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 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. 

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 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. 

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!