INDUSTRY NEWS
Laforo Iron Foundry Receives Government Assistance
Laforo Iron Foundry, Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada, has
received almost $340,000 in repayable assistance through a Canadian government program. Te Canada Economic Development presented the award
through the Business and Regional Growth program in March. According to a press release issued by the Canada Economic Development program, Laforo intends to use the funding to acquire new equipment. “Tis financial support falls under the measures adopted
by the Government of Canada to promote the growth of Quebec’s enterprises and foster the economic diversification of its regions,” said Steven Blaney, Member of Parliament for Lévis–Bellechasse. According to the Canada Economic Development
program statement, Laforo’s project will involve reorganiz- ing its production system to increase efficiency and allow it to target new customers in untapped markets to increase domestic and foreign sales. Te company estimates about 10 jobs will be created as a result of the initiative. Canada Economic Development’s Business and Regional
Growth program seeks to help businesses become more competitive and engage in more innovation.
Travis Pattern Adds Molding Line
Travis Pattern & Foundry Inc., Spokane, Wash., an- nounced it has installed another automatic matchplate molding system in its metalcasting facility. Te primarily aluminum caster said it will add the system
to its three existing automated lines. Te machine was scheduled to be operational by the end of March. “Tis new line will expand our already substantial cast-
ing capabilities for aluminum, as well as brass and cast iron work,” said Gene Johnson, project manager at Travis Pattern. “We’re seeing an upturn in our business and purchased the machine in anticipation of increasing demand.” Te molding system, provided by Hunter Automated Ma-
chinery Corp., Schaumburg, Ill., uses gravity-fill technology and produces sand molds up to 20 x 24 x 12 in. Te machine is capable of 180 cycles per hour using 400 lbs. of sand. Travis Pattern casts more than 7 million lbs. of aluminum
products annually, primarily for the irrigation, power trans- mission substation and fittings markets. Te company also makes a variety of brass and cast iron products and is the originator of Li’l Mac sinker molds for the fishing industry. Johnson estimated approximately 90% of the jobs run on
the new matchplate machine will be aluminum, with the balance being brass. “We typically run jobs in the hundreds up to 1,000
pieces,” Johnson said. “Te fast pattern changeover and flexibility of the system really speeds our production.”
April 2011 MODERN CASTING | 13
INDUSTRY NEWS
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