Nucor Corp. purchased a minority equity position in the parent of Trion Coatings, LLC, which is developing an “environmentally friendly” chrome plating technology.

Trion Coatings utilizes a patent pending process using Cr(3) salts and a proprietary ionic liquid solution. The process allows for greater electroplating speeds, improved wear resistance and overall higher performance while offering health and safety benefits.

Trion Coatings developed the “alternative to prevailing hexavalent chromium (Cr6) to help affected manufacturers and metal surface finishers manage the September 2017 sunset date established by REACH,” according to its website. REACH is the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals process established by the European Union in 2006.

As part of its investment, Nucor is working with Trion Coatings to commercialize the technology and will be constructing a pilot facility at Nucor Fastener in St. Joe, IN. Nucor also holds an exclusive worldwide license agreement for the technology as applied to long steel products.

“We are very excited to invest in this cutting-edge technology, working together with Trion Coatings and the University of Notre Dame,” said Nucor CEO John Ferriola.

Trion Coatings, which “incubated” at Notre Dame’s IDEA Center, was formed to develop an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional chrome plating process Cr(VI) as global regulations becomes more stringent.

Middleburg Capital Development is the majority equity holder of Trion Coatings, with another minority equity stake held by the University of Notre Dame. Web: TrionCoatings.com