For Tammy Speal, one of the most powerful advantages of being part of Valence Surface Technologies isn’t just scale—it’s connection.

Blairsville is a 55,000-square-foot facility that has evolved into one of the most versatile, defense-focused finishing operations in the region.With 12 locations now throughout the U.S., Valence provides a network of resources for its facility managers.

“The beauty of Valence is that you’re no longer on that finishing island,” she says. “I can pick up the phone at any time and call any one of my sister companies, and I feel like they’re all my brothers.”

That sense of shared expertise and collaboration has become foundational to her leadership as General Manager of Valence’s Blairsville, Pennsylvania, facility. It’s also been reinforced by the support of company leadership—an experienced bench of operational and technical experts whose collective knowledge has accelerated the plant’s evolution.

“Their knowledge is not something you just go out and take a course to learn,” she explains. “It’s something you gain through years, and having access to that, and it changes everything.”

But while the Valence network provides a powerful backbone, the real story in Blairsville is what happens on the ground: a 55,000-square-foot facility that has evolved into one of the most versatile, defense-focused finishing operations in the region—now further strengthened by strategic investment, cross-site collaboration, and a sharpened focus on data-driven performance.

A Strategic Acquisition with Purpose

Tobin GibertValence Surface Technologies acquired the former H&W Global Industries in 2021 after recognizing the value in a provider of surface treatment for highly engineered products in the aerospace and defense market in the Northeast region of North America.

When Valence evaluates potential acquisitions, the goal isn’t simply expansion—it’s alignment. According to Nick Treby, Business Development Manager at Valence, Blairsville checked all the right boxes.

“We want to bring someone into the mix who already has a good shop, good process, and good reputation,” Treby says. “But also one that has a statement of work or approvals that are complementary to what we already offer.”

Blairsville offered exactly that. Located in an underserved region for high-spec finishing, the facility had already built a strong reputation in defense work—complete with approvals tied to key platforms and prime contractors.

Nick Treby“That’s what attracted us,” Treby explains. “They had approvals with some defense primes on platforms we didn’t have. We wanted to bring that into the mix.”

Tobin Gibert, Vice President of Business Development at Valence, agrees.

“It was a natural fit from both a capability and market standpoint,” he says.

But acquisition was only the beginning. What followed was a deliberate integration process—one that combined Blairsville’s existing strengths with Valence’s broader operational systems, quality frameworks, and growth strategy.

Building a True One-Stop Finishing Operation

Step inside the Blairsville plant today, and the breadth of capabilities is immediately apparent. What began as a smaller plating operation has grown into a comprehensive finishing hub—one that supports a wide range of defense and industrial applications, including approvals for Moog, Aerojet Rocketdyne, BAE, General Dynamics, Kongsberg Defense, L3 Harris, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Martin Baker of America, Northrop Grumman, Rafael Aerospace, SpaceX, and others.

Valence supports a wide range of defense and industrial applications, including approvals for Moog, Aerojet Rocketdyne, BAE, General Dynamics, Kongsberg Defense, L3 Harris, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Martin Baker of America, Northrop Grumman, Rafael Aerospace, SpaceX, and others.“We do all of the anodized specs for sulfuric anodizing,” Speal says. “Type II, Type III—we cover the full range.”

That includes not just standard finishes, but a diverse palette of color anodizing. While black and clear remain staples, the facility routinely produces custom shades—purple, green, and blue—that meet stringent federal and military standards.

“We’ve done some pretty strange colors,” she says. “But they all tie back to fed specs and military standards. That’s what drives it.”

Beyond anodizing, the facility offers a full suite of chemical conversion coatings, including Type I and Type II processes (MIL-PRF-8625, PS306, PS309, STP58-208, KVS-23) and Class 1A and Class 3 applications. These coatings are essential for corrosion resistance and paint adhesion, particularly in defense environments where performance margins are tight and failure is not an option.

On the plating side, Blairsville continues to expand:

• Zinc plating to AMS, ASTM, and AS specifications
• Zinc phosphate treatments
• Black oxide processing (Class 1 and Class 4)
• Silver plating for copper and aluminum substrates

“We’ve started doing some silver plating and blasting as well,” Speal says. “We’re always looking at where we can expand based on customer needs.”

Aside from Speal, the management at Blairsville includes Production Supervisor Shonn Berdosky and Department Supervisors Andy Fisher, Duane Harper, and Mark Hager.

The facility also maintains a Federal Firearms License (FFL), enabling it to process firearm components—another niche capability aligned with defense and specialized commercial markets.

The Silver Line: From Customer Need to New Market Opportunity

Silver-plated copper bus bars are seeing explosive demand as data center construction accelerates nationwide.One of the most significant recent additions to Blairsville’s capabilities is its silver plating line—a development that underscores how Valence blends local insight with corporate agility.

