Articles: Industry News

Waupaca Foundry Plant 4 ductile iron foundry in Marinette, Wisconsin was recognized with the 2023 General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award (SQEA). 

“As we continue to navigate an ever-challenging environment, know that (Waupaca’s) dedication to quality and shared goals is deeply appreciated,” said Executive Director of GM Global Supplier Quality & Development Rick Demuynck. GM’s global supplier quality team recognized Waupaca Foundry for consistently providing support and being a valued partner.

AFS Corporate Member OTTO JUNKER GmbH, a pioneer in building equipment for foundries, is celebrating its 100-year anniversary.  

The Ohio State University’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME) is leading a project to improve the cybersecurity and operational efficiency of 3D-printed sand molds used in metal casting.  

With collaboration from AFS Corporate Member Humtown Products and 3Degrees Company, CDME’s “Cybersecurity-Enhanced Efficiency in 3D Printed Sand Molds” project aims to implement an integrated solution to secure and optimize the manufacturing process. 

Effective August 23, AFS Corporate Member Weaver Materiel Service Inc. announced it completed the acquisition of the assets of Foundry Products Inc. based in Westland, Michigan. The company also added two new employees: Tim Hall joins the sales team from South Bend, Indiana; and Teri Tailford is part of the front office staff.

In 1909, AFS Corporate Member Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF) got its start as the Manitowoc Brass Foundry Company and made castings for Harley-Davidson, Wisconsin Motors and Evinrude Outboard. Abraham Schwartz renamed the company Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry in 1912 and began expanding product lines and offerings, including opening a brass and bronze foundry in the mid-1920s, which primarily served Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company. 

GIFA Mexico and FUNDIEXPO, the Mexican tradeshow for the Mexican and Latin American foundry sector, will take place October 16–18 at the Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City. The event is part of Messe Düsseldorf’s “The Bright World of Metals” portfolio and will be held in cooperation with the Mexican Foundry Society, A.C. (Sociedad Mexicana de Fundidores, A.C./ SMFAC).

AFS Corporate Member Doncaster Precision Castings took delivery of its second L&L Furnace, model FB435. It will enhance in-house annealing, tempering, and heat treatment capabilities for the foundry, which serves aerospace, industrial gas turbine, and automotive markets. 

 The company says the addition will raise production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
The FB 435 has a 2,000-lb. weight load capacity, suitable for handling heavy-duty industrial processes in the aerospace and automotive sectors. 

AFS Corporate Member The Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center has set a new benchmark in its foundry operations: On June 6, the team successfully poured the largest part produced in at least two decades, if not ever—underscoring the facility’s advanced capabilities.

“This is a proud moment for all of us at RIA-JMTC,” said Jamie Morris, division chief of hot metals. “Producing such a massive part required precise coordination, advanced technology, and a relentless commitment to quality. This achievement is a testament to our team’s skill and dedication.”

Victaulic’s Lawrenceville foundry, an AFS Corporate Member, is constructing a 150,000-sq.-ft. addition to accommodate new molding lines, melt furnaces, core machines, and automated finishing and paint equipment to help produce larger scale products. The expansion will also include a 60,000-sq.-ft. machine shop with state-of-the-art CNC equipment.

Victaulic’s $100 million expansion project will create at least 214 new, full-time jobs and retain an additional 1,611 jobs across the state.

AFS Corporate Member Hoosier Pattern hosted its Second Annual Hoosier Iron Pour on June 7 in Decatur, Indiana. The Friday night community event––attended by about 250––was held in conjunction with the Decatur Sculpture Tour that took place the next day.
“Our grounds at Hoosier Pattern became the epicenter of a massive artistic party for community members, including students, and artists,” said Keith Gerber, the company’s president. “For over four hours, we poured an astounding 2,000 pounds of iron!