The company, which produces gray, ductile, and austempered ductile iron castings, has entered the final phase of a multi-year, $100 million modernization program aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and advanced foundry technology. The latest phase includes a $20 million upgrade to Waupaca Foundry’s Plant 4 in Marinette. The project features a complete replacement of the facility’s melt charging system — swapping out old vibratory shaker equipment for state-of-the-art steel slat conveyors, new weigh scales, and an integrated material drying system that feeds directly into the furnaces. It’s all designed to streamline operations and make the workplace safer and more efficient. The project team plans to finish the upgrades by late January. The announcement came on Manufacturing Day, a national event that celebrates the innovation and people behind modern manufacturing. Waupaca Foundry CEO Mike Hawthorne says these improvements reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to U.S. manufacturing. Since 2016, Waupaca Foundry has invested over $400 million in modernization — including advanced safety systems, energy-efficient equipment, better air quality and temperature control, and automation technology that improves quality and productivity. Today, the company employs nearly 3,500 workers in Wisconsin and Indiana — many with more than a decade of service. Hawthorne says it’s not just about machines, but the people who run them. Beyond the factory floor, Waupaca Foundry continues to give back — supporting local schools, emergency services, and community initiatives in the areas it calls home.