Industry News

AFS Corporate Member Batesville Products (Lawrenceburg, Indiana) has introduced a second chance program. Working with Beacon of Hope, Dearborn County Court Services (DCCS), Workforce Connection and Purdue University’s Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP), Batesville is developing a program that “will help individuals get a fresh start in the workforce,” the company said in a news release.

“This second chance program will help both the company and the surrounding community build a relationship,” BPI said.

AFS Corporate Member Victaulic (Easton, Pennsylvania) has purchased Globe Fire Sprinkler ( Standish, Michigan).

“The addition of Globe’s fire protection sprinkler volume and engineering capabilities will provide the scale and skills necessary to be a true leader in all aspects of the fire protection industry," Victaulic CEO John F. Malloy said.

Steven Worthington, who will serve as president of Globe Fire Protection, echoed that excitement.

AMERICAN Flow Control, the valve and hydrant division of AFS Corporate Member AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company (Birmingham, Alabama), has announced the formation of AMERICAN Innovation LLC. According to a news release, the company is dedicated to research and development and intends to construct a facility, the AMERICAN Flow Control Center for Innovative Excellence, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, this summer.

AFS Corporate Member Waupaca Foundry Inc., a Hitachi Metals group company, announced it is opening a machining operation adjacent to its gray iron foundry located on the east side of Waupaca, Wisconsin. The new machining plant will machine brake components for the commercial vehicle market produced at Waupaca Foundry.

The facility has 50,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space and will initially employ 15 skilled workers. The decision to expand operations beyond raw castings was to support customer demand.

ATLANTA – Another successful CastExpo wrapped up Tuesday.

After 3 1/2 days of full-scale exhibits, cutting-edge technology demos, packed aisles, exciting new equipment, innovative sessions and a show floor full of energy, CastExpo said goodbye until 2022 in Columbus, Ohio.

“CastExpo 2019 was very well-received by all of our various audiences, and we were thrilled to have more than 5,000 guests from 32 countries in attendance,” AFS CEO Doug Kurkul said.