Because it forecasts rising demand for ductile-iron components, Intermet Corp. has been investing in two new DISA molding lines at its foundries located in Hibbing, MN, and Radford, VA. Construction began last spring and is expected to be complete this month, the company stated.

Both new molding lines will “improve component manufacturability, and quality through the use of the latest in production-casting technologies,” according to Intermet

As detailed by Intermet, the first phase of the project was replacing a molding line at the Hibbing Foundry with a DISA model 230A. That line is in full production now, which has increased total casting capacity at Hibbing by an estimated 65% annually.

Phase two of the investment is replacing one of two molding line’s at Intermet’s New River Foundry in Radford, VA, with a DISA model 250C line. This line is the first installation of DISA 250 for producing automotive components in North America. New River Foundry, which has over a capacity of more than 100,000 tons/year casting capacity, has been in production with its other line throughout the installation and Intermet expects the plant to be in full production with its new line during the first quarter of 2006

"This project is another indication of our continued commitment to build on our world-class ductile-iron casting capabilities," said Intermet Ferrous Group vice president Todd Heavin. "It also is a clear indication that our Hibbing and New River plants are playing key roles in that process."