According to a press release, Union Partners LLC, a full-service metals and logistics holding company, has purchased Heidtman Steel’s Automotive Steel Technical Center in Gibraltar, Michigan. The 9,500-square foot facility was built in 2005 to house Heidtman's automotive technical and commercial teams. Union Partners said it will make the facility the centerpiece of its testing and research efforts, particularly in working with both steel mills and OEMs to bring advanced high-strength and ultrahigh-strength steels to the marketplace.
"This testing facility deepens our commitment to the next generation of steel products. It also deepens our commitment to our mills and customers as we all work together to understand the vast capabilities of these new materials," said Union Partners founders Chris Hutter and Paul Douglass in a joint statement.
The research facility is adjacent to Union Partners’ already operating Lee Steel service center in Gibraltar. The acquisition will allow for a potential future expansion of the Gibraltar service center. The center recently underwent an installation of an industry-leading Braner slitting line capable of processing hot rolled black, hot rolled pickled and oiled, and cold rolled coils with mechanical properties ranging to 100,000-psi in gauges up to .500.