The initiative began with customer demand, and Treby says that Speal saw an opportunity in the region.

“She had customers asking when we were going to start doing silver,” he says. “Tammy made her case, and we said, ‘Let’s do it.’”

Within six months, the line was operational. But what started as a response to regional demand quickly opened doors to entirely new markets.

“We’re starting to break into markets we hadn’t even considered when we were planning it,” Treby says.

One of those markets: data center infrastructure. Silver-plated copper bus bars—critical components in high-power electrical systems—are seeing explosive demand as data center construction accelerates nationwide.

“We’ve had exposure to bus bars before,” Gibert says. “But now, with the volume required for data centers, the supply chain is going to need more capacity. That’s where we think we can step in.”

The opportunity is significant. As hyperscale data centers proliferate, the need for reliable, high-conductivity components is growing exponentially.

“It’s not a new application,” Gibert adds. “It’s the sheer volume that’s changing.”

For Blairsville, the silver line represents more than a new process; it’s a gateway into a rapidly expanding market segment.

Integration Through Data and Discipline

While new capabilities are important, Valence’s real impact at Blairsville has come through operational integration, particularly in how performance is measured and managed.

“We standardize the metrics across all sites,” Treby explains. “That helps us find weak points and areas for improvement.”

Key performance indicators (KPIs) now tracked at both the site and corporate level include quality scores, turnaround time, quote response time, customer follow-up rates, and corrective action responsiveness.

“A lot of smaller shops aren’t using data the best way they can,” Treby says. “We help put those processes in place.”

“We share knowledge site to site,” Gibert says. “It’s a daily activity.”

That transition hasn’t been without challenges, and Treby says there is definitely a learning curve. But the payoff has been substantial; with better visibility into performance, the Blairsville team can identify trends, address issues proactively, and continuously refine operations.

Daily Gemba walks—structured reviews of shop floor activity—are now part of the routine, reinforcing accountability and communication.

“It’s about understanding what’s happening in real time,” Treby says.

Cross-Site Collaboration: A True Competitive Advantage

Perhaps the most transformative aspect of Blairsville’s integration into Valence has been its access to a nationwide network of expertise.

“When you’re a single-location company, you never get to see behind the curtain,” Treby says. “Now, if we run into a problem, we can ask 11 other sites how they’re doing it.”

That collaboration is not theoretical—it’s hands-on.

When the silver plating line was installed, a team from Valence’s Springfield facility traveled to Blairsville to assist with operator training, lab setup, chemistry calibration, and process optimization.

“By the end of summer 2026, every single process at Blairsville will be Nadcap-accredited,” Treby says.

“They helped us dial in the entire operation,” Treby says.

This kind of cross-site support is routine across the Valence network.

“We share knowledge site to site,” Gibert says. “It’s a daily activity.”

For Speal and her team, that access has been a game changer.

“In this industry, your competitor isn’t going to help you,” she says. “But here, we help each other.”

Nadcap: From Challenge to Competitive Edge

One of the most significant recent additions to Blairsville’s capabilities is its silver plating line.One of the most significant milestones since the acquisition has been Blairsville’s achievement of Nadcap accreditation—a rigorous certification that validates the performance of special processes in aerospace and defense.

When Valence acquired the facility, it was not Nadcap accredited. Today, it not only holds multiple Nadcap approvals but has also achieved Nadcap Merit Status, a distinction that reflects consistent audit performance.

“The unwavering commitment exhibited by the Blairsville team has been integral in securing our Nadcap accreditation,” says Simone Murphy-Fickenworth, Valence’s Vice President of Quality and Compliance. “Our on-site team has taken a proactive approach with exemplary leadership, and relentless pursuit of growth as we continue to expand our capability.”

Simone FickenworthThe journey required extensive effort, including documentation, process standardization, and cross-site support. Valence has invested in the quality team and infrastructure at the Blairsville location to expand the applicability of coatings technologies to the commercial marketspace via Nadcap certification.

“That was a great achievement,” Treby says. “We relied heavily on our other sites to help with that.”

Weekly coordination with Valence’s centralized quality leadership—including Fickenworth, who has 25 years of quality and compliance experience in the aerospace industry — helped accelerate the process.

Looking ahead, the goal is even more ambitious.

“By the end of summer 2026, every single process at Blairsville will be Nadcap-accredited,” Treby says.

For Speal, the impact has been profound.

“It changes your life,” she says. “Once you implement it, you realize it makes you better, stronger, and tighter.”

