Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry staged a groundbreaking ceremony September 1 to mark the start of a $20-million expansion of the current operation. A representative of the Manitowoc, WI, foundry reported that the 55,000 square-foot addition to the plant will allow WAF to expand its permanent-mold casting capacity, for both tilt/static and low-pressure pouring.
New tilt-pouring machinery for that expansion are being acquired presently, the spokesman offered. WAF also will expand its air-set molding capabilities, and install new workcells for finishing cast parts.
More office space and meeting rooms also will be added in the project, which is targeted for completion in summer 2023.
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry uses green-sand, air-set, and permanent mold casting and low-pressure molding to pour a range of aluminum and copper-based alloys for automotive, agriculture and construction, commercial vehicles, defense, medical, and railroad manufacturing, among others. It’s holdings also include Manitowoc Pattern & Machining, MP&M a precision machining and foundry tooling producer with engineering capabilities for prototyping through assembly, NDT, and other services.
Earlier this year WAF acquired the assets of DEE Inc., a custom aluminum casting operation in Crookston, MN; and in 2021 it acquired Wabash Castings in Wabash, IN.
The expansion program in Manitowoc will create 80 new jobs, according to WAF, and “accelerate (its) growth in key target markets such as electric vehicles, medical equipment, and consumer products.”
“We’re excited to be expanding and diversifying our manufacturing capabilities to meet demand as the U.S. and global markets continue to evolve,” stated WAF CEO Sachin Shivaram. “The history and legacy of WAF and its founders, the Schwartz family, have always been to look to the future and the opportunities ahead and that’s what we’re doing. The family also understood that the foundry’s success is a result of the team of dedicated employees. Today’s celebration is much more than just celebrating the expansion; it’s about recognizing and honoring our retirees and showing our appreciation and gratitude for current team members.”
The groundbreaking event included recognition for more than 50 retirees of WAF, and the compay also released a new volume documenting the 112-year history of the foundry, as well as a documentary film. Following the ceremonies, attendees and current workers toured the foundry and shared an appreciation luncheon.
Each year on Labor Day WAF invites retirees to visit the plant for a recognition breakfast and tour of the operations.