Things I remember and things I know

I remember the FOUNDRY Management & Technology publishers who came before me … Bob Chew, Bob Maddox and David Robinson.

I remember FOUNDRY Management & Technology chief editors Bill Gude, Jack Miske, Bob Rodgers, Dean Peters, and now Robert Brooks.

I remember when we felt the FBI had searched Jack Miske’s office because of his friendship with George Shukin, the head of purchasing for the Soviet Union’s Kamaz Foundry, and a suspected KGB member.

I remember when British Molding Machine had Miss England in their booth at The Foundry Show — and there were two of them, because they were twins.

I remember the Central Foundry Division of General Motors.

In 1992, I remember thinking “If we invite them, will they come?” when planning our inaugural induction into our Hall of Honor in conjunction with FOUNDRY Management & Technology’s 100th Anniversary …

… And then, I remember being genuinely surprised and pleased when 24 of those 25 Hall of Honor inductees came to the event.

I remember asking myself if I work in the publishing business or the foundry industry, because I have always found myself thinking about and studying the foundry business more than the publishing business.

I remember Paul Carey virtually living in our offices, while writing two exhaustive series of articles on coremaking.

I remember when the aisles at The Foundry Show — known now as CastExpo, to you newcomers — were just cold hard concrete, and the satisfaction that followed once they were carpeted.

I remember the Malleable Founders Society and the Grey and Ductile Iron Founders Society.

I remember when we changed the name of the magazine from FOUNDRY to FOUNDRY Management & Technology— and the stir that change caused.

I remember so many of the wonderful people who have worked, and still work, in this very special industry. I realized the foundry industry was special when I noticed that people who changed jobs virtually always stayed in the industry. That meant something to me. In fact, it has meant a lot to me.

And, as this industry addresses its current challenges, and begins to understand its future challenges, I am confident that the same resilience and foresight it has always shown will guide it forward.

After 35 successful years, Dave Shanks is retiring as publisher of Foundry Management & Technology. We salute him for his many achievements, and we thank him for his service, his leadership, his insights, his generosity, and especially for his friendship.