Expanding Approvals and Market Reach

In addition to Nadcap, Blairsville has achieved another notable milestone: approval from Moog, a major aerospace and defense manufacturer. Treby says they are the first plant in their network in the eastern U.S. to achieve Moog approvals.

The timeline was impressive, taking approximately six months from start to finish.

“They were impressed with what they saw,” he adds.

The approval covers multiple processes, including passivation, with additional finishes expected to be added.

Blairsville also performs significant volumes of BR 127 bond primer application—a key process in aerospace assembly—supporting nearby defense operations and contractors.

From Reactive to Proactive Quality

Speal's leadership style—shaped by a background in HR—emphasizes safety, training, and respect.Even before Valence’s involvement, Blairsville had a strong reputation for quality. But the shift since integration has been toward a more proactive model.

“When I first started, we relied heavily on final inspection,” Speal says. “Now, we build quality into the process.”

Operators are trained to understand not just procedures, but outcomes.

“What should the tank look like? What should the part look like?” she says.

Process control has also evolved.

“If a tank produces great parts at a certain temperature, we keep it there,” Speal explains. “We don’t wait for something to go wrong.”

This philosophy extends to maintenance, throughput planning, and overall production strategy.

“It’s about staying ahead,” she says.

Cleanliness as a Core Discipline

One of the facility’s most distinctive traits—cleanliness—remains unchanged.

“They always said you’re going to win customers through cleanliness,” Speal says, recalling the guidance of the facility’s founders.

Today, that philosophy is embedded in daily operations, with floors scrubbed twice daily, tanks cleaned and wiped down regularly, and work areas meticulously organized.

“I’ve had people say they’ve never seen a plating facility look like this,” she says.

“You can buy new equipment,” she says. “But it’s the people who make it work.”

Beyond aesthetics, cleanliness supports quality, audit readiness, and operational discipline. But behind the production floor is a comprehensive support infrastructure. Engineering reviews every quote and specification to ensure alignment with customer requirements.

“We make sure we understand exactly what the customer needs before we start,” Speal says.

Quality assurance includes 100% visual inspection, in-process verification, laboratory analysis, and non-destructive testing.

“Every part gets touched,” she notes.

Additional capabilities include part marking and identification, graphic applications, Nadcap-approved curing ovens, and a developing powder coating line.

“It really is a one-stop shop,” Speal says.

Business Development: From Passive to Proactive

Another major shift since joining Valence has been in business development.

“For some shops, it’s whatever comes in the door,” Treby says. “We help put processes in place to go after work.”

That includes faster quote turnaround, active customer follow-up, competitive pricing analysis, and pipeline development.

“Blairsville has built a pretty robust pipeline,” Treby notes. “It should support our budget needs through the year.”

This proactive approach is helping the facility expand beyond its traditional markets and capitalize on new opportunities—like data centers and advanced electrical infrastructure.

People First, Always

Despite the technology and systems, Speal is clear about what matters most.

“You can buy new equipment,” she says. “But it’s the people who make it work.”

Her leadership style—shaped by a background in HR—emphasizes safety, training, and respect. She says she wants “everyone to go home the same way they came in,” and training is continuous, particularly in an industry where skilled labor is scarce.

Today, the Blairsville facility stands as a compelling example of what can happen when a strong, independent operation is combined with the resources, structure, and vision of a larger network.

It retains the culture, pride, and craftsmanship that defined it from the beginning—while benefiting from the shared expertise across 12 facilities, standardized quality systems, accelerated certification timelines, expanded market access, and data-driven decision-making.

For Gibert, the formula is simple.

“It’s about combining local excellence with network strength,” he says.

Looking Ahead

As Blairsville continues to expand its Nadcap scope, grow its silver plating capabilities, and deepen its presence in both defense and emerging markets, its trajectory is clear.

“This is a pretty exciting time,” Treby says.

For Speal, the focus remains on continuous improvement. In Blairsville, that mindset—combined with the power of the Valence network—is driving a finishing operation that is not only keeping pace with industry demands, but helping define what comes next.

“If you ever stop learning, you might as well go home,” she says.

Visit https://www.valencesurfacetech.com.

About Valence Surface Technologies

Valence Surface Technologies’ 12 facilities give it a unique capability to serve its global customers in each of its geographic regions. All sites operate under a common, best-in-class quality management system to ensure consistent quality, reduce risk, and apply best practices across the enterprise, resulting in optimal lead times. They invest significantly in each of our facilities to provide complete service offerings and integrated solutions.

Valence is majority-owned by ATL Partners and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, who invested in Valence in June 2019 to accelerate Valence’s strategic initiatives and support its continued expansion. 

