AMG previously processed chrome metal in New Castle using vacuum-degassing furnaces to increase the purity of chrome produced in the United Kingdom. The process removes sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen, increasing purity from 99.5% to 99.7%, which is needed for critical aerospace specifications.

The new aluminothermic production capacity will expand those operations by adding domestic chrome metal manufacturing in the United States.

Chrome metal is classified as a critical material in the United States because of its role in aerospace and defense alloys and the previous lack of domestic production. The company said the investment will strengthen U.S. industrial supply chains and support national security.

AMG Chrome manufactures aluminothermic chrome products used in airfoils and other aerospace applications, nuclear and other low-carbon power generation, industrial gas and land-based turbines, oil and gas exploration and production, automotive turbochargers and engine valves.

Chrome is used to improve the performance, durability and heat resistance of advanced alloys used across energy, defense, infrastructure and other industrial markets.

“We’re proud that the deep expertise we’ve built over decades in chrome metal is now fully accessible to customers in the United States, making sourcing simpler, more reliable, and consistently high-quality,” said Kevin Lawson, president of AMG Chrome Limited.

AMG Chrome also produces chrome metal in the United Kingdom. The company said its chrome is manufactured using an aluminothermic process that combines chrome oxide with aluminum powder, which is sourced within AMG Group. The material is then post-processed to produce high-purity degassed chrome for aerospace applications.