Industry News

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.

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. 

Marco Gonzalez, corporate energy manager at AFS Corporate Member Waupaca Foundry, has been selected as the Energy Manager of the Year for the Midwest by the Association of Energy Engineers. The award was presented at the association’s regional awards 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.

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.” 

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.

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 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 South Milwaukee Foundry announced completion of several large capital improvement projects. It is part of the Appleton Group owned by global automation company, Emerson. 

To date, the 150,000-sq.-ft. foundry has:

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.