AFS Corporate Member Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF, Manitowoc, Wisconsin) has acquired the assets of castings manufacturer DEE, Inc. in Crookston, Minnesota. The acquisition will expand WAF’s current operations while creating new opportunities with the increased capacity. 

“We are thrilled to welcome DEE into the WAF family,” said WAF CEO Sachin Shivaram. “DEE has a dedicated and skilled workforce that operates much of the same equipment as our Manitowoc plant, making it a natural extension of our business as we look to meet the growth in our customers’ demand for aluminum castings. It also creates new opportunities as manufacturing continues to evolve, so we envision significant growth at DEE as well as Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry.” 

Shivaram added that WAF plans to add 30 new positions at DEE, which, with 72 employees, is currently one of the largest employers in Crookston.

Paul Cwikla, one of DEE’s three previous owners, will lead the Minnesota operation as vice president and general manager. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the team, the community and for WAF,” he said. “We recognize the experience and expertise WAF brings to the table and share the value they place on employees. It is a great match and we’re excited about our future together.”

WAF’s latest acquisition comes less than a year after it purchased Wabash Castings in Wabash, Indiana. 

“There has been tremendous growth in demand for products manufactured in America, and we are positioning ourselves to meet that demand,” Shivaram said.  Under WAF’s ownership, Wabash Castings has doubled revenue and increased employment by 50%.