Eastern Region

• Eastman, Georgia: Valence Eastman, founded in 2005 as Dynamic Paint Solutions, has grown into a leading aerospace finishing company in the Southeast, serving commercial and business aviation markets as well as major defense and space customers. It offers a full range of NDT, shot peening, chemical processing, and paint services from its 140,000-square-foot facility.
• Springfield, Massachusetts: Valence Springfield was founded in 1944 as the Fountain Plating, and specializes in critical engine and airframe components. They are certified by Nadcap for chemical processing, NDT, and composites, and have an AS9100 quality management system.
• Lawrence, Massachusetts: Valence Lawrence was founded in 1986 as C.I.L. Inc. in Lawrence, MA, and is a full-service aerospace metal-finishing company in the Northeast, serving primarily the defense and aerospace markets. They are fully certified by Nadcap for chemical processing and plating, and have a Nadcap AC7004 quality system.
• Blairsville, Pennsylvania: Valence Blairsville is located in western central Pennsylvania, about 45 minutes from Pittsburgh. They serve clients in the aerospace, defense, automotive, marine, mining, nuclear, and medical industries, and offer metal finishing, electroplating, and industrial coating services. They accept orders ranging from just a few parts to thousands of finished pieces, often requiring multiple processes.

Central Region

• Wichita, Kansas: Valence Wichita, founded in 1991 as Chrome Plus International, is an aerospace finishing company valued by its global customers for its capabilities and approvals across the global aerospace market. Valence Wichita currently offers full NDT, shot peening, chemical processing, plating, grinding and honing, paint services, and inventory management from its 100,000-square-foot facility.
• Grove, Oklahoma: Valence Grove, founded in 1988 as Pride Plating, works on mission-critical, high-value parts and is a processor for the F-35 program, the world’s most advanced 5th-generation multi-role fighter. It has a 140,000-square-foot facility servicing parts up to 24 feet in length for major commercial aviation, including all Boeing programs, business aviation OEMs such as Gulfstream, Honda Jet, and Bell Helicopter; and defense programs, including the F-35, F-22, F-16, F-18, C-130, and more.
• Camden, Arkansas: The Camden location, formerly B&M Painting, is a premier paint and coating company specializing in aerospace paints and coatings, adhering to strict NADCAP painting guidelines. It is one of the leading aerospace painting companies, providing quality service and dedication to behemoths of the industry such as Lockheed Martin and Dassault Falcon.

Western Region

• Seattle, Washington: Valence Seattle, founded as MAPSCO in 1981, is a finisher in the Pacific Northwest that processes small- to medium-sized precision parts for the aerospace industry. Its 30,000-square-foot facility is located in the heart of Washington’s aerospace hub. It offers full-service NDT (penetrant and magnetic particle inspection), shot peening, chemical processing for aluminum and hard metals, and paint services.
• Tempe, AZ: Valence Tempe was founded in 2010 as Foresight Finishing and has since developed into a leading supplier of complex precious-metal finishing for the aerospace, defense, and medical markets. They are fully Nadcap-certified for chemical processing and heat treatment, and have a Nadcap AC7004 quality system. They can process high-volume, small to medium-sized parts with close tolerances.
• Everett, Washington: Valence Everett, founded in 1981 as Blue Streak Finishers, is a full-service aerospace finishing company serving the Pacific Northwest industry. It offers large-part processing with a 30-foot capability for NDT, shot peening, chemical processing, and painting. The company operates out of 50,000 square feet across two facilities near Boeing and many of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers. It has earned NADCAP merit status.
• Los Angeles – Paramount, California: Valence Los Angeles, founded in 1968 as Tri-Process Company, has offered shot peen and peen forming services for nearly 50 years. Valence Paramount is known for its innovation and technical expertise and was one of the first finishing companies to achieve NADCAP accreditation in the 1990s. Valence Los Angeles operates over 20 shot-peen machines and has a large-envelope gantry and pass-through peen equipment capable of processing parts up to 65 feet in length.
• Los Angeles – Garden Grove, California: Valence Garden Grove, founded in 1987 as Coastline Metal Finishing, is a finishing company for precision components for the commercial aviation, defense, and space industries. Valence Garden Grove works with satellite, space, UAV, and defense companies. It maintains merit NADCAP status and provides chemical processing, including cleaning, Type II and Type III anodizing, and chemfilm and plating, including matte and bright silver, gold, electroless nickel, copper, tin, selective plating, and more.
• Los Angeles–Lynwood, California: Valence Lynwood, formerly known as Triumph Processing, Inc. and DV Industries, was founded in 1957. For over 60 years, they have been a leader in metal finishing for the aerospace (both commercial and business aviation) and military/defense industries. Regarded for large part processing, they offer tanks 110 ft in length, with NDT and paint capabilities to match. They have two facilities of over 170,000 sq. ft.