Waupaca Foundry Named Large Business of the Year

(WAUPACA, WI) Feb. 1, 2019 — