samples to the Tech Center directly. The company currently sends their anodizing to California and Connecticut, but would consider using a more localized METALAST Licensee.

METALAST International, Inc. has officially received approval of a Supplier Code from a leading automotive supplier, the company reported. The awarding of the supplier code comes after over two (2) years of extensive R&D on joint projects between the company and METALAST. The significance of the award is that it comes at a time when the company is trying to reduce their respective supply chains.

The driving force of the approval is the work METALAST has done on major breakthrough project, and the approval shows METALAST’s importance to the project. In tests, the parts anodized with the METALAST Technology outperformed existing parts by 200-400%. Other tests conducted showed the superiority of the METALAST Technology compared to other anodized parts on hand.

Talks between piston manufacturer and METALAST International, Inc. have once again heated up. Due to corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for new passenger vehicles, pistons will have to be anodized to meet heat and friction requirements. CAFÉ standards were created to increase fuel efficiency by reducing overall vehicle weight. METALAST and PLASFAB have submitted a quote for the line. The new standards will be implemented in model year 2002 vehicles.

METALAST held a METALTrain class at the Tech Center last week. METALTrain was previously called the Licensee Training Course. Reps from Licensees, manufacturers, and anodizers attended the three-day course covering the Technology and sound anodizing practice. METALAST requires its Licensees to attend the seminar before installation. The program has been made available to non-Licensees on a pay-for-service basis.

The Shareholders and Directors of METALAST International, Inc. will be converging on Minden, NV Saturday, October 7. The annual shareholder meeting will discuss the strategic plan for the Company and give shareholders a chance to hear from METALAST executives on the progress and direction of the Company.

Based on samples processed at the METALAST Tech Center, a leading printer and copier manufacturer has awarded a 75,000 piece job to Licensee Universal Metal Finishing. The samples processed at the Tech Center were "far superior to a number of other anodizer’s samples," according to the company. METALAST and UMF have signed the appropriate Non-Disclosure Agreements. METALAST is working on possible solutions to the company's other anodizing requirements.

A leading electronics manufacturer met with METALAST International, Inc. at their facility this week. METALAST VP/Technical Support Director Dr. Sjon Westre and sales rep Greg Semas had technical discussions with the the company regarding samples processed at the Tech Center and the possibility of a METALAST Licensee to duplicate the results.

METALAST sales representative Eric Tocco gave a presentation to the Rhode Island branch of the AESF this week. The chapter president, Mr. Mohanty, asked METALAST to present at the meeting. There were approximately 50 people in attendance involved with aluminum in manufacturing or metal finishing.

A leading company in the semiconductor industry met with METALAST this week. The purpose of the meeting was to determine the approval process and what will be needed by for a proposed METALAST-PLASFAB anodizing line. The meeting also included representatives from PLASFAB, an engineering firm, and the engineering firm’s client. The client has hired the engineers to coordinate the design and installation of an anodizing facility due to poor service and poor quality from their current anodizers.

A leading consumer electronics manufacturer and METALAST International, Inc. will be continuing their technical discussions at the manufacturer’s facility next Monday. METALAST VP/Technical Support Director Sjon Westre will be meeting with Scientists to review the samples processed at the METALAST Tech Center. METALAST Tech Support was able to solve a problem for the manufacturer. The company has also requested an official response in the form of a proposal from to include a METALAST controlled anodizing line.

Representatives from one of the largest extrusion and anodizing companies in China, will be visiting the METALAST Tech Center this Friday September 15 to continue licensing and installation discussions. The delegation includes the Vice President, GM of Technology, GM of Purchasing, and GM of Finance. The delegation visited the facility of Alliance Partner PLASFAB Corp. over the weekend.

The company, with sales of US $200 million in 1999, is planning the addition of a new production facility to include eight (8) new anodizing lines. Initial estimates of the project cost are $8.8 million. In addition to licensing and construction of the new facility, the company is interested in discussing a technology acquisition or master license for all of China.

A North Carolina manufacturer has contacted METALAST International, Inc. about the construction of a METALAST-PLASFAB line. The President of the company said their local anodizer is too small, forcing them to send their larger work out of town. He would like to install a larger automated line as both a captive facility as well as a job shop. The company has requested a quote for a METALAST-PLASFAB line.

