In this edition of Expanite’s Newsletter, we would like share a few updates from across our global operations – all before summer hits many of our markets.
Among others, you can (re-)discover the test results on our ExpanitePureLow-T hardening process, suited for customers and components where tolerances and/or core strength is of outmost importance. You can meet the newest members of the Expanite team, and learn when we will be at the PACK EXPO International show in Chicago, USA.
We also highlight how Expanite continues to strengthen its operations including a new nitrogen supply upgrade at Expanite GmbH in Germany, following the successful setup already implemented in Denmark.
And while summer is approaching, there is one thing that remains unchanged: Expanite stays fully operational throughout the holiday season. So whether you are planning production, managing lead times or preparing for projects after the summer break, our teams are ready to support you.
On behalf of everyone at Expanite, I wish you a wonderful summer and potentially a well-deserved break. Thanks for your continued trust and partnership.
Thomas Sandholdt
CEO
ExpanitePureLow-T
The ExpanitePureLow-T process offers a strong alternative to conventional diffusion processes and coating technologies such as hard-chrome plating, avoiding common issues like delamination or spallation. Key point, this is done without compromising tight tolerances or core strength of the base material.
ExpanitePureLow-T provides an increase in surface hardness of austenitic AISI316 alloy.
The thermo-chemical conversion of the surface creates a layer of expanded austenite with surface hardness levels exceeding 900HV.
Download the full test results below and explore how the process performs in demanding industrial applications.
To support our continued growth and strengthen customer support across our global operations, we are pleased to welcome new colleagues to the Expanite team
Enes Jakupovic
Chief Financial Officer
Enes has a master in business administration and auditing and will cover Finance, IT, HR, and Administration across all legal entities.
Winter is behind us, and Expanite is buzzing with fresh insights. In this edition,
you are invited to join our upcoming webinars, where we share practical knowledge on surface hardening of stainless steel and titanium – helping you better understand your options and make the right decisions for your applications.
You can also meet Timo from our European production team and get to know some of our newest colleagues.
Finally, we are pleased to share the result of our latest customer satisfaction survey
highlighting the strong feedback we continue to receive but also pointing to improvement areas.
Everything you need to stay ahead in surface hardening in a quick read. Please enjoy!
Explore Expanite technologies live webinars
What are the key elements behind Expanite’s surface hardening technologies? Join our free webinars in May and learn more about the key elements of Expanite technologies for stainless steel and titanium.
We offer multiple sessions in both German and English fitting both European and US time zones.
Technology matters but the people behind matter just as much. In Meet the Team, we highlight some of the specialists working behind the scenes to ensure quality, reliability, and continuous improvement at Expanite.
Meet Timo Jansen
How do you scale production while maintaining consistent quality?
Timo Jansen, Production Manager at Expanite GmbH shares how structure, digital production control, and continuous optimization help ensure stable quality and output across Expanite´s global sites and for our German operations.
Expanite recently conducted the annual customer satisfaction survey across our global customer base. The results highlight strong feedback on our professionalism, quality and service:
Professionalism: 84% rate Expanite as very or extremely professional
Quality: 100% are satisfied with the quality
Customer Service: 97% give our customer service a very high score
Pricing: 84% find our pricing level reasonable or better than competitors
Sustainability is also a growing decision factor, with 80% of respondents stating it influences their supplier choice.
We appreciate the valuable feedback and thank all customers who participated in the survey.
For Expanite, the year 2025 has in many respects been a year of expansion and growth. We expanded our team, strengthened our global presence, and invested in an all-new facility in the US to support even more customer projects, and deliver consistent, high-quality hardening results. Financially, it was another year of double-digit growth in sales within our service business.
