Gallatin, Tennessee
During the 1970's, atomized steel powder production capacity in North America was unable to support expansion into new applications. Hoeganaes Corporation decided to expand their capacity to meet this need. As a result, Gallatin, TN was chosen as the green-field site for a state-of-the-art atomizing facility. The Tennessee location was chosen for it's proximity to expected future auto industry expansion, the business-friendly state and local governments and the high-quality workforce available in the area. The plant began full operation in 1980 with one 45-ton Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) and 3 Annealing furnaces. The original facility had a capacity of 45,000 tons and only made 3 grades. In 2000, the plant completed a significant upgrade worth over $100 million. Currently, the Gallatin facility has a 60-ton EAF with a Ladle Refining Furnace and 12 Annealing furnaces. The current plant has a capacity in excess of 300,000 tons and makes more than 20 base grades.