A global aerospace company has agreed to install a new PLASFAB line that will include the METALAST Technology. METALAST and PLASFAB are expecting a purchase order for the line by the end of the year. The line, valued at $1.7 million, will be the second PLASFAB line for the company. The decision by the company to begin utilizing the METALAST Technology for their anodizing needs comes after almost three (3) years of contact with METALAST.

Representatives from METALAST International, Inc. will be attending a meeting at the facility of a major semiconductor player on September 19. The meetings are to gain approval of the METALAST Technology on a $3 million project.

The manufacturer sent representatives to a traveling METALForum earlier this summer and is very impressed and supportive of the capabilities and expertise of METALAST. METALAST is hoping this meeting and pending approval of the Technology will help open other doors in the supply chain–a market METALAST has been trying to penetrate for three (3) years.

A Business Development Manager of CH2MHILL, has told METALAST and Alliance Partner PLASFAB that he has identified funding for the construction of a complete METALAST-PLASFAB line. CH2MHILL will be meeting with the individuals responsible for allocating funds next week and is confident that a purchase order will be awarded for the $1.5 million project.

CH2MHILL, a METALAST Alliance Partner, was recently awarded $30 million from the Department of Defense to provide engineering services at military bases on the eastern seaboard. CH2MHILL had revenues of $1.7 billion in 1999.

An east coast Naval Aviation Depot has expressed their intent to move towards installing a METALAST-PLASFAB anodizing line at their facility. The next step is a facilities review to be given September 11-12. METALAST VP/National Sales Director Byron Estes and PLASFAB VP will be there to assess what changes or additions need to be in place for the installation and to provide a cost estimate for the project.

Parker Hannifin has specified METALAST on another part due to the ability of a METALAST Tech Support to solve the problem. Licensee Hixson Metal Finishing was able to use the replicate the solution that solved a cracking problem for Parker using the METALAST Technology that previous anodizers could not. The individual at Parker responsible for the specification had attended the Southern California METALForum seminar.

A writing instrument manufacturer has recently contacted METALAST International, Inc. for assistance in finding a quality anodizer. A Senior Engineer called METALAST to find regional METALAST Licensees that could process 3-5,000 pens per month. The company wants to utilize a METALAST Licensee due to product performance and quality on samples that were processed with the METALAST Technology. They also expressed an interest in bringing all anodizing in-house in the future.

METALAST has taken another step forward in the specification process of Parker Hannifin. Parker has recently accepted METALAST Licensee Miller Plating & Metal Finishing’s anodized samples. In addition, Parker has requested that Miller Plating and METALAST visit the Parker Hannifin facility in Belleview, NJ. METALAST VP/National Sales Director Byron Estes will present a METALForum seminar to Parker-Hannifin to formally educate departments on the METALAST Technology.

This past weekend, the METALAST Installation Team installed the complete METALAST Technology at the facility of Licensee Santa Clara Plating. Both a Type II and Type III anodizing line were installed successfully. Tom Coss, President of Santa Clara, reported an initial productivity improvement of 40% on a key job. Mr. Coss also praised the METALAST Installation Team for their work ethic.

As earlier reported, a team of representatives from an east coast Naval Aviation Depot visited the METALAST Tech Center this week. The Anodizing & Plating Shop Manager, Industrial Engineer and a Chemist received a tour, a METALForum and detailed discussions with the Tech Support, R&D, Sales and Marketing groups. PLASFAB Vice President also participated in the technical discussions at the Tech Center.

The NADEP reps were also on hand for a conference call with CH2MHILL, PLASFAB and METALAST regarding funding sources for the remodel/update of the their anodizing facility. The Navy was also interested in METALAST performing audits on their current job shop suppliers to ensure compliance with their standards.

CH2MHILL and METALAST International, Inc. have officially entered a strategic alliance. For more than 50 years, CH2MHILL Inc., has provided complete program management, planning, engineering design, technology, construction, financing and project development services to private industry and public sector clients. The company, with revenues of $1.7 billion, was ranked as the Top Environmental Construction & Engineering Firm in 1998 by the Environmental Business Journal.

SUR/FIN 2000 Recap – METALAST Receives Gusts Of Increased Interest

SUR/FIN 2000, the AESF sponsored trade conference of the $50 billion surface finishing industry, was held this past week in Chicago, Il, and received its largest turnout ever. METALAST International, Inc. sent senior executives, sales and R&D representatives to the conference.

