(Red Bud, IL – USA) – The Material Works, Ltd. (TMW) has been named the winner of American Metal Market’s 2016 Award for Steel Excellence in the category Best Process Innovation. This prestigious award recognizes the research, application testing and design refinements to TMW’s patented Eco Pickled Surface (EPS) technology that achieves much faster, more complete pickling of challenging grades of steel.
EPS technology received the AMM Award for Steel Excellence in the Environmental Responsibility and Stewardship category in 2011 to recognize how the environmentally benign EPS process replaces hazardous, environmentally deleterious acid pickling of flat rolled steel. Since that time, the TMW R&D Team has further enhanced EPS technology so it is even more efficient in pickling grades of steel that prove especially difficult for acid pickling – stainless steel, silicon steel and the new advanced high strength steels (AHSS). With demand for AHSS growing rapidly, EPS is proving to be a vital part of the steel value chain because it pickles AHSS at a significantly lower cost than acid pickling, while enhancing the steel’s surface.
| The AMM Awards for Steel Excellence annually recognize advancements rooted in pioneering and implementing business improvements that deliver real change to the steel industry. AMM President Raju Daswani observed, “These (award winning) companies demonstrated both tenacity and excellence to distinguish themselves during this tough global market for steel. To be so honored, particularly during challenging times, is the mark of a world class company.” |  |
In accepting the award at the June 14, 2016 recognition ceremony in New York City, TMW President Kevin Voges remarked, “This award is testament to the hard work and persistence of our Technology Development Team who have the unique character of being able to stick with a tough project, even when the tunnel seemed very long and the light at the end of it was dim. But ultimately, these blessings come not from us, but from the Lord who gives us the opportunity to discover what He has already created.”