When Private Equity Runs Out of time…
Ashland and it’s investors acquired Metaltec Steel Abrasive Company in August of 2022. A Private Equity Fund had purchased Metaltec seven years earlier and their fund required the divestiture of companies held in the fund. This presented an opportunity to add another portfolio company that meets the Ashland target profile.
At Ashland Capital Partners, we’re proud to back industry leaders that blend innovation, quality, and longevity—and Metaltec Steel Abrasive Company fits that mold perfectly. Founded in 1981 in Canton, Michigan, Metaltec has earned its reputation as North America’s only producer of low-carbon, Bainite-cast steel shot. Over four decades later, the company’s commitment to superior performance and customer service continues to set the standard in surface preparation.
A Legacy Forged in Bainite Cast Steel Shot
Metaltec’s breakthrough came with its proprietary Bainite cast steel shot, a low-carbon alloy that outperforms traditional abrasives in both durability and cost efficiency. Engineered to meet the rigorous SAE J2175 specification, Metaltec’s steel shot delivers consistent hardness, precise sizing, and uniform appearance—ensuring every blasting operation achieves optimal results with fewer media changes.
Expanding Capabilities with Steel Grit
In 2009, Metaltec expanded its facility to include state-of-the-art steel grit production, broadening its product suite to meet a wider range of surface-enhancement needs. Compliant with SAE J1993, the grit line provides more aggressive cutting action for customers tackling heavy-scale removal, weld cleaning, and intricate profile work. This dual offering of shot and grit under one roof simplifies supply chains and accelerates turnaround times.
Commitment to Quality and Service
Quality isn’t an afterthought at Metaltec—it’s the foundation. From rigorous incoming-material inspections to in-process monitoring and final certification, the company maintains strict controls at every step. That dedication extends to customer support, where Metaltec’s technical team collaborates with clients to specify the ideal abrasive, optimize blasting parameters, and troubleshoot on-site challenges.
Competitive Advantage Through Longevity
Few industries demand as much consistency and reliability as heavy-industry surface preparation. Metaltec’s decades-long track record—and its status as the only North American Bainite cast shot specialist—creates a durable competitive moat. Customers know that when they order from Metaltec, they’re tapping into a proven partner whose products deliver consistent performance job after job.
Serving Diverse Markets Nationwide
Across automotive, aerospace, foundry, marine, and structural fabrication sectors, Metaltec’s abrasives play a critical role in achieving clean, profile-ready surfaces. Whether preparing castings for coatings, derusting steel structures, or profiling concrete molds, the company’s shot and grit solutions are trusted by OEMs, job shops, and maintenance teams alike.
Looking Forward: Innovation and Growth
As part of the Ashland Capital Partners family, Metaltec continues to invest in advanced production techniques and process improvements. Plans are underway to enhance throughput, reduce energy consumption, and expand technical services—ensuring that Metaltec remains at the forefront of abrasive manufacturing and surface-preparation technology.
Metaltec Steel Abrasive’s blend of specialized expertise, robust certifications, and unwavering customer focus exemplifies the kind of market leader we champion at Ashland Capital Partners. We look forward to supporting Metaltec’s next chapter of growth—further strengthening its position as North America’s premier steel-shot and grit innovator.