Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell visited AFS Corporate Member EJ in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on December 13. In addition to touring the operations, Pinnell discussed infrastructure, workforce, and area housing issues.
Articles: Industry News
AFS Corporate Member Waupaca Foundry is one of 22 employers statewide recognized as a 2024 Vets Ready Employer by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and its Office of Veteran Employment Services (OVES). The annual award recognizes Wisconsin employers that have gone above and beyond to hire and support veterans and their families.
Approximately 10% of the foundry’s workforce are veterans of the armed services, and several team members have been employed while on active duty with the National Guard. The firm employs 3,500 people nationwide.
AFS Corporate member SUN METALON INC., a pioneer in the metal recycling and refining industry, announced the successful closure of a $21 million Series A funding round, bringing total capital raised to $30.7 million.
Headquartered in Chicago, SUN METALON says it aims to revolutionize the metal industry by delivering innovative, energy-saving, and CO2-emission-reducing solutions for sustainable metal manufacturing and recycling for metal casting, die casting, and machining operations involved in automotive, construction machinery, heavy industry, and steel manufacturing.
SMG Group announced the acquisition of AFS Corporate Member Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation, a global maker of matchplate molding machines, mold handling equipment and sand casting technology for the global foundry market.
AFS Corporate Member Premier Aluminum has completed 365 consecutive days without an OSHA recordable incident.
“This milestone represents more than just numbers – it’s about our people going home safely to their families every day,” said General Manager Russ Detiege. “It’s a testament to our team’s dedication to creating and maintaining a culture of safety excellence.”
The company says the achievement is noteworthy given the complex nature of aluminum manufacturing operations, which involve heavy machinery, high-temperature processes, and precise handling requirements.
12.27.24: Nordstern Group Expands Capacity
Nordstern Group in Winnipeg, Canada, parent company of AFS Corporate Member Sure Cast Aluminum Foundry, has purchased a building to add to its primary manufacturing campus. A $7.5-million renovation is underway that is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025.
12.27.24: Tinker Omega Joins Sinto America
Effective January 1, 2025, Tinker Omega Sinto will become a part of the Sinto America Group under Roberts Sinto in Grand Ledge, Michigan––both AFS Corporate Members. At that time, all incoming orders for equipment and parts will be manufactured at Grand Ledge.
Members of the current sales team will continue representing Tinker Omega product lines and spare parts. The company will maintain a sales and engineering office in Springfield, Ohio, after manufacturing has transitioned to Grand Ledge.
11.25.24: Benton Receives Excellence Award
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.
AFS Corporate Member HA-International, LLC (HAI) has made a significant investment in the construction of a new, state-of-the-art feeders production plant at its manufacturing site in Oregon, Illinois.
“This investment is about more than just infrastructure—it’s about delivering even greater value to our customers,” said CEO Gordon Mc Neilage.
The facility will integrate sustainability practices, prioritizing energy efficiency and supporting the company’s broader goals of reducing its environmental footprint.