Throughout the year, we continued to share knowledge and establish connections across industries. We hosted 24 webinars, attracting more than 300 attendees, exhibited at 5 tradeshows, visited another 32 tradeshows, and our experts were invited to speak at several industry events. Online our audience has grown significantly with higher engagement and meaningful technical discussions.Our website is now available in German, French, Italian, English, and a dedicated US version, and our LinkedIn community continues to expand with active discussions and increasing engagement. These achievements highlight the growing interest in our technology and the value it brings to the industry.Looking ahead to 2026, we see exciting opportunities ahead – all of the above was made possible by an active ownership, a great team, and most importantly a growing group of loyal customers. Thanks to all our partners and customers for a successful year and for helping us moving Expanite forward. Wishing everybody happy holidays and a prosperous New Year.
Thomas Sandholdt, CEO
A green step in Expanite´s backyard means huge CO2 savings
Sustainability has been part of Expanite’s DNA from the very beginning. Not only does our surface hardening technology expand the lifetime of critical stainless steel and titanium components in the most CO₂-efficient way, we also work continuously on optimizing our own operations.
A recent example is the installation of a nitrogen storage tank at our treatment center in Hillerød, Denmark. This tank eliminates the need for weekly truck truck deliveries of nitrogen bundles, resulting in a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions from transportation, and as a bonus, much less hassle.
And we are not stopping there: a similar installation is underway at our treatment center in Frickenhausen, Germany, further reducing logistics-related emissions across our operations.
Welcome to our new colleagues
We are pleased to welcome several new colleagues to the Expanite team:
Marc Cohen
Area Sales Manager, North America
Marc brings +30 years of experience in advanced steel solutions across various industrial segments.
Autumn is here, and with it comes fresh insights from Expanite. In this edition, we share our remarkable ASTM G98 test results showing how SuperExpanite improve galling resistance on 316L stainless steel. We also invite you to join our free webinar series packed with knowledge and insights directly from our experts in your own language.
You will also meet our Production Manager Pityu, whose inspiring story introduce you to the people behind our production.
Explore whether surface hardening is best handled in-house or outsourced, and finally, you’ll find a full list of upcoming events where you can meet us in person.
Remarkable galling resistance on 316L stainless steel
Facing galling issues on stainless steel? Recent ASTM G98 testing proves that Expanite’s SuperExpanite surface hardening nearly eliminates galling on AISI 316L, even under extreme loads beyond the yield strength of the material.
With surface hardness increased by up to 10 times while maintaining corrosion resistance, SuperExpanite provides a truly unique and reliable solution for engineers facing galling problems.
This fall, our experts invite you to a series of free webinars covering different topics within advanced heat treatment and surface hardening of stainless steel and titanium.
The webinars are held during October and November, in multiple languages, and lasts less than one hour – including a live Q&A where you can engage directly with our specialists.
Please share this invitation with colleagues who may benefit!See the full list of upcoming webinars and sign up by clicking below
Summer is just around the corner, and for many it is time to slow down and recharge. As always – our furnaces will keep running throughout the summer across all treatment centers, ready to support your business whenever needed.
In this edition of our newsletter, you will find a selection of exciting updates: We’ve launched a redesigned website to make it easier for you to explore our technologies. You will also learn about ExpanitePureLow-T – our brand-new low-temperature hardening process for stainless steel improving galling resistance without releasing internal stresses or affecting tight tolerances.
We have also updated our corporate brochure to give you a quick and clear overview of Expanite and how to access our patented, sustainable solutions.
Finally, we share insights from our independently verified Life Cycle Analysis – because with Expanite surface hardening you can improve performance and reduce environmental impact. we wish you a great summer when the time comes!
Precision Hardening Without Distortion: Meet ExpanitePureLow-T
Expanite is proud to introduce our newest low-temperature surface hardening process: ExpanitePureLow-T developed for components where precision and dimensional stability are essential.
Why it matters: • No distortion – even on tight-tolerance parts • No compromise on dimensional tolerances even after machining processes • No costly rework due to thermal stress
Technical highlights:
• Surface hardness > 900 HV (expanded austenite)
• 400× better galling resistance on austenitic stainless steel
ExpanitePureLow-T is a strong alternative to competing diffusion processes and coating processes such as hard-chrome plating, or friction- and adhesion-reducing coatings incl. PVD/DLC that all have shortcomings including delamination or spallation.
