Articles: Industry News

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill into law that will allow the state’s foundries to transport more raw pig iron to their facilities using fewer truckloads. The law, 2023 Wisconsin Act 156, changes weight limits and length limits on vehicles transporting metallic or nonmetallic scrap.

AFS Corporate Member Bingham & Taylor honored its workforce on National Employee Appreciation Day, observed annually on the first Friday of March––but the company says it extends staff recognition beyond just a single day. To further its mission of fostering a culture of collaboration, Bingham & Taylor has dedicated years to developing and enhancing the C2ARES values program, a cornerstone of its corporate culture. The initiative, shaped by both executives and staff, stands for Collaboration, Creativity, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Sustainability. 

AFS Corporate Member Versevo, has expanded its capabilities in the development of complex cores and molds by adding 3D sand printing technology. 3D sand printing capabilities provide a faster and less expensive solution to making early development, low volume, and production sand cores.

AFS Corporate Member Superior Graphite has reached an agreement with Unimetal to divest its recarburizer business.

Unimetal will take over the Desulco trademark, the X-Carb brand, and commercial operations, using the Superior Graphite Heat Treatment process. 

“These products will perfectly fit into our portfolio for metallurgical applications”, says Alan Yung, CEO of Unimetal.

The Manufacturing Leadership Council announced AFS Corporate Member Humtown is among the finalists in the 2024 Manufacturing Leadership Awards for their outstanding achievements in the Transformational Business Cultures Category.  

“This is the team of finalists who is leading us all into a new and better direction in the manufacturing future,” said Humtown President Mark Lamoncha. 

Waupaca Foundry Plant 4, a ductile iron foundry located in Marinette, Wisconsin, installed two new heavy-duty Magaldi Superbelt conveyor systems designed to improve downtime by as much as 60%. The company says it anticipates a two-year return on investment due to reduced maintenance and energy costs along with significantly reduced silica dust and noise pollution.

The Firth Youth Center in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, held a community ribbon-cutting ceremony at the end of February, officially opening the doors to its renovated “McWane Ductile Wrestling Room,” according to an article at www.tapinto.com.

“We saw an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of these young athletes,” said Kelly Bray, inside sales manager for McWane Ductile and newly appointed board member of the Youth Center. “It’s about more than just a wrestling room; it’s about investing in the potential of every student.”

AFS Corporate Member The Lawton Standard Co. recently combined with Renaissance Manufacturing Group (RMG) and its 160 team members as part of Lawton Standard’s expansion strategy.  

RMG has three locations: a ductile iron foundry in Anniston, Alabama; a machine shop in Grafton, Wisconsin; and a sales office in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. 

Ferroglobe PLC, a global producer of silicon metal and ferroalloys, and Coreshell, a U.S.-based battery technology company, have signed a memorandum of understanding for the purpose of producing the first battery-ready metallurgical silicon for the development of low-cost, high-range EV batteries in compliance with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act. 

GE Aerospace announced plans to invest $650 million in its manufacturing facilities and supply chain this year to increase production and strengthen quality to better support its commercial and defense customers.