World-class casting since 1909
Since Abraham Schwartz started Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry in 1909, we’ve helped industries achieve more success in casting by meeting every challenge with sophisticated problem-solving, vertical integration and production that scales. This work ethic has driven a scrapyard business to become a world-class foundry leader across diverse markets like automotive, agriculture, defense, energy and medical.
1900s
Abraham Schwartz builds a casting powerhouse
The son of Jewish Russian immigrants, Schwartz evolves his scrap yard to become Manitowoc Brass Foundry in 1909. It’s renamed Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry in 1912, committed to adaptability excellence, problem-solving and continuous improvement, which still stands today.
1920-1930s​
Casting strength into consumer products
Production begins in 1929 on the All-American brand of cast aluminum pressure cookers. In the 1930s, it becomes one of the premier units in the world, still cast today at WAF’s consumer product facility in Manitowoc, WI.
1940s
Building a dedicated workforce
WAF is 120 union workers strong, offering a competitive starting wage at 55 cents an hour for a 49-hour work week.
1970s
Molding new leaders
In 1977 at age 16, Bob Braun starts work at WAF. After a 46-year career shaped with hard work and grit, he’ll retire as WAF division president in 2024.
1980s
Training the next generation
WAF fosters career development conversations at local high schools and technical colleges, a collaboration that continues into the early 2020s with the establishment of the company’s New North Workplace Excellence Award-winning training area. It’s here that new employees spend their first two weeks understanding how to read process sheets, finish a casting and get a feel for the foundry environment.
2000s
Dedication to quality and community
WAF earns the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award in 2003, 2005 and 2009 for its dedication to innovative practices, creating quality jobs and reinvesting in local communities.
2010s
Casting forward
In the 2010s, WAF relentlessly removes barriers to offering our customers a streamlined casting program. We add Manitowoc Pattern & Machining’s precision machining capabilities to our in-house services in 2017. And, in 2019, Sachin Shivaram brings his vision for growth to WAF as the first non-family CEO of the family-owned company.
2020s
Casting more possibilities
WAF earns the 2021 Progress Lakeshore Corporate Investment Award for its positive economic impact. From 2021-2024, the company further enhances its value-added services, acquiring Wabash Castings LLC, Dee Manufacturing and ATEK Metal Technologies. In 2024, WAF also completes the largest expansion in its history with a 50,000 square feet permanent mold addition. Today, WAF is considered one of the largest non-ferrous plants in the country, shipping more than one million pounds1 of finished castings monthly.
Ready for a casting partner with a history of pouring more possibilities?
See how we can meet the demands of your tough challenges now and into the future. Contact us today!