METALAST President/CEO David Semas said, "METALAST received its biggest turnout ever. There was a tremendous interest in the building of METALAST/PLASFAB lines, there was a great deal of international interest, and the introduction of the AA-100 Additive to the public was very well received. Overall it was a great success for METALAST."

METALAST R&D also presented two technical papers at SUR/FIN 2000. Stories about SUR/FIN 2000, regarding new and strengthened relationships, will be published in the METALAST Insider as they develop.

Aerospace Company Flying High After Los Angeles METALForum

6/23/00

An aerospace supplier in southern California will be sending samples to METALAST Licensee Hixson Metal Finishing. This new contact comes directly from the Los Angeles METALForum presentation held at Hixson’s facility. The aerospace company attended the seminar and the next day called to tell METALAST that they would be sending samples. The company was formed in 1941, during the war years, and initial production was devoted entirely to the war effort. After the war, the company has continued their fine tradition of excellence in aircraft.

Another Division Of Raytheon Hosts METALForum

6/16/00

This week, executives from METALAST put on a METALForum presentation at Raytheon Systems, El Segundo, CA. The seminar was attended by Raytheon’s engineering group leaders. Raytheon was very impressed by the technical discussions and plans to work with METALAST in the near future. In April, Raytheon Aircraft, Wichita, KS, hosted an on site METALForum. Raytheon designs, manufactures, markets, and supports jet, turboprop, and piston-powered aircraft for the world's commercial, military, and regional airline markets. It had revenues of $2.7 billion in 1999.

Leading Chinese Anodizer To Visit Tech Center, Again

Next month, representatives from one of the largest extrusion and anodizing companies in China, will once again be visiting METALAST. The company has assembled a team of four (4) representatives for technical discussions at both the Tech Center and at PLASFAB’s Rhode Island facility. The President visited METALAST in March and talks have been swiftly progressing since that initial visit.

United Space Alliance Hurls Project Through Cosmos To METALAST

5/19/00

Representatives of the United Space Alliance recently contacted METALAST International, Inc. to assist in solving a corrosion problem. The part in question came directly off the space shuttle Endeavor. USA sent information about the part to METALAST R&D and Tech Support who quickly and effectively were able to reply with a solution that USA can begin to utilize. The United Space Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin founded in 1996, is one of the world’s leading space operations companies and prime contractor for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program.

Metal Finishing Industry Looks To METALAST For More Information

METALAST International is once again being featured in industry media. Plating & Surface Finishing, the trade journal of the American Electroplaters and Surface Finishing society (AESF), requested a technical article from METALAST R&D that will be published later this summer. Also, SurfaceFinishing.com recently wrote a feature about METALAST and its new pay per service fee schedule. The article is dated 5/12/00 and can be found in the Industry News section at www.surfacefinishing.com.

METALAST On-Line Adds Features To Highlight New Programs

In concert with the newly introduced sale of the chemical additive and the new pay per service fee schedule, METALAST has expanded their web site to increase the visibility of the new METALAST programs. Manufacturers can currently access the rate card for the new fee schedule and also a sample request form to take advantage of the Free Initial Sample Offer. In addition, METALAST will be adding an e-commerce solution to METALAST On-Line giving customers the option to buy the METALAST Chemical Additive, and other items, on-line. Also, the full versions of the METALAST Technical Specifications (TECHSpecs) are now available for download at www.metalast.com.

METALAST Manufactures Pay For Service Fee Schedule

4/28/00

In concert with the METALAST Consulting Agreement (MCA) and remote METALForums, METALAST has launched a massive phone campaign geared toward relationship building with manufacturers for sample submitting. As part of this campaign, METALAST has introduced a new Pay Per Service Fee Schedule as a means of expanding revenue sources. This essentially means that a manufacturer can hire METALAST as a consulting partner. Companies now have the option to utilize METALAST Services as either a Client, by signing an MCA at an initial retainer of $25,000/year, as a METALAST Licensee, or as a Customer on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Manufacturers have been expressing a keen interest in METALAST as the Company explains to them that there is a solution to their problems. The goal the METALAST sales and marketing team is to contact 100+ qualified manufacturers per day, over 2,500 total per month, and to have these manufacturers of all industries submit samples to the Tech Center for processing. Based upon comments in the field and at METALForum’s, METALAST has received commitments a great deal of manufacturers who will be sending evaluation samples forthwith.

