Signicast Starting $50-Million Expansion

Signicast is embarking on a $50-million expansion at its foundry in Hartford, WI, to add capacity in two phases through 2013. The company already has acquired 52 acres of land adjacent to the plant, where it will add more investment casting and finishing capability, though specific details of the expansion have not been detailed. Local news reports suggest Signicast will be doubling the size of its Hartford operation to 576,000 ft ² and adding 500 employees. The Hartford plant was launched in 1993 and maintains a carefully organized production flows and process controls that maximizes the productivity of the investment casting process. In addition to the Hartford plant Signicast operates its original foundry in Brown Deer, WI. Four new buildings will be added at the Hartford site, three for manufacturing and one for support services. The first phase of expansion will bring new finishing capability, which is necessary to meet current demand according to Signicast. Construction will begin in early September, the foundry stated. More investment casting capacity will be added in the next stage of expansion. “As history suggests, this facility will be the next big leap in technology for commercial investment castings,” according to the statement. “Plans are to begin equipping the facility mid to late 2012.” Signicast produces investment castings in low-carbon steel, stainless steels, tool steels, and nickel- and cobalt-based alloys, for a variety of market segments. It calls itself “the largest strictly commercial investment casting company in the world.” Its customers include engine, valve, and power tool manufacturers.