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INDUSTRY news


Dotson Investing $5 Million in Melt Expansion


T e 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 approximately $5


million project is expected to be complete in December. T e fully automated charging


system 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 signifi cant


technology leap,” said Eric Nelson, Dotson technical manager. “In our current melt area we have two operators, one charging and one operating the furnace. T e new system will require just one operator to perform both tasks. It will improve safety, quality and process control. It also fi ts our goal of moving laborers to operators.” Dotson also is installing two


furnaces which hold 10% more capacity and operate more effi ciently on a larger power supply. “Right now, our constraint is


ME Elecmetal Expands to Meet Demand Dotson was MODERN CASTING magazine’s 2006 “Metalcaster of the Year.”


melting capacity,” Nelson said. “We were also nearing a point where we


ME Elecmetal, Duluth, Minn.,


recently cut the offi cial ribbon on a $12.2 million expansion. T e company is increasing production to meet rising demands for its steel and other metal castings. T e facility now employs 175


workers, and the company reports the expansion will add 30 permanent jobs. “Back in 2008, with the downturn of


the economy, this foundry was impacted directly. And now, to see this investment, to see workers back on the job, seeing


more hires yet to come, it warms our heart,” Duluth Mayor Don Ness told Fox 21 news of Gary-New Duluth, Minn. ME Elecmetal is a global supplier of


cast steel and iron replacement pieces for the mining industry in Chile, South America and North America. It also participates in the European, African, Asian and Oceanic markets. T e company has fi ve metalcasting


facilities, two in Chile, two in the U.S. and a licensee in Mexico. It produces more than 75,000 tons per year of capacity, with sales offi ces on fi ve continents. 


needed a higher level of reliability.” T e melt expansion will be


installed in a new 9,000-sq.ft. addition currently under construction.


T e Dotson Co., founded in 1876,


is family owned and operated and specializes in the production of ductile iron castings ranging from 2 to 50 lbs. 


ME Global (Elecmetal) won “Casting of the Year” in 2005 for this tread belt shoe used to transport a NASA shuttle to launch. Sept/Oct 2012 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | 9


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