United Performance Metals is innovating with a new manufacturing division, UPM Advanced Solutions 

From aerospace and defense to power generation, medical devices, and deep space exploration, United Performance Metals (UPM) is at the forefront of providing specialty metal solutions for industries driving innovation. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company offers a comprehensive range of metals and alloys suited to an extensive variety of applications, including nickel and cobalt alloys, titanium, stainless steel, as well as a plethora of FIRSTCUT+® Processing Services. Since its founding in 2008, UPM has grown tremendously, expanding globally through strategic acquisitions and new locations to better serve customers across the globe. 

“Our purpose statement as a business is that we try to help change the world by providing specialty metals and solutions to global innovation-driven companies,” begins Peter Neuberger, President and Chief Executive Officer at UPM. “Our first customer was a jet engine maker, and since then we’ve continued to expand across aerospace and defense, with significant growth in other sectors such as medical, alternative energy and deep space. The main metals that we provide are nickel alloys, titanium, and stainless, and even exotic alloys like niobium and hafnium, all sourced from leading suppliers worldwide.” 

In response to evolving market demands and technological advancements, UPM has recently expanded its capabilities with the launch of UPM Advanced Solutions, a specialty location of UPM dedicated to supporting the rapidly growing additive manufacturing sector. Leading the division is JJ Johnson, who stepped into the position as General Manager of UPM Advanced Solutions from his previous role as Director of Operations. Drawing from his expertise and previous experience in the field, JJ has helped develop the location by innovating and investing in new technologies and practices to further bolster UPM’s offerings to its customers. 

“We were dabbling in additive manufacturing in late 2019, but we soon decided that we wanted to start a standalone division for additive manufacturing that was still under the UPM umbrella,” JJ explains. “I was asked to lead this new venture, and since then we have invested heavily in new technologies and equipment. 

“Our initial focus was on build platforms made to support a couple of our key customers, but over the last four years, we have significantly expanded our capabilities to include CNC machining for build plates, build plate refurbishment, recoater blades, additive manufacturing consumables, and post-print services such as part removal and heat treatment. We are also working closely with some of the top OEMs within the aerospace industry on their R&D programs. As of last month, we are now a preferred distributor for Carpenter Additive powder, and we will certainly grow that opportunity with additional powders over the next few months.” 

This strategic development acts in response to shifting market demands, with more and more OEMs opting for efficient additive printing solutions over traditional manufacturing methods. Whilst decreasing production times, overall energy usage and waste volumes – which is a win for sustainability – additive manufacturing offers a greater breadth of design customization, meaning that the ASG division can go above and beyond to support its customers. Complementing UPM’s existing capabilities, the addition of this division further emphasizes UPM’s customer-centric ethos in doing whatever it takes to provide the best services for its clients. 

“For many years, we supplied metal that was traditionally machined, but then our customers started printing and building up, and we wanted to help our customers succeed and support the innovation they were driving,” Peter says. 

“We’re focused on customer-driven solutions,” JJ elaborates. “The more we learn about our customers and the opportunities that are present in the market, the more we can shape our investments to support what is needed. We are constantly expanding our capabilities with new equipment, like larger EDMs, milling centers, lathes, and grinders, as well as facilities for proper powder storage. We are also planning to expand our additive footprint to the West Coast.” 

With its continued success, UPM Advanced Solutions is poised to lead the way in additive innovation. UPM Advanced is set to build on UPM’s existing operations, continuing to empower customers across a wide range of industries. This commitment to growth, innovation, and customer success ensures that UPM will remain a trusted partner in the global marketplace. 

“We are committed to supporting the aerospace industry’s rapid growth,” Peter reveals. “Airbus and Boeing have been aggressively touting accelerated build rates with concern to whether or not their supply chains can keep up. We are working with all the major aerospace OEMs to ensure the material supply chain is prepared to meet these demands.” 

Looking forward, JJ is excited about the future: “I see us continuing to expand our products, solutions, and footprint. Over the last four years, we have more than doubled our business in terms of revenue and business. As we continue to grow, I see potential for expanding our footprint internationally. We’re very customer-driven; we listen to our customers, and we listen to the market. We strategically put our plans in place to support what we think is coming as the industries we serve continue to evolve and grow.”  

www.upmet.com