Hard Drive Of METALAST Creates Stir At Silicon Valley METALForum

METALAST International, Inc. continued their assault on the world’s technology mecca, the Silicon Valley, this week with a traveling METALForum. Manufacturers and job shops alike were very appreciative of the presentations, held over two (2) days in San Jose, CA.

Among the most positive response was from Applied Materials, the world’s largest semi-conductor equipment manufacturer. Applied showed up in force during the presentations with 15 total attendees. A member of the Supplier Management Organization at Applied, felt METALAST could help Applied maintain high quality and repeatable results from job shop to job shop.

Another company showing a great deal of interest in the METALAST Technology was Lockheed Martin Space Systems. An Engineering Specialist at Lockheed expressed problems with some of the complex components they currently utilize and plan to send samples to the METALAST Tech Center in the coming weeks.

LSA Anodic Technologies, a leading authority in precision anodizing, attended and was extremely impressed. Also, Acteron Corp., one of the top 5 anodizers in all the Bay Area, expressed their desire to move forward into increased discussions after over four years of contact with METALAST.

Mile High METALForum Builds "Rocky Mountains" Of Interest

4/21/00

Also this week, senior METALAST executives put on two (2) days of METALForum presentations in Denver, CO. The presentations were very well received by all involved. In all, there were over 70 attendees representing over 30 different companies. Among the attendees were: Agilent Technologies, ALCOA, Ball Aerospace, Lockheed Martin Marietta Corp., Klune Industries, Mile High Equipment, Samsonite, and Sunstrand Corporation. Many of the manufacturers at the seminars are planning to send samples to the Tech Center for processing.

World Famous Sailing Mast Maker Charts Their Way To METALAST

A world renowned high-end racing yacht mast maker has hired METALAST to elevate its performance on aluminum anodized components. The particular components are used to secure the mast to the deck of America’s Cup participants. The company had been sending parts to a regional anodizer, with unsuccessful results and poor quality. The company then submitted samples for processing to the Tech Center and was extremely pleased with the results. The company plans to continue sending parts on a bi-weekly basis to the Tech Center, and will essentially become METALAST’s first customer on their new pay per service fee schedule.

METALAST Maple Leaf Endeavor Makes Impression

4/7/00

The first venture by METALAST into Canada is shaping up to be the first of many to come. This week, senior executives from METALAST attended the Toronto AmCon show and put on a METALForum presentation. METALAST Licensees Universal Metal Finishing and Anoplate Corporation also attended the three day conference.

METALAST Licensee Featured In Industry Publication

Twin City Plating, Minneapolis, MN, a METALAST Licensee, will be featured in the May issue of Precision Manufacturing. The article will highlight the capabilities of the Twin City facility, which includes the METALAST Technology. Precision Manufacturing is the journal of the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association.

Santa Clara Plating Becomes Newest METALAST Licensee

3/10/00

Santa Clara Plating, Santa Clara, CA, has become the latest anodizer to execute a METALAST License Agreement. The signing continues METALAST’s influx into the world’s technological mecca, the Silicon Valley. After signing a Confidentiality Agreement in November of 1998, Santa Clara Plating has shown a tremendous interest in METALAST and the Technology. Santa Clara has submitted a number of samples to the Tech Center for processing.

Tom Coss, Owner, has always been very enthusiastic and supportive of the overall METALAST Technology. In December, Santa Clara visited the Tech Center for technical discussions with METALAST Tech Support and R&D. Founded in 1977, Santa Clara Plating is a significant Silicon Valley anodizer with a sister company in Chico, CA.

Newspaper Features METALAST In Business Article

This week, business reporters from the Reno Gazette Journal visited the METALAST Tech Center to research a feature article on the Minden, NV based company. The reporters received a tour of METALAST and information on the Company, the Technology, and the Process by President David Semas. The Gazette also interviewed members of R&D and Tech Support. The feature article can be viewed on line at:

Canada ‘Eh? – METALAST Heads North For METALForum And Conference

Representatives from METALAST will be traveling to Toronto, Canada next week to attend the American Contract Manufacturers (AmCon) Show. While in Toronto, METALAST executives will also be putting on a METALForum seminar. Over 30 manufacturers, anodizers, and suppliers will be in attendance at the seminar. The METALAST Technology has been widely accepted in Canada, and there are many anodizers interested in starting new relationships with the Company.

