UNITECR 2025, the 19th Unified International Technical Conference on Refractories, announced a call for papers for next year’s event, inviting experts, researchers, and professionals from across the refractories industry to present their ground-breaking work.
Next year’s UNITECR is being hosted by ALAFAR (Latin American Association of Refractories Manufacturers) and takes place 27-30 October 2025 in Cancun, Mexico. Deadline for abstracts is December 20.
McWane Ductile’s New Jersey facility has initiated an Eagle Hardhat program in which team members can earn and maintain a specially branded hardhat through personal safety excellence.
AFS Corporate Member Erie Bronze and Aluminum Co. was featured in an episode of Fox Business Network’s acclaimed series, “Manufacturing Marvels” on September 30.
The segment showcased the foundry’s innovative approach to manufacturing and showed a behind-the-scenes look at its state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.
AFS Corporate Member Benton Foundry was recently honored as one of eight manufacturers receiving a 2024 Manufacturers and Employers Award from the Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association on April 10.
FEF Key Professor and Virginia Tech Professor of Practice Alan Druschitz, who runs the school’s Kroehling Advanced Materials Foundry, and student Victoria Rambo recently assisted the National Museum of the Marine Corps in creating replica pieces for a new exhibit.
Druschitz and Rambo created molds of metal missile fins, then poured molten metal into the molds to create lightweight replicas for the museum. Rambo used the experience to write and present a paper, a highlight for her resume when she enters the industry’s job market.
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 BCI Solutions Inc. was recognized with Health Rosetta’s Rosie Award at RosettaFest 2024 in mid-September. Hosted at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C., the accolade celebrated BCI for its outstanding contributions and innovative leadership in the healthcare sector.
AFS Corporate Member Grede reported its New Castle, Indiana, location celebrated two years of continuous work without a lost time incident.
“This achievement is a testament to our employees’ commitment to working safely every day,” said New Castle General Manager Mark Brock. “Their dedication to following proper safety procedures, looking out for each other, and maintaining a robust safety culture has made this milestone possible. This culture inspires us to strive for even greater safety achievements.”
In preparation for celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, AFS Corporate Member DIDION unveiled the results of a major strategic rebranding in September.
AFS Corporate member Batesville Products Inc. (BPI), a foundry based in Southwest Indiana, released a new book introducing children to the foundry industry.
In The Hunt for Metal Treasure, three friends go on a pirate adventure to look for metal castings around town. They discover that metal castings are all around us–– from playgrounds and kitchens to dentist offices and construction sites. Many of the castings they find are based on real parts manufactured by Batesville Products.