MODERN CASTING has selected Signicast, Hartford, Wis., as this year’s Metalcaster of the Year for its innovative automation advancements that have culminated in its most recent investment casting facility addition. The new facility is the fourth Signicast has designed for continuous flow production, supplying its customers with just-in-time delivery and flexibility.

Past winners include General Motors’ Saginaw Metal Casting Operations, Saginaw, Mich.; Dotson Iron Castings, Mankato, Minn.; Hayes Lemmerz Montague, Montague, Mich.; John Deere Foundry, Waterloo, Iowa; International Truck and Engine Corp.’s Waukesha Manufacturing Facility, Waukesha, Wis.; Neenah Foundry Co., Neenah, Wis.; Mercury Marine-Mercury Castings, Fond du Lac, Wis.; and American Cast Iron Pipe Co., Birmingham, Ala.

Castings aren't always aesthetically pleasing, but when they are, it's worth taking a closer look. The 2008 Casting of the Year is one of the beautiful ones. But the other eight prize winners in the AFS/ECS Casting Competition are all beautiful in their own way, whether they exhibit the benefits of the casting process, show marketability or simply satisfy their customers' needs impeccably.