Bales Metal Surface Solutions in Downers Grove, Illinois, has replaced the two nickel lines in its 29,000-square-foot facility.
Stacey BalesThe project has doubled the finishing supplier’s nickel line capacity, which leadership estimates will reduce customer lead time by half.
Installing the new nickel lines has expanded Bales’ plating capacity from five to 10 tanks. It also introduced a counterflow rinse and a hoist system to accommodate heavier parts.
“In addition to faster turnaround times on nickel plating, customers can expect even better-plating quality and consistency, such as color and shininess,” says Mike Hill, operations manager. The new equipment rinses parts more effectively and provides easier tank access for quality checks throughout the day.”
Steve and Mike Bales, who founded Bales in 1978, devised the new nickel lines almost two decades ago.
Sara MortensenStacey Bales and Sara Mortensen are the second generation of Bales family leaders. They assumed leadership in 2009 after the sudden passing of their father.
“In 2007, my father, Steve, envisioned a plan to continue Bales’ growth through modern equipment,” says Stacey Bales, president of the company. “We’re proud to have carried out our family’s dream with these new nickel lines. It’s not exactly how he drew it, but it’s exactly what we need today to continue improving lead times for customers.”
Bales provides four engineered nickel coatings that protect metal components against corrosion, abrasion, and sticking:
- Electroless nickel
- Nicklon is an electroless nickel with polytetrafluoroethylene.
- Nibore is an electroless nickel and boron nitride.
- Diamond E.N. is an electroless nickel with diamond particles.
Bales' team members gather for the new nickel lines' ribbon cutting.Bales also provides hard chrome and diamond chrome plating, finishes, and other services for preparing and processing metal components for surface finishing. The new nickel lines will allow Bales to continue developing services that meet customer demand.
Bales designed the new nickel lines with Plating Specialists and John Schneider & Associates. Corrotec manufactured and installed the Lines.
Bales Metal Surface Solutions was founded in 1978 and supports over industries, including automotive, fasteners, and plastic injection molding. It has a 29,000-square-foot facility, holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management, and is a certified woman-owned business.
Visit www.BalesUSA.com