Chinese Dignitaries Visit Tech Center, Strong Desire To Bring METALAST Overseas

3/3/00

This week, executives from METALAST International, Inc. had meetings with the principal owner of one of the largest anodizing firms in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). The Chairman and majority shareholder of the publicly traded Shanghai based architectural anodizing firm visited. The meetings were a result of discussions METALAST has been in with the Company's U.S. representatives over the past six (6) months.

The company employs 4,000 people, currently operate 20 anodizing lines, and will soon be expanding to 100 lines. They had anodizing sales of more than US $200 million last year. They just completed an 80-story high rise office building in Shanghai and their anodized aluminum siding was used on the recently completed Chinese Military Government Center (similar to US Pentagon).

Apparently, and according to Dr. Ling Hao, METALAST Principal Research Scientist, the company is looking for the benefits of process control automation and a better, more consistent, and uniform product, with a greater selection of colors. He also is very interested in training, education and technical support. The chairman has stated that he would be interested in fully automating at least 25% of his anodizing lines with METALAST-PLASFAB automated lines.

¡Bueños Días! METALAST In Mexico For Trico Installation

Senior METALAST executives traveled south of the border to coordinate the first METALAST-PLASFAB installation for Trico Products, Matamoros, Mexico. In addition, two (2) owners from PLASFAB were also present. Trico is the world’s largest producer of original equipment windshield wipers. They supply about 70% of the automotive market, effectively meaning that 7 out of every 10 vehicles on the road will have METALAST on board.

Travelling METALForum To Accelerate Into The Motor City

METALAST executives are currently preparing a METALForum presentation to be held in the U.S. automotive capital, Detroit, MI. METALAST VP/National Marketing Director John Dempsey has stated that the primary focus of the Detroit seminar will be the Big Three U.S. automotive manufacturers and their primary suppliers. Visteon Automotive Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary and part manufacturer of Ford, has provided the most positive initial response due to the influence of aluminum in car making and the resulting increase in anodizing. John Dempsey will be travelling to Detroit next week to create additional interest among the Big Three, OEM’s, Tier 1 and 2 suppliers and regional anodizers.

Metal Finishing Magazine Thinks METALAST Is Twice As Nice

In addition to the technical article to appear in their May issue, Metal Finishing Magazine, a leading industry trade publication, has accepted an additional research paper from METALAST R&D. This latest article will appear in their December issue devoted to anodizing. Editor Mike Murphy told METALAST, "We’re glad to see that METALAST is submitting these technical articles, it’s great for the industry and for anodizing." Metal Finishing is a technical publication with articles focusing on current research and practices in metal finishing.

METALAST Specified Again, Getting That Mile High Feeling

2/25/00

Mile High Equipment Co., Denver, CO, has specified the METALAST Technology on two new products. Mile High manufactures commercial ice making machines under the trade name "ICE-O-MATIC". The specification is a result of extensive third party testing of samples provided by six (6) suppliers. Mile High has been working with Licensee UMF and expects to contract with UMF and possibly other METALAST licensees for the production phase. METALAST was selected for the oxide quality and consistency, which is needed for the environmental, quality, and manufacturing requirements of Mile High. Once specified, local Licensing activity will increase to accommodate Mile High. Mile High plans to send 4-5 reps to the Rocky Mountain METALForum.

East Liberty Inks METALAST License Agreement

2/18/00

East Liberty Electroplating, Glenshaw, PA, has become the latest anodizer to execute a METALAST License Agreement. Founded in 1920, East Liberty is a nationally respected metal finisher with annual sales of $5 million+/-. METALAST had been working with East Liberty since October 1997. East Liberty signed a Confidentiality Agreement and toured the METALAST Tech Center during this past summer. In January, METALAST representatives visited the East Liberty plant to discuss licensing and give an operational review.

Licensees and Alliances In Training

METALAST International, Inc. is holding its latest Licensee Training Class this week. Representatives from Alliance Partner PLASFAB, METALAST’s first International Licensee Trico Products, and Licensee Universal Metal Finishing have convened for the three-day course covering the METALAST Technology and sound anodizing practice. METALAST requires its Licensees to attend the educational Training Class before installation.

