Defined by its legacy, Inductotherm Corp. is the pioneer behind the world’s most technologically advanced induction melting equipment
When the challenge is thermal processing, the world looks to Inductotherm Corp. (Inductotherm) for answers. For more than 70 years, the company has been at the forefront of engineering innovation, delivering advanced technologies and equipment that redefine how metals are melted, heated, held, and poured, in an industry where precision, reliability, and performance are paramount.
Inductotherm was founded by legendary entrepreneur and engineer, Henry Rowan, in 1953, who built the business’ first order of a 60-pound beryllium copper furnace in his own garage. From those humble roots, Inductotherm has transformed into a global leader in the design and manufacture of furnaces and thermal processing technologies. Now, trusted in name, by reputation, and for its customer-centric ethos, Inductotherm is part of a vast global network strategically set up to ensure customers can access its expertise from any corner of the world. Over the years, the Inductotherm brand has continued to grow to meet its customers where needed, offering ‘global yet local’ support with manufacturing facilities in 18 countries, and another 50 sales and service locations. Guided by a strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, the company’s cutting-edge induction melting equipment is helping shape a smarter, greener future for the metals industry worldwide. Headquartered right in the heart of Rancocas, New Jersey, Inductotherm is still designing and manufacturing advanced induction technology for the metalcasting industry.
Robert Keshecki, President and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Inductotherm Corp., was appointed to his role last year after beginning his career at the company 20 years ago in its field service department. Under his leadership and expertise, Inductotherm is well-positioned to continue to design and manufacture world-leading, technologically advanced induction melting equipment and build further on its existing legacy. Manufacturing Today sits down with Robert to learn more about Inductotherm’s approach to innovation and how its passion for customer satisfaction has differentiated it as a true solutions provider in this competitive market. He begins by detailing the company’s cupola and arc furnace replacement projects, which have been instrumental in modernizing and boosting the efficiency of some of the world’s largest furnace operations.
“Over the last five years, there’s been a huge fundamental shift away from the use of older technologies that existed before induction, which rely heavily on coke and lime and have a significantly higher environmental footprint,” Robert explains. “As our technology grows and success stories spread, these types of projects are getting a lot of visibility across the melting industry as we’re helping to reduce carbon footprint by transitioning to newer melting methods.
“Inductotherm equipment is designed to melt more metal, faster, with exceptional energy efficiency,” he continues. “Inherently, by choosing our equipment, you’re becoming more sustainable – and we’re constantly pushing to further reduce energy usage. A foundry in America has to compete against a lower-cost foundry overseas, so our equipment helps our customers to be more competitive.”
Automation, IIoT, and the future of foundries
Technological advancement and continuous improvement run deeply in Inductotherm’s DNA. As such, the company’s dynamic investment strategy is directly driven by its dedication to pioneering next-generation induction melting equipment that will enhance and support its customers’ operational efficiencies.
“One of Henry Rowan’s focuses, for as long as he was running the company, was to reinvest profits into R&D, and that continues to be one of our core values,” Robert says. “An entire wing of our facility is dedicated to R&D and that continues to grow thanks to constant reinvestment from the family – from new products and online IIoT to more efficient equipment and methodologies.
“The foundry industry is an extremely mature market, especially in America, and we’ve noticed that, as older generations are leaving the industry, decades of institutional knowledge is leaving with them. Because of this, we’ve invested heavily in our IIoT technology over the last 10 to 15 years so that our customers can train their new generations faster. We’ve also invested significantly in our ‘MiPlant® IIoT’ software, which allows operators to use the equipment more efficiently, allowing our customers to remain competitive as the industry evolves.”
Foundry work, and melting metal in general, can pose a multitude of risks to operators, and so safety is non-negotiable. Through its extensive experience and expertise, Inductotherm’s deep understanding of industy risks means it’s able to be a true pioneer in health and safety innovation, as reflected by its state-of-the-art ARMS® (Automated Robotic Melt Shop) System. The system uses advanced robotics to perform hazardous furnace operations that would otherwise be handled by a melt deck operator, such as checking the metal bath grounding, taking metal samples, adding trim materials and slagging the furnace.
“Our innovation goes back to our core value of safety. We are among the first companies in the world to successfully add a robot onto a melt deck,” Robert elaborates. “There are a lot of manual tasks that have to be performed on molten metal while it’s sitting in the furnace so, as an operator, you have to get very close to the metal. Over the course of nearly 20 years, we’ve invested significant resources into programming a robot that can do that so that the operator can be relocated to the control room. It’s an expensive proposition to have a robot on site, but our customers can really see the value in that investment and reducing that risk.”
As Inductotherm looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to push the boundaries of what is possible in thermal processing while staying true to the principles on which it was founded. From groundbreaking projects that drive sustainability to investing heavily in R&D, IIoT, and advanced automation, the company continues to revolutionize the industry with its advanced induction melting systems. By upholding its high standards of innovation and excellence, Inductotherm is not only preserving Henry Rowan’s legacy, but expanding it for a new generation.
“2026 is going to be a big year for Inductotherm. Last year, we invested heavily to reinvent our customer training program as we continue to grow. Structured operator training and ongoing education programs help customers maintain performance and safety over the life of the equipment. We want to get the word out that we are here to help you use our equipment correctly,” Robert reveals.
“Looking to the future, we’ll continue to take care of our customers and employees.” he says, concluding our conversation. “We value creating deeper relationships and delivering the solutions they need. Manufacturing is evolving rapidly, but the fundamentals remain the same – safety, reliability, and trust. Our role is to honor that foundation while continuing to innovate. That balance is what defines Inductotherm.”
