ICA Press Releases on CuproBraze
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Finnish Radiator Manufacturing Company Debuts New CuproBraze
Production Line for Radiators and Charge Air Coolers
New Manufacturing Capabilities Coincide with 80th Anniversary Celebration
Suolahti, Finland (March 30, 2006) – The Finnish Radiator Manufacturing Company, or Suomen Jäähdytintehdas Oy (SJT), Finland’s largest radiator company, today inaugurated its state-of-the-art CuproBrazeâ production line as part of the company’s 80th anniversary celebration. The line will be used to produce copper-brass radiators and charge air coolers for heavy-duty trucks and for off-road vehicles used in construction and agricultural applications.
CuproBraze brazes copper fins to brass tubes, producing exceptionally strong, reliable radiators and charge air coolers that offer distinct performance and cost advantages compared to traditional aluminum designs. Developed by the International Copper Association (ICA) in cooperation with manufacturers worldwide, the process offers users an environmentally friendly, no-flux operation to fabricate cooling-system components that can operate at much higher temperatures than their aluminum counterparts. This breakthrough technology helps auto and truck makers meet exhaust emissions standards for cleaner diesel engines; and hence also fuel efficiency standards for diesel-powered passenger vehicles.
According to managing director Hannu Vetikko, “Our success lies in constantly surveying the landscape and actively researching each new technology that emerges in the marketplace. SJT is often among the first to adopt and further advance promising new technology. Clearly CuproBraze is superior to any prior technology. We firmly believe that eventually all charge air coolers will be made of copper and brass using the CuproBraze process.”
Founded in 1926 by three tinsmiths, SJT’s primary focus was radiators for the automotive industry, but as technology advanced the company quickly moved into other applications including charge air coolers, heaters and fabricated sheet metal products. SJT made a decision to move forward with the CuproBraze process in 2004 with the acquisition of a midsize-volume-production brazing furnace and purchased additional capital equipment in 2005, leading to today’s debut of the complete production line.
Today’s 80th anniversary celebration at the Soulahti center included an open-house plant tour as well as speeches from local and regional dignitaries and remarks from Anthony Lea, ICA Senior VP of Marketing and Strategic Planning. Attendees at the event were introduced to a prototype copper-brass charge-air cooler, featuring a unique, one-piece inner fin that is the first of its kind, and fitting tribute to SJT’s innovative past and bold future.
In his remarks, Mr. Lea concluded, “The adoption of CuproBraze by such a visionary company as SJT is further evidence of the great potential of the technology. The ICA is pleased to be here today to share in this historic event, and we wish SJT another 80 years of continued success.”
For more information, contact the International Copper Association, +1 (212) 251-7245 or write to ICA at 260 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016-2401.The International Copper Association, Ltd. is the leading organization for the promotion of the use of copper worldwide. The Association’s twenty-nine members represent about 80 percent of the world’s refined copper output, and its six associate members are among the world’s largest copper and copper-alloy fabricators. ICA is responsible for guiding policy, strategy and funding of international initiatives and promotional activities. With headquarters in New York City, ICA operates in 28 worldwide locations through a network of regional offices and copper development associations.