Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry honoured with 2026 Metal Caster of the Year recognition

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Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF) has been named the 2026 Metal Caster of the Year by the American Foundry Society (AFS) and Modern Casting magazine. The award is regarded as the highest recognition in the North American metal casting industry.

The American Foundry Society, established in 1896, represents the North American metal casting industry, which is valued at about USD 50 billion and includes thousands of foundries across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The annual Metal Caster of the Year award is presented to a company that demonstrates excellence in manufacturing, innovation, leadership and service to the industry.

WAF received the award for its strategic acquisitions, progress in digital transformation, investment in modernising its facilities and equipment, innovative measures to manage rising insurance costs, and its commitment to employee welfare.

Sachin Shivaram, Chief Executive Officer of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, said the award was especially significant for a family-owned business that has operated since 1909 in an industry with thousands of metal casting companies across North America. He added, “It belongs to our entire team, not just at one plant. It is the result of hard work across all our foundries by the men and women who pour the metal, run the machines and take care of our customers every day. 

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Shivaram further said that while the award is an important milestone, it also serves as a reminder that the company must continue supporting its customers, employees and the communities where it operates while working to strengthen the business further.

Founded in 1909, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry has expanded from a single foundry in Manitowoc into a family-owned manufacturing company with foundries and machining operations across five Midwestern states. The company supplies castings and machined components to customers in sectors including heavy-duty trucks, aerospace, marine, energy, agriculture, defence and medical manufacturing.

Rich Schwartz, Chairman of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, said the company has always focused on its employees and customers rather than any individual or single facility. He added, “To see Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry recognised this way is humbling, and it is a credit to everyone who has built this company over the generations.” 

The award is featured as the cover story in the June 2026 edition of Modern Casting magazine. WAF board member Laurie Herzog said the recognition reflects the company's long-standing commitment to its employees, customers and the communities where it operates, adding that it recognises the quality of work delivered by the company's team.