The history of
Tungco Inc.

1969

“In the fall of 1969, my father James Nance, came home from one of his sales visits to a local coal mine in Western Kentucky and asked if I would like to earn some money recovering tungsten carbide from mine drill bits; at the time I was only 16 years of age.”

1970s

Founder, Steve Nance using the furnace and sorting carbide.

1977

Tungco was incorporated in 1977 and moved to a new, larger facility in Hanson, Kentucky.

1980s

Tungsten prices and demand declined which inspired Tungco to diversify.

1987

Tungco began manufacturing drill bits in additon to recycling tungsten scrap.

1990s

Over the next decade, both Tungco and the bit manufacturing division continued to grow.

1996

Cuda Tools Inc., the bit manufacturing company, was created to allow Tungco to concentrate on the core business of tungsten.

2000s

The new Millennium brought with it new opportunites for Tungco.

2002

In 2000, new acreage was purchased with an office complex and additional warehousing. In 2002, a neighboring 10,000 square foot production plant was purchased.

2007

In 2007, Tungco added a 19,000 square foot production facility to accommodate additional production lines.

2009

In 2009, Tungco Powder Procurement was created, focusing on tungsten carbide sludge.

2012

In 2012, a facility was finished that provides over 6,000 square feet of office space.

2014

74 Alloys was established in 2014 and specializes in all other Tungsten based alloys, high speed steels and specialty alloys.

2015

Tungco Worldwide was established in 2015. Our first 16,000 square foot facility was based in Shannon, Ireland.
Cuda Grit was launched in 2015 as a result of restructuring divisions within Tungco Inc. The company was formerly a segment of Cuda Tools Inc., which manufactured and sold tungsten carbide grit.

2017

In June 2017, we aquired a new 45,000 square foot facility in Raheen, Limerick to accomodate our rapid growth.

2019

The Tungco corporate office building was acquired in 2018. In 2019, Tungco celebrates 50 years and still stands as one of the largest tungsten secondary raw material suppliers in the world.
Who would have thought that my father’s curiosity would lead us to where we are today. I am proud to say that in 2019, Tungco celebrated its 50th year in the Tungsten business. My hope is to give assurance to potential suppliers and customers that Tungco is in Tungsten for the long haul.

Steve Nance

Chairman

OUR

mission

To provide exceptional service and deliver high performance tungsten products through abiding relationships, sustainable global sourcing, and robust financial practices.

Core
values

Whatever it takes...

is playing to win in our attitude, intent and execution!

Subdue...

Eddison said, “there is a way to do it better, find it!”

Relationships...

internal = voice and choice
external = customer obsession

Sustainability...

Sustainable practices and systems will help preserve the next generation.

Mastery...

The pursuit of mastery is the path to excellence. It requires us to be both apprentices and masters in life.

Balance...

Extremes are easy, balance requires intentionality or passion will lead to abuse, ambition to burnout, self awareness to self loathing.

Meet Our
Tungco Family

Chairman, Steve Nance and his father, James Nance began reycling tungsten in 1969. Over the years, Tungco has expanded into one of the largest tungsten secondary raw materials suppliers in the world.
view our team