Surface Hardening – but What About the Environment
The pressure to report on environmental impact is rising — and for many companies, that includes emissions and material usage across the entire supply chain, including upstream processes like surface hardening.
What’s the risk? Traditional methods such as hard chrome plating, PVD, or nitriding often involve toxic chemicals, hazardous waste, and high CO₂ emissions all of which may need to be disclosed under tightening environmental standards.
With Expanite, you are covered.
No solvents, no toxic waste, CO₂-efficient design.
Future-proof your surface hardening and your sustainability reporting.Expanite offers full transparency on the environmental footprint of our surface hardening and heat treatment processes, supported by independently verified Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). Reach out to one of our experts to request your copy of the report.
First of all:What is your background, and how did you end up in your current role?
I actually started as a car mechanic. While i liked the job, i realized that I was particularly drawn to the dynamics of industrial production environments. I started in a production role and later completed further education in business administration in Germany, called “Betriebswirtschaft”, before qualifying as an engineer. This combination of practical hands-on experience and formal education has shaped the way I approach production today with a strong focus on efficiency, structure and continuous improvement.
How would someone who knows you well describe you?
Production operations can be demanding with high pressure, tight schedules and high expectations for quality and delivery. To cope with this, I work a lot with structure – in fact, I love structure, clear priorities, and defined processes. Not all people work in the same (natural) structure, or they may like structure, but may not like my structure. This, of course, is a challenge, but I hope that those around me will say that I am a harmony-seeking person and I try to be good company for everyone and create a good atmosphere in the team.
What’s a day in life like for you at Expanite?
I start my morning by getting a production status overview. As we have people working in shifts from late in the evening and from early morning. I review what happened during the previous evening, check the calendar for events, reviewing the production plan to decide whether we need to change things around. From there, I am very focused on the order flow, incoming orders, and whether we need extra people. At Expanite, we are constantly looking to optimize and reduce our lead time. One of the key parameters is our delivery performance. At the German plant, more than 90% of our deliveries are completed either on time or before the agreed delivery date.
What are some of the key technologies and tools you work with at Expanite?
I use a variety of tools, but the most important platform in our daily operation is Fenris, Expanite’s own centralized digital production platform. Through Fenris we control and monitor everything: the actual treatment processes, all parameters for the specific alloys, etc. The fact that all Expanite treatment processes are executed in the same way across all sites ensures a consistent and uniform quality for our customers, independent of location. To communicate and coordinate with my colleagues here in Germany and at the other Expanite treatment centers we mainly use digital tools like Teams, Outlook and Excel for data collection.
Can you describe a recent project you’ve worked on and your contributions to it?
Right now, the biggest ongoing project is the change from nitrogen bundle supply to big storage tanks for nitrogen at the German site. This project is similar to the solution we implemented in Denmark and has been underway for some time. With these tanks, the need for weekly truckloads of nitrogen bundles has been eliminated. Not only will it make us more efficient, but we will also save the environment from a lot of unnecessary emissions from transportation.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in your work, and how do you overcome them?
My team and I are focusing on three things: First, the optimal performance of the furnaces themselves and the production environment. Second, we always look to ensure high quality, consistent and standardized production. The third issue is ramping up for growth: How can we meet the growing demand from our customers and scale capacity while maintaining high quality delivered on time? Denmark has been underway for some time. With these tanks, the need for weekly truckloads of nitrogen bundles has been eliminated. Not only will it make us more efficient, but we will also.
How does the tech team at Expanite help your customers?
We constantly work on refining the optimal treatment solution for each component. We try to improve and make our customers’ lives easier. By helping them extend the lifetime of their products, we also contribute to a more sustainable world.
How does your work at Expanite impact the company’s overall goals and objectives?
Production is the key figure in executing our strategy. We are dependent on Sales and vice versa. Clear communication between Sales and Production is vital. Customer Service also plays a crucial role as an internal hub that connects everyone.
What trends do you see in the industry, and how is Expanite preparing for the future?
We are ready for the future, and when I look at the industry, we are in a strong position. We are spread across the world, our technology is both clean and well managed, and we know we can handle growth efficiently.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a technical role at a company like Expanite?
