HP Alloys is an American manufacturer and distributor of alloys, based in Tipton, Indiana.[1] Founded in 1984 by Russ Kirchner Jr., the company is currently owned by two of his sons, Dave, and Russ, who purchased it in 2010.[2][3]

HP Alloys
IndustryAlloy
Founded1984; 40 years ago (1984)
FounderRuss Kirchner Jr.
Headquarters,
United States
Area served
United States
Websitehpalloys.com

History

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HP Alloys was established by metallurgist Russ Kirchner in 1984.[4][5]

During the late 1980s, the company's operations extended to include the production of materials such as plate, sheet, bars, and forgings, adding manufacturing capabilities to its business.[6]

In 2009, HP Alloys relocated its distribution of plate, sheet, and weld wire to Windfall, Indiana.[7] In the same year, Cella and Russ Kirchner took retirement.[6]

In May 2014, HP Alloys was featured in an episode of the National Geographic television program Showdown of the Unbeatables.[8]

HP Alloys received recognition from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation in 2011 when it was included in the Indiana Companies to Watch list.[9] In 2021, the company was recognized as the Rural Small Business of the Year by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and Inside Indiana Business.[5][10]

Manufacturing

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The company operates two facilities: a manufacturing plant in Tipton and its headquarters in Windfall, Indiana.[2] The Tipton facility uses a hot-and-cold process to create metal alloys, while the Windfall facility incorporates a cutting technique using water and powder-fine garnet for abrasion.[2]

High Performance Alloys' alloys have been used in multiple NASA projects, including the Mars rover, Space Station Freedom, and Space Shuttle.[2] The alloys have also been used in fighter aircraft, rockets, Ferrari Formula One cars, and yacht rigging for America's Cup competitors.[2] The company is currently a supplier for a joint fighter project of the U.S. Department of Defense and serves companies in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and around the Crane Naval Air Station.[2]

Division

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  • Hoosier WaterJet[11]

References

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  1. ^ "High Performance Alloys profile". Bloomberg.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Bastide, Ken de la (17 February 2011). "Company provides high-tech alloys for aircraft, space shuttle". Kokomo Tribune.
  3. ^ Bastide, Ken de la (26 September 2011). "Tipton company investing $5.1 million". Kokomo Tribune.
  4. ^ "Remembering the life of Cella Kirchner 1943 - 2022".
  5. ^ a b "Indiana Honors High Performance Alloys".
  6. ^ a b "Russ & Cella Kirchner Announce Retirement at High Performance Alloys". Thomasnet.
  7. ^ "High Performance Alloys Consolidates Operations, Opening Up Room for Expansion".
  8. ^ Ziliak, Lindsey (July 8, 2014). "Local woman wins $20,000 for charity on game show". Kokomo Tribune.
  9. ^ "High Performance Alloys, Inc. Honored as One of the 2011 Indiana Companies to Watch".
  10. ^ "Governor Holcomb, Secretary Chambers celebrate small business week in Indiana". WBIW. 13 September 2021.
  11. ^ reports, From staff (May 11, 2018). "Historical Society selling pieces of Seiberling's former slate roof". Kokomo Tribune.