As demand rises, Kanthal’s new Globar® SiC finishing facility in Concord, North Carolina, is nearing launch at a pivotal moment for the industry.
“We’re already supporting NAFTA customers from Concord with a broad portfolio, and adding Globar® to the mix allows us to leverage that existing infrastructure,” says Marty Fajerman, Sales Area Manager, Kanthal.
And with newly announced U.S. tariffs enforcing uncertainty, having a regional finishing facility brings not just convenience, but control.
A logical step in a high-growth environment
The Concord finishing facility isn’t an isolated site. It’s integrated into Kanthal’s existing North American operations, where the company already produces metallic heating elements, Tubothal®, high temperature tubes, and Fibrothal® diffusion cassettes.
Until now, North American customers received Globar® elements from our main production site in Perth, Scotland, which is also being expanded. The new setup doesn’t replace Perth, but complements it by handling the finishing, stocking, and local shipment of critical components.
Marty Fajerman, Sales Area Manager, Kanthal.“Our customers in this region were already using Globar®. Now they’ll be able to get it faster. And in many cases, they can combine it with other shipments already coming from Concord. That adds convenience and helps cut costs,” Fajerman claims.
The finishing facility also introduces specific technology and process updates that weren’t available at the Perth site.
“It’s not just about inventory. We’ve implemented some technology improvements in Concord that allow us to adapt product configurations based on customer furnace setups and order cycles. The result is a more responsive operation, faster to quote, faster to ship, and better aligned with North American production needs,” Fajerman explains.
Global investment, regional focus
The Concord opening is part of a broader investment strategy. The Perth manufacturing site is also undergoing a major upgrade, featuring a 1,000-square-meter addition, new equipment, and expanded warehouse space to enhance global capacity by approximately 40% by 2026.
Together, the Concord and Perth facilities provide a dual-anchor system, enabling faster service to North America and Europe, while scaling global output to meet demand from fast-growing industries worldwide.
“We’re seeing dramatic growth in lithium-ion battery production, and that’s just one example,” Fajerman says. “Glass is returning to electric heating. Electronics are scaling fast. Even steel is starting to explore what electric heat can do in downstream processes. It’s not just one segment, it’s a broad, global acceleration across industries and geographies.”
Globar® in high demand—for good reason
Now, customers are also looking for cleaner operations, reduced emissions, and more control. Globar® hits all those needs.
So why the growing focus on Globar®?
Fajerman points to both legacy performance and evolving process needs.
“SiC heating elements have always delivered high-temperature capability, precision, and longer operation life,” he explains. “Now, customers are also looking for cleaner operations, reduced emissions, and more control. Globar® hits all those needs.”
With operating temperatures up to 1,625°C (2,927°F), Globar® is an excellent option for cathode production for lithium-ion batteries, sintering and calcination in ceramics and electronics, annealing in glass, and even reheating applications in the steel industry.
Fajerman notes that customers are also recognizing its performance in aggressive atmospheres. “These are tough environments, chemically and thermally. Globar® provides proven strength and extended life where others can’t.”
Demand in batteries, electronics, and glass
In North America, the battery and electronics industries are expanding rapidly. Although both have used electric heating, changes are occurring in the precision and volume needed.
“Battery production depends on uniform heat, especially during cathode preparation,” Fajerman states. “Globar® provides that high-temperature uniformity, which is critical for energy density and cycle life. Customers aren’t just looking to meet specifications; they want to exceed them.”
In electronics, the sintering and annealing processes demand similar consistency. With the industry operating at tight margins, material and thermal reliability are essential.
Glass, meanwhile, is returning to electric heating after years of relying on gas. “Electric was the standard in glass before gas became more affordable,” he explains. “Now we’re seeing a return, not just for emissions reasons, but also for product control. Many glass manufacturers are looking at Globar® again with fresh interest.”
A partner in transition
Fajerman highlights that Kanthal's value extends beyond its products; it plays a crucial role in assisting customers with the complexities of transitioning from gas to electric heating.
“We hear the same concerns again and again—ramp rates, temperature capability, reliability,” he shares. “And we’re here to walk customers through each one.”
Here are a few of the common misconceptions he encounters:
- Electric heating is too slow. “In reality, SiC elements can ramp up to operating temperatures very quickly. That concern is usually resolved in the testing phase.”
- It doesn’t get hot enough. Globar® operates at nearly 1,649°C (3,000°F). That’s more than enough for most industrial applications. We’ve even developed designs that exceed that range.”
- It’s unproven. “Electric heating isn’t new; it’s been used successfully across industries for decades. What’s new is the scale and urgency of adoption.”
Real benefits beyond sustainability
Fajerman acknowledges that environmental goals play a role, but he’s quick to point out that many customers are also motivated by process and business gains.
“Some companies are preparing for regulatory shifts or responding to public pressure to ‘go green.’ But many are finding additional benefits like the ability to run higher-spec materials, improve throughput, or reduce safety and noise concerns,” he notes.
“Electric heating provides a cleaner process, but it can also improve control, lower variability, and reduce long-term operating costs. That’s a compelling business case.”
Why Globar®, and why Kanthal?
Globar® elements are available in multiple grades and designs, including:
- SD – Standard Density
- AS – Advanced Structure for cyclic processes
- HD – High Density for longer life in corrosive environments
- SG and SR – High-performance grades with oxidation resistance
- Glass Seal – A protective coating that extends lifespan in harsh atmospheres
Element types include rod, U-Type, CU-Type, Globar® B for lift-off roof designs, and float glass-specific formats. This wide range allows for customization for nearly any furnace or process setup.
But for Fajerman, the differentiator goes beyond portfolio depth.
“We’re the only supplier offering ceramic heating elements for high temperatures, up to 1,850°C (3,360°F), and metallic elements for lower ranges,” he says. “That gives us the range to serve more industries, with solutions that match the process, not just the spec sheet.”
What sets Kanthal apart
Fajerman outlines several reasons why manufacturers choose to work with Kanthal, especially when making significant changes to their heating technology:
- Extensive expertise – 90+ years in industrial heating
- Deep application knowledge – Proven across sectors and process types
- Comprehensive support – From design to implementation and troubleshooting
- Broadest portfolio – SiC, MoSi₂, metallic elements, cassettes, and full systems
- Global presence – Manufacturing and field support in the U.S., Europe, and Asia
- Faster response – With Concord and Perth, supply chains are faster and more resilient
“We’re not just delivering parts, we’re helping customers rethink how heat works in their processes,” Fajerman stresses. “That’s where trust comes in.”
Looking ahead
Fajerman sees strong momentum in electric heating, not just as a trend, but as a shift in how industries think about performance, control, and resilience.
“Global trends toward electrification and a smaller carbon footprint still indicate a strong outlook,” he says. “And while we don’t know how trade policy will evolve, we do know that customers are looking for stability. That’s what this investment provides.”
The Concord finishing facility, together with Perth expansion, positions Kanthal to deliver Globar® SiC heating elements with greater speed, flexibility, and regional focus, without compromising on the performance that’s made Globar® a trusted name for decades.
“This is about being ready, ready for growth, ready for change, and ready to help our customers move forward with heating that can keep up,” Fajerman concludes.