The AFS Wisconsin Regional, held Feb. 10-12 and presented by the Wisconsin, Stateline and Northeastern Wisconsin AFS chapters, gathered metalcasters and the casting supply chain in the region together to meet with exhibitors and hear discussions on relevant topics to the industry. The event was highlighted by a visit from the Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, who gave a 40-minute speech to attendees and experienced a small bit of metalcasting by making his own casting using Foundry in a Box.
Walker spoke about the important role of small businesses during his visit on Feb. 11. He also highlighted the business-friendly nature of Wisconsin and the success these practices have brought the state. Other featured speakers for the Regional, which was held at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, Milwaukee, were AFS President Bruce Dienst, president and CEO of Simpson Technologies, and Randy Brull, president and chief operating officer of Aarrowcast Inc.
Along with the exhibits and industry presentations, the AFS Institute conducted three short-format courses: Identifying the Correct Casting Defect, Introduction to Alloys and Introduction to Coreless Induction Furnace Operation.
The American Foundry Society is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1896. With its headquarters in Schaumburg, Ill., AFS provides members and consumers with information and services to promote and strengthen the metalcasting industry.
Gov. Scott Walker attended the AFS Wisconsin Regional.