Titanium Update Newsletter January 2012 Edition

DENVER, Jan. 24, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- The International Titanium Association (ITA), Northglenn, CO, has published its latest edition of the Ti Update newsletter ("Titanium"), dedicated to the global titanium industry. The publication may be accessed online (http://www.titanium.org/files/ItemFileA4827.pdf).

Produced by the ITA staff, the quarterly newsletter offers market and company news, job postings, classified ads and updates on titanium industry events, with dispatches from sources in North America, Asia and Europe.

Jennifer Simpson, executive director of the ITA, said the newsletter is designed to serve the needs of ITA members, as well as suppliers, customers and stakeholders doing business in the global titanium industry. Call the ITA at (303) 404-2221 or visit the association's Website (www.titanium.org) for more information or to be added to the newsletter e-distribution list.

Among the highlight items contained in the bulletin's first edition, Allegheny Technologies Inc. (ATI), Pittsburgh, has signed a long-term sourcing agreement with Goodrich Corp., Charlotte, NC, for the supply of aerospace forgings used in landing-gear components. The agreement covers structural forgings sold to Goodrich's Landing Gear facilities located in the United States, Canada, and Poland by ATI Ladish's ZKM Forging operation.

Pittsburgh-based RTI International Metals Inc. has signed a stock-purchase agreement with Aeromet International PLC, to acquire Aeromet's Forming Division for $34 million. The Aeromet unit, located in Welwyn Garden City, U.K., is involved in hot forming, super-plastic forming, diffusion bonding and fabrication of titanium sheet and plate for the aerospace and defense markets. RTI said the acquisition will enhance its vertical integration strategy.

Responding to demand in the commercial and aerospace markets, Plymouth Engineered Shapes (PES), Warrenville, IL, a division of Plymouth Tube Co., has embarked on a $12-million capital investment for its Hopkinsville, KY, installation. The expansion involves facilities and equipment and is expected to be completed by the end of 2012. PES manufactures titanium and steel extrusions for aerospace, power generation and other industrial applications.

Andy McElwee has joined the staff of VSMPO Tirus US as Eastern Vice President—Sales and Operations. During his 20-year career at Carpenter Technology Corp., McElwee held various sales and marketing management positions, including Vice President of Sales and Marketing. 

There were significant aerospace business transactions at the Dubai Air Show, held Nov. 13-17, 2011 in the United Arab Emirates. Emirates Airline placed an order to buy 50 777-300ER jets from Boeing, a booking estimated at $18 billion, plus an $8-billion option for another 20 aircraft—described as the single-largest order, by dollar value, in Boeing's history. In addition, Oman Air booked six Boeing 787-8s while Qatar Airways ordered two Boeing 777-200 freighters. The Boeing 777 and 787 planes are considered showcases for titanium applications, with an estimated titanium content of 80 metric tons for each 787 and 50 metric tons for each 777.  

SOURCE International Titanium Association