“Why would a company in Cleveland want to go to Meadville, Pennsylvania? The main reason is the amount of different processes that Peters Heat Treating is capable of doing. They’re kind of a one-stop shop for a lot of different value-added processes.”

–Nic Willis, Metallurgist and Heat Treat Supervisor at Emerson Professional Tools

This case study was written based on an interview conducted on August 23rd, 2022 with Nic Willis, Metallurgist and Heat Treat Supervisor at Emerson Professional Tools.

Key Takeaways:

  • Saved cost and hassle on several product lines
  • Quality systems are impressive and effective
  • Professionalism and availability go a long way

Emerson’s global Professional Tools business offers the broadest portfolio of reliable tools, connected equipment, and software technologies for those working in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades. With unparalleled expertise from RIDGID, Greenlee, and Klauke, we deliver trusted products that provide dependable performance to handle the industries’ toughest challenges.

Multiple Processes Under One Roof

Emerson started working with Peters heat treating about three or four years ago because of all the different heat treating processes offered. Some of the services Peters’ provides for Emerson’s parts include neutral hardening carburizing, carbo nitride, black oxide, and laser hardening.

“Why would a company in Cleveland, where there are so many options in the heat treating the world, want to go to Meadville, Pennsylvania? The main reason is the amount of different processes that Peters Heat Treating is capable of doing. They’re kind of a one-stop shop for a lot of different value-added processes.” –Nic Willis, Metallurgist, and Heat Treat Supervisor at Emerson Professional Tools

The amount of different processes Peters has taken on for Emerson has streamlined its supply chain and cut down on lead times on critical components. By being a one-stop shop, Peters eliminates the need to send parts out to one vendor, get parts back in-house, and then ship to another shop. It’s greatly reduced the amount of hassle and shipping costs.

“With some of our art components that go in one of our major lines, they get a lot of outside processing and we’ve been able to cut and consolidate that all into one facility at Peters’.” –Nic Willis, Metallurgist and Heat Treat Supervisor at Emerson Professional Tools

High Level of Quality and Professionalism

Emerson appreciates the high level of quality Peters provides. The job tracking system and customer service have made it very easy to outsource many of their heat-treating operations.

“I’ve been to their facility several times it’s a very clean facility. Very professional.” –Nic Willis, Metallurgist and Heat Treat Supervisor at Emerson Professional Tools

When Nic visited the Peters’ Heat Treating facilities, he was impressed with their quality system and the way different parts are tracked throughout the process. Being in charge of his own in-house heat-treating operations, Nic was inspired by what he saw and has since implemented some of the same methods he saw at Peters.

Not only does Peters’ offer exceptional quality but Emerson has found Peters’ to be great to work with, offering clear communication and sharing heat-treating knowledge. Nic said he would highly recommend Peters’ to any friend or colleague.

“They’re just really easy to work with. They’re always available if you do have any questions. If anything comes up, they always let you know what’s going on and they keep you posted on what you know how your parts are doing, and where the orders that so communication is really good. So I think that goes a long way.” –Nic Willis, Metallurgist and Heat Treat Supervisor at Emerson Professional Tools