Labor Department Issues New Family Medical Leave Act Employer Compliance Guide

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Division, released a new guide for employers and human resource specialists. The Employer’s Guide to the Family and Medical Leave Act helps explain the FMLA regulations in a user-friendly manner to answer common questions about the FMLA. To view…

AFS Highlights Safety and New Regulations at 2016 EHS Conference

The 28th Annual Environmental Health and Safety conference was held August 9-11 in Milwaukee. The three-day conference included over 20 speakers and covered a variety of topics to improve the health and safety of metalcasting workers.

This year’s keynote speaker, Patrick K. Stevens,…

Michigan Senator Visits Eagle Alloy

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) visited Eagle Alloy Inc. (Muskegon, Michigan). The visit was part of a tour touting the importance of numerous growing small businesses in areas across the state, including Eagle Alloy’s Muskegon County.

“Small businesses are the backbone of…

Ontario Partners With Aluminum Caster to Create Jobs

Ramsden Industries (London, Ontario, Canada) and the Canadian province of Ontario have announced they are partnering to invest in technology and grow Ramsden’s business. The investment will create 14 jobs and preserve 54.

Ramsden, which manufactures custom aluminum castings for the…

AFS Encourages Metalcasters to Join MFG Day Movement

Manufacturers across the U.S. will be hosting and sponsoring events to promote the manufacturing industry with the fifth annual Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), to be held Oct. 7. As a national sponsor of the event, AFS encourages member companies to become involved by hosting, attending, or…

Managing Heat in the Foundry (Free Download)

During the high temperatures of August, AFS reminds members how to help control the potential hazards of heat stress.

In 2008, AFS and Alliance (An OSHA Cooperative Program) jointly published “Establishing a Foundry Heat Stress Management Program,” which is available as a free download…

South Carolina Caster Expanding, Adding Jobs

Carolina Metal Castings (Hardeeville, South Carolina) announced it is expanding. The addition will bring 13 new jobs and reportedly an investment of more than $3 million over the next five years.

“We are very excited to take this next step in our development,” Jim Harwood, president,…

Increase Awareness of the U.S. Metalcasting Industry by Hosting a Congressional Plant Tour

Members of Congress are back in their states for the month of August and then again in October. This is an ideal time for metalcasters and suppliers across the country to host their representatives and senators for educational tours at their facilities.

“Legislators value the opportunity…

US Challenges China On Export Duties for Key Raw Materials

On July 13, 2016, the U.S. launched a trade enforcement action against China’s export duties on nine key metals and minerals at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

According to the office of the U.S Trade Representative (USTR), China has kept export duties from 5 to 20 percent on antimony…

Ryobi Limited Plans Expansion, New Jobs for Indiana Facility

Japanese company Ryobi Limited announced plans to invest $97.5 million and add up to 150 new employees for its facility in Shelbyville, Indiana.

According to the Indianapolis Business Journal, Ryobi Limited is planning to buy a 350,000 sq. ft. building next to Ryobi Die Casting USA, its…