Family-owned firm celebrates continuing growth
(Manitowoc, WI) In 1909, American explorers Robert E. Peary and Matthew Henson reached the North Pole; the cost of a first-class U.S. postage stamp was 2 cents; William Taft was the U.S. President; and Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF) got its start as the Manitowoc Brass Foundry Company. The firm had just three accounts, but they were with major Wisconsin manufacturers, making castings for Harley-Davidson, Wisconsin Motors and Evinrude Outboard. It wasn’t long before the firm started growing.
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-1920’s which primarily served Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company. “Here we are, 115 years later, and Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry remains family owned and focused on growth through serving clients, employees and the community,” stated Rich Schwartz, WAF Board of Directors Chairperson.
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry is now known for designing and manufacturing custom aluminum and copper-based alloy castings for specific applications in a wide variety of industries including automotive, marine, oil, agriculture, defense, medical and home. Employing more than 900, its divisions include Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (Manitowoc, WI), Wabash Castings (Wabash, IN), Dee Manufacturing (Crookston, MN), Manitowoc Pattern & Machining (Manitowoc, WI), All American 1930 (Manitowoc, WI) and ATEK Metal Technologies (New Hampton, IA).
Company leaders’ credit four key areas for the firm’s success: entrepreneurial spirit, high quality manufacturing, dedicated employees and supportive communities.
“An entrepreneurial spirit which drives growth is essential,” stated WAF Board Member Traci Schwartz. “Every successful business has to adapt and look for opportunities, investing in those with the most promise. We’ve made strategic acquisitions along the way and developed new product lines which have contributed to our success and longevity.”
“High quality products are another part of the success equation,” explained WAF Board Member Laurie Herzog. “Our customers count on us to provide them with components they can rely on to meet their very specific needs. It’s what we’re known for, which has helped us grow business with current clients as well as attract new clients.”
“The other key components in our success are our employees and the local communities where our facilities are located,” added Sachin Shivaram, WAF CEO. “The Schwartz family understood from day one that the future of the company relied on our employees, and that each team member had a pivotal role in the company’s success. The communities where we are located also play a role, supporting growth and expansion efforts. We take pride in returning that support through active community involvement.”
As for the future, Rich Schwartz expects WAF growth to continue. “We view change, positive change and growth, as a constant. We look forward to setting the stage for the next 100 years and beyond. On behalf of our leadership team, we want to thank all of our employees, customers and the community.”
To celebrate its 115th anniversary, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry recently hosted an employee thank you event in recognition of their work that drives WAF’s success.