Keep the structure from the very beginning and maintain the overview. Don’t shout at the people; there is a balance between satisfying customer requirements and keeping employees happy. Stay organised and don’t push everything to the limit.
Can you share a memorable experience or accomplishment during your time at Expanite that stands out to you?
This is a good example of how we support our customers. One customer urgently needed components treated, so he came by plane from Spain, landed in Düsseldorf, took a taxi to Expanite Germany, hand carried his components that needed treatment to our treatment center, and waited in a local hotel. Two days later, we had treated his parts, and he flew back to Spain completely satisfied. He was grateful for our flexibility and fast turnaround times.
One of the biggest benefits in Expanite is that everybody in the company is quite close to each other. We have a very informal structure, which helps a lot. I like it a lot. I have been with Expanite for 7 years. We are good at sharing knowledge, we help each other, and we operate as one team.
About Expanite
Expanite offers state-of-the-art solutions for surface hardening treatment of stainless steels and titanium. With Expanite’s processes, it is possible to increase the material’s surface hardness tenfold while at the same time maintaining and even increasing its corrosion resistance. Expanite is a global organization with a combined development and production facility near Copenhagen, Denmark, and hardening capacity in both US, Germany, Korea and China. Expanite’s solutions are flexible and can be introduced directly into a customer’s own production line as part of a licensing arrangement. Learn more on www.expanite.com.
Expanite, the innovative supplier of sustainable surface hardening and heat treatment solutions, announces the appointment of Taehwan Joo as Area Sales Manager for the Republic of Korea. The newly created position marks a significant milestone in Expanite’s strategic expansion and underlines the company’s commitment to Korean customers, and generally to an Asian expansion.
With a rapidly growing customer base and increasing demands, Expanite is reinforcing its local presence to ensure close customer support, faster response times, and continued growth in the Korean market. The addition of Taehwan Joo complements Expanite’s presence with furnaces and process capabilities in Korea, China, North America and Europe. It gives Korean customers access to local as well as foreign processing – the best on the market. Taehwan Joo brings extensive industry experience to Expanite, having previously held senior sales positions at DKSH, a global BtB distributor, and previous partner of Expanite. His knowledge of Expanite’s technologies, combined with a strong understanding of the Korean market, enables Taehwan Joo to add value for customers and partners. Thomas Sandholdt, CEO of Expanite, comments: “Korea is a strategically important market for Expanite, and we are experiencing strong growth across several industries including automotive, marine, and the hygiene sectors. By establishing a dedicated local sales role, we are investing directly in our customers and in the future of our business in the region. Taehwan Joo’s background gives him a unique insight into both our advanced technologies and our customers’ needs. We are very pleased to welcoming Taehwan to the Expanite team!” As Area Sales Manager, Taehwan Joo will be responsible for further developing Expanite’s activities in Korea, strengthening customer relationships, supporting technical projects, and driving new business opportunities. Taehwan Joo adds: “I am proud to join Expanite at a time of strong growth and ambition. Having worked closely with Expanite’s technologies for many years, I know the value their sustainable surface hardening and heat treatment solution for stainless steel and titanium creates for customers. I look forward to helping customers and supporting Expanite’s growth in the region.”
About Expanite Founded in 2010 by leading experts in materials science and surface engineering from the Technical University of Denmark, Expanite is a global provider of innovative and sustainable surface hardening and heat treatment solutions. Headquartered in Hillerød near Copenhagen, Denmark, Expanite operates service centers and licensee facilities in the USA, Germany, China and Korea. Expanite’s DNA is based on sustainable solutions to extend the life of components made of stainless steel, titanium, and other high-value alloys – and the business model allows for license agreements whereby customers may implement the technology in their own production lines. The company serves a wide range of industries, including process equipment for the food and pharma industry, pumps, valves, medical devices, the automotive industry, watch production and many others – everything from large global groups to specialists with a niche focus.
CEO Thomas Sandholdt & Area Sales Manager, Taehwan Joo
