Released on March 5, 2009

Northern Iron and Machine, St. Paul, Minn., announced it has completed the installation of a new Disa Match 130 automated molding line, doubling the company’s molding capacity.

The new system, which is now fully operational, replaces the company’s three outdated molding lines. The company said in a press release the line was intended to increase its efficiency and make it more cost competitive.

The automated line is capable of producing up to 130 molds per hour with a flask size of 20 x 24 in. The system uses Northern’s existing match plate patterns, minimizing conversion costs from the old system. Northern expects to use the line for low to medium run requirements, changing the patterns frequently.

Northern is a ductile and gray iron contract manufacturer that also provides finish-machined parts, painting and assembly of castings in its machine shop. The company ships more than 4,500 tons of castings a year to the construction, off-highway, agricultural and railroad industries.