ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 34 Hoeganaes Corporation, now named GKN Hoeganaes, recently observed 70 years of serving the metal powder industry with a celebration at its world headquarters in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. The event, held on September 12, 2023, welcomed nearly 100 guests. Attendees included current and retired employees, vendors, customers, and honored guests, including the GKN Powder Metallurgy Senior Management team. Activities included speeches by several dignitaries, special service awards for longtime employees, and a celebratory meal. The New Jersey facility sits on the hallowed grounds of an ASM Historical Landmark whose history dates back to 1953 when it was originally known as Hoeganaes Sponge Iron Corporation (HSIC). COMPANY BEGINNINGS AND GROWTH In order to address the growing U.S. market for iron powder utilized in press-and-sinter powder metallurgy parts, the Swedish company, Höganäs AB, decided to purchase land in New Jersey along the Delaware River and build a sponge iron facility to service the U.S. instead of importing directly from Sweden. The plant opened in 1953 and was 100% owned by Höganäs until 1968. Then in 1968, Höganäs faced the good problem of having significant growth both in Europe and the U.S. They did not have sufficient capital to expand in both markets simultaneously, so a decision was made to sell the majority share of Hoeganaes to Interlake Steel while retaining a minority share. This owner- ship arrangement lasted from 1968 until 2000. ASM HISTORICAL LANDMARK SERIES HOEGANAES CELEBRATES MILESTONE AND LANDMARK STATUS A look at the growth and longevity of a powder metallurgy company along with its historic beginnings as a producer of sponge iron powder utilizing tunnel kiln technology. Employees receiving 70th anniversary pins in recognition for their service to Hoeganaes include (from left): Chris Schade (VP, Advanced Materials & Site Director, GKN Hoeganaes), Diego Laurent (chief executive officer, GKN Powder Metallurgy), Kalathur (Sim) Narasimhan (VP, P2P Technologies, previously VP, R&D, Hoeganaes), Matthias Voss (president, GKN Powders), Pat McGeehan (retired president, Reading Alloys Inc., previously VP, R&D, Engineering and Manufacturing, Hoeganaes), Jack Mutschler (retired and past VP, Manufacturing, Hoeganaes Corp.), and Bill Michael (retired senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Hoeganaes). A celebratory cake features the Hoeganaes company logo. To commemorate the occasion, 70th anniversary pins were created to honor longtime service to the company.
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