METALS,
L.P.
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News & History of C-KOE Metals, L.P. Overview C-KOE has been producing primary aluminum shot and 5-pound notch bar since 1982. Our customers include major multi-national companies with a wide variety of applications including: metallurgical, titanium alloys, paint pigment, resin filler, catalysts and specialty chemical applications. We are the largest producer of primary aluminum shot in North America. All orders are custom manufactured for each customers unique specification and application. We look forward to working with you!
C-KOE NewsNew President August 2007 / Mike Hendrix was promoted from General Manager to President of C-KOE Metals L. P.. Mike has been in the metals business for over 30 years, and joined C-KOE in September 1, 2001. New National Sales Manager April 2004 / Jon Sederstrom joined C-KOE Metals L. P. in April of 2004 as their National Sales Manager. With over 28 years in the aluminum industry, Jon has an extensive background specializing in primary aluminum shot. Please call Jon direct at (509) 999-0759 with any questions you may have regarding our products, or send him an e-mail to jon@ckoemetals.com and he will return your call. Facilities Upgrades C-KOE has a strong commitment to its valued customers. By reinvesting profits in its manufacturing facilities we maintain our competitive advantage and guarantee high quality products that meet or exceed customer requirements. August 2007 / C-KOE hired a leading furnace specialist to rebuild the # 2 furnace. The furnace reline, automated flue dampers and natural gas burner upgrades will enable C-KOE to produce high quality aluminum shot and 5-pound bar products for our customers for many more years to come. June 2006 / The casting line was completely replaced with state-of-the-art improvements. The upgrades included installation of a new casting pit, drying kiln, pneumatic conveyors, and other key equipment. June 2004 / C-KOE Metals installed a new automated process logic control (PLC) system on its furnaces to better control the operation. Key statistical data is collected so we can monitor multiple parameters during the melting and production phases on each heat we produce. A series of additional continuous improvements are also planned in order to keep our facility up to date with the most advanced manufacturing methods available today. June 2003 / In June of 2003 C-KOE Metals purchased a new state-of-the-art spectrometer from Spectro Analytical to inspect in-coming materials, monitor aluminum chemistry throughout the process, and provide accurate COA's (certificate of analysis). This investment allows C-KOE Metals to provide the best quality control possible, quickly and efficiently, in a highly accurate and cost effective manner. Alcoa Transitions Entire Pellet Business to C-KOE Metals November 2002 / Effective November 12, 2002, Alcoa Specialty Metals Division transferred it's entire high purity aluminum pellet business to C-KOE Metals, L. P. Discussions to do so had been under way for several weeks and a final agreement was reached between C-KOE owner Charles Koetting and Hans Tandon of Alcoa. Alcoa's customers had been receiving pellets from C-KOE for many years. For two years prior to this event, C-KOE was the exclusive partner with Alcoa in the manufacturing of high-purity aluminum pellets. Charles Koetting, owner of C-KOE Metals, comments: "We couldn't be happier with Alcoa's decision to transfer the pellet business to C-KOE. It was a good partnership, but we look forward to dealing with each valuable customer directly. We understand each customer's product specifications because we are already manufacturing for them. I opened this plant in 1983 and I know we have the best people and the best product in the world. We look forward to making this transition effortless for our customers." C-KOE HistoryIn 1978, C-KOE Builders, Inc., Charles Koetting’s general contracting company, built the existing C-KOE Metals building and installed the plant equipment and furnace. The plant was built for a manufacturer of low-purity aluminum pellets and bar, used as de-ox in the steel industry. In 1982, the Small Business Administration foreclosed on the property, including the equipment. Charles heard about the foreclosure and purchased the factory from the SBA. He then formed a partnership with Dan Smith to begin manufacturing high-purity aluminum pellets and bar under the name C-KOE Aluminum. After three and one-half years, Charles sold his share of the partnership to Dan Smith. Dan Smith continued to operate C-KOE Aluminum and competed so successfully with Alcoa Specialty Metals in the manufacturing and sales of high purity aluminum pellets that in the summer of 2000 Alcoa Aluminum offered to buy his customer list, which he accepted. A Supply Agreement was also signed specifying that C-KOE continue to make product until Alcoa could transition production to their new high-tech plant in Wenatchee, Washington. On August 31, 2001, Charles formed C-KOE Metals, LP., purchased the plant, furnaces, equipment for a second time, and negotiated a new supply agreement with Alcoa. A new general manager with extensive metals industry experience was brought in. He retained the other existing plant employees, including the plant manager, whose tenures ranged from 4 to 33 years, a very stable work force. A bonus program based on profits, and health and life insurance benefits were put into place. With the exception of a secretary that has retired, all employees are still with the company today. On November 12, 2002, Alcoa turned the entire high purity pellet business over to C-KOE Metals. |
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C-Koe Metals, L. P.
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