Cascade Die Casting Group is expanding its plant in Sparta, MI, with a $6-million capital investment program involving more energy-efficient furnaces, new diecasting machinery, and new robotics and automation, according to local media report. The project also will add new break and lunch rooms, and a new shipping docks in the back of the facility to improve workflow and traffic within the plant.
The aluminum and zinc diecaster expects to increase its workforce by 30 following the expansion.
State and local business-development agencies and the city of Sparta have assisted Cascade Die Casting with the project, including a $180,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant
Cascade Die Casting Group CEO Pat Greene reported the expansion will be completed late this year.
The group operates two divisions in Michigan, Grand Rapids and Sparta, and a third in High Point, NC. The Great Lakes division in Sparta currently operates 11 high-pressure diecasting machines (600- to 1200-tons), with fully automated cells for a “cost-effective approach to cast and trimmed applications that don’t need finish machining,” according to the group’s website. Great Lakes division is a high-volume supplier of aluminum diecastings, and reportedly it is the largest supplier of mirror bases and brackets to the automotive industry.
“This is a sign that we’ve been successful in the marketplace and continue to grow, (and) continue to gain the confidence of our customers,” Greene said. “That’s the basis behind it. … We’re finding ways to be successful, and I credit our people for their ability to make improvements every day.”