INDUSTRY NEWS Dotson Investing $5 Million in Melting
Te Dotson Co., Mankato, Minn., has begun construction on a major melt expansion that will bring full automation to its charging system and
increase melt production capabilities by more than 30%. Work on the approxi- mately $5 million project is expected to be complete in December.
Te fully automated charging sys- tem eliminates the need for a charge operator and will allow the entire melt system to be run by one operator while reducing charge variations. “We wanted to take a significant
technology leap,” said Eric Nelson, Dotson technical manager. “In our current melt area we have two operators, one charging and one operating the furnace. Te new system will require just one operator to perform both tasks. It will improve safety, quality and process control. It also fits our goal of moving laborers to operators.” Dotson also is installing two Inductotherm furnaces, which hold 10% more capacity and operate more efficiently on a larger power supply. “Right now, our constraint is melt-
ing capacity,” Nelson said. “We were also nearing a point where we needed a higher level of reliability.” Te melt expansion will be installed
in a new 9,000-sq.-ft. addition cur- rently under construction. The Dotson Co., founded in
Dotson was MODERN CASTING’s 2006 Metalcaster of the Year.
1876, is family owned and operated and specializes in the production of ductile iron castings ranging from 2 to 50 lbs.
Industrial Opportunity Partners Acquires Aarrowcast Industrial Opportunity Partners
(IOP), a private equity firm based in Evanston, Ill., has acquired Aarrow- cast Inc. in Shawano, Wisc. Aarrowcast is a provider of gray, ductile and austempered ductile iron castings that specializes in large, complex castings utilizing sophisti- cated metallurgy. According to the company, its facility features three separate molding lines, including the largest automated green sand flask in North America. Te company casts products for equipment in the agriculture, off-highway heavy truck, military and construction markets. “We are very excited to acquire
Aarrowcast, a market leader with unique manufacturing capabili-
ties and a solid history of providing complex products to a long list of market-leading customers,” said Adam Gottlieb, Senior Managing Director, IOP. Te Aarrowcast senior management
team, led by Ben Grigg, president and CEO, will continue to manage the business. In addition, Andrew Weller, an IOP Operating Principal, will assume the newly-created position of chairman. Weller has direct experience in overseeing and operating iron cast- ing facilities. IOP’s board is comprised of executives who provide leadership to businesses in which IOP invests. “Aarrowcast has built a reputa-
tion with its customers, suppliers, and employees based on unmatched
manufacturing abilities, service levels and product breadth,” Weller said. “I look forward to working closely with Ben, his team, and all Aarrowcast em- ployees in continuing to invest in the company to achieve further growth.” Aarrowcast represents IOP’s first
platform investment in Industrial Opportunity Partners II, L.P., IOP’s recently raised $275 million committed fund. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Industrial Opportunity Partners, whose operational experience and strategic support will enhance Aarrowcast’s continuous effort to deliver high-quality products and extraordinary service levels to our customers,” Grigg said.
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