Bales Metal Surface Solutions in Downers Grove had a lot to celebrate on March 6, National Surface Finishing Day, as they unveiled their new nickel plating lines. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new lines was a momentous occasion for the Bales team, marking the culmination of a project that had been in the works for almost two decades.
The new nickel lines have doubled the finishing supplier’s nickel line capacity, expanding from five to 10 tanks. This increase in capacity is expected to significantly reduce customer lead time, with leadership estimating it will cut lead times in half. The new equipment also includes a counterflow rinse and a hoist system designed to accommodate heavier parts, ensuring even better plating quality and consistency.
The project was a long-time dream of the Bales family, with Steve and Mike Bales, the founders of Bales Metal Surface Solutions, envisioning the modernization of equipment back in 2007. Now, almost two decades later, their vision has become a reality, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the second generation of Bales’ family leaders, Stacey Bales and Sara Mortensen.
Bales Metal Surface Solutions provides a range of engineered nickel coatings, including Electroless Nickel, NICKLON, NIBORE, and Diamond E.N., as well as Hard Chrome and Diamond Chrome plating. The new nickel lines will allow Bales to continue developing services that meet customer demand and improve metal part performance.
The Bales team worked in partnership with Plating Specialists, Inc. and John Schneider & Associates, Inc. to design the new nickel lines, which were manufactured and installed by Corrotec, Inc. The new nickel plating lines represent a significant milestone for Bales Metal Surface Solutions, showcasing their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
