In its most recent expansion move in 2005, QMP built a powder-blending plant, warehouse and technical laboratory in Suzhou, China to better service the growing market in China.
A world leader in quality standards and pioneer of quality management, QMP has continued to develop new products and process technologies. It currently produces a full range of iron and steel base powders for applications in PM, powder-forging, welding, cutting and scarfing, as well as photocopiers, etc, including premixes, FLOMET bonded powders, pre-alloyed and specialty powders.
With Thibodeau’s departure, QMP’s parent, Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium, (RTIT) has decided to modify the organizational structure by integrating the powder manufacturing facilities into QIT Fer et Titane, the supplier of molten iron and steel to QMP. The powder plant will be integrated with the QIT steel billet plant to form a new division, “QIT Steel and Powder Division” under the direction of Sylvain Paul-Hus, formerly QIT executive director, Smelter. Sylvain Paul-Hus will be responsible for optimising both the powder and steel billet operations to fully exploit the natural synergies between the two plants.
The Sales and Marketing aspect of the metal powder business will be led by Greg Lavallée, former QMP technical and business development director. As executive director – Sales & Marketing, Mr Lavallée will be responsible for worldwide powder sales and marketing activities and will head the Sales and Marketing staff. He will report to Craig Kinnell, senior vice president – Sales and Marketing, RTIT in London.
Martin Thibodeau confirmed that all QMP trade marks and logos will be retained, and the sales offices in North America, Europe and Asia will continue as before. QMP’s research and development activities will be split between the powder plant and the RTIT Research Centre in Sorel-Tracy.