OSHA Issues Final Rule for Beryllium

On January 9, 2017, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule to limit workers’ exposure to beryllium. The final rule reduces the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for beryllium to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an eight-hour time-weighted…

EJ Set to Begin Construction on New Facility

EJ (East Jordan, Michigan) was approved for a property-tax incentive to build its new facility near Elmira, Michigan.

According to a report from the Petoskey News, Warner (Michigan) Township approved the incentive unanimously. The abatement, the report said, would lower property taxes on…

Keokuk Steel Castings Set to Resume Production

Keokuk Steel Castings (Keokuk, Iowa) is set to resume production.

The new owners, Brad and Annie Mills, closed the purchase of the dormant facility Nov. 30 and are looking to resume production in 2017. In July, the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board gave the Mills an incentive…

Soucy Group Working to Acquire Laforo

Soucy Group (Drummondville, Quebec, Canada) announced it was in the process of acquiring Laforo Foundry (Ste-Claire, Quebec, Canada).

Laforo specializes in the manufacture of high-volume gray and ductile cast iron small parts for industrial, railway, agricultural and automotive industries…

DOL's Overtime Rule Blocked Nationwide By Judge

On November 22, 2016, a Texas federal judge issued a nationwide injunction blocking the U.S. Department of Labor from implementing its new federal overtime rule which was set to take effect Dec. 1.  About 4 million workers would have become eligible for overtime pay under the rule which…

AFS Looks Forward to Working with New President and Congress on Metalcasting Issues

The American Foundry Society (AFS) announced today that it is looking forward to working with the new President, administration, and Congress to advance sound public policies affecting the $28.5 billion metalcasting industry.

“The voters have spoken, and now it is time to begin…

Joint Opening Brief Filed on OSHA Silica Rulemaking

On Friday, November 18, 2016, AFS, along with the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Association of Home Builders and other constructions groups, the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, Portland Cement, National Concrete Masonry Association and Brick Industry, filed a…

Judge Blocks Persuader Rule Requiring Firms to Disclose Labor Advice

On November 17, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas issued a permanent injunction against the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) persuader rule in the case brought by several business organizations. In his decision to block the rule, the Judge wrote that the…

OSHA Issues Final Rule Updating Walking-Working Surfaces Standard

On November 17, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released its long-awaited final rule update to the general industry walking-working surfaces standard specific to slip, trip and fall hazards. The final rule, scheduled to go into effect Jan. 17, also increases…

AFS Announces Holiday Sale on Publications

Until November 30, AFS is offering 20% off most of its publications!

At checkout use promo code: AFSNov16

Get a jump start on holiday shopping and enhance your metalcasting learning today. Take advantage of the sale on EHS, ferrous, non-ferrous, molding, metalcasting basics, wall…