Cooler Manufacturer Visits Tech Center

2/11/00

A Project Engineer and a Director Commercial and Industrial Product Engineering, from a leading purification systems manufacturer visited the METALAST Tech Center last week. What precipitated the visit was a corrosion problem the company was experiencing.

The two reps toured the Tech Center with METALAST executives, attended a METALForum, and met with Tech Support and R&D to discuss possible solutions to the corrosion problem. METALAST Licensee Universal Metal Finishing was also on hand during the visit. METALAST, through Universal Metal Finishing, has been working with the company on various projects for over a year.

Both reps were extremely impressed with METALAST during their visit and are confident that METALAST can resolve the corrosion problem. The company has a draft of the METALAST Manufacturer Consulting Agreement (MCA).

Revolution Underway, METALAST Specified Again

2/4/00

With the METALAST revolution underway, the company received notice that a manufacturer had specified the METALAST Technology in their drawings, without the prior knowledge of METALAST. The specification of the METALAST Technology by Beckman Coulter is not the first official spec, it is the first specification of METALAST without the company realizing that work had been done and specified.

Over a year ago, Beckman was dissatisfied with their anodizer. Beckman was experiencing problems with consistency, uniformity, burning and poor product performance of their parts with that supplier. Beckman contacted METALAST Licensee Universal Metal Finishing to anodize various parts for sample testing. Universal Metal Finishing consequently sent numerous samples to the METALAST Tech Center for processing. METALAST had no knowledge of who the parts were for.

After 6-8 months of extensive testing by Beckman, the samples processed at the Tech Center and the Licensee’s facility proved superior and more consistent than its competitors. The excellent results were responsible for Beckman specifying METALAST on their drawings, although METALAST was unaware of their specified status. Another determinant in the specification was the standardization of the METALAST Technology and the ability to utilize METALAST at multiple manufacturing locations around the country while still delivering the same exact product.

METALAST first became aware of the specification when their west coast representative was contacted by a machine shop wondering how to get a part "METALAST-ed." The representative directed the machine shop to the nearest METALAST Licensee.

Industry Publication Requests Article From METALAST R&D

1/21/00

Metal Finishing Magazine, a leading industry trade publication, has contacted METALAST International regarding the submission of a technical paper to be featured in a "Spotlight on Anodizing" published in their May issue. The magazine will publish a paper furnished by METALAST R&D on a research project performed at the METALAST Tech Center. Metal Finishing is known as a technical publication with articles focusing on current research and practices in metal finishing.

Quick Response By METALAST Saves The Day For Licensee

Last week, METALAST Field Service Tech Rich Harris received a call at home from Licensee Erie Plating concerning an operational problem with their MPCS. Via modem, Rich was able to determine that there was a module in the MPCS which was not responding. After performing a few routine checks on-line, corrections were made and Erie was back up and running. Erie was only down for approximately 30 minutes thanks to the efforts of METALAST Tech Support.

Licensees Recognize Benefits, Request
More METALAST Lines

1/14/00

METALAST Licensee Highland Plating, Los Angeles, CA had an additional METALAST anodizing line installed at their facility. Highland plans to enter the hardcoat anodizing market and saw the addition of a METALAST Type III line as their springboard. Highland has been very impressed with their current Type II line, which led to the request.

In addition, Erie Plating Company, Erie, PA, will be adding another Type II line at their plant at the end of the month. This addition comes after Erie’s first hand witnessing of the METALAST Technology producing a more consistent and uniform oxide at a rate of three (3) times faster than their current anodizing run time. Also, Pacific Coast Anodizing, Fresno, CA, will have the METALAST Technology installed at their plant this February.

Ready, Aim, Fire – METALAST Receives
Federal Firearms Permit

1/7/00

METALAST International, Inc. has received a Federal Firearm License allowing the company to do work for firearm manufacturers. The decision to obtain the License was instituted as a result of contacts with one of the nation’s leading firearm manufacturers. For METALAST to perform testing on any firearm part, the company had to first obtain a Federal Firearm License.

This past summer, leading firearm manufacturer opened its doors to METALAST after months of contact when Sales Rep Drew Nosti had a chance to address management and engineering teams. The company was highly impressed and interested in the METALAST Technology. The company has already sent samples to the METALAST Tech Center for processing.