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…

Bedford Among GM Facilities Receiving Investment

General Motors (Detroit) announced it is investing over $900 million in three facilities. One of them is its Bedford casting facility in Bedford, Indiana. According to a report from WBIW, GM is investing $37 million and will retain 45 jobs.

GM has invested over $330 million in Bedford…

American Axle Acquires Metaldyne

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc.  (Detroit) and Metaldyne Performance Group Inc. (Southfield, Michigan) announced a merger.  AAM will acquire MPG for approximately $1.6 billion in cash and stock.

“AAM’s transformational acquisition of MPG brings together two…

J&L Unveils New Safety Program

J&L Precision Castings and J&L Fiber Services (Waukesha, Wisconsin) unveiled their new Behavior Based Safety Training Program.

According to a news release, Behavior Based Safety Training is a “process that creates a safety partnership between management and employees that…

Brembo Inaugurates New Plant, Announces Another

Brembo has inaugurated its plant in Escobedo, Mexico and also announced the company will begin construction on another new facility that will produce cast iron discs. The new plant will be adjacent to the one inaugurated in Escobedo. 

The ceremony was attended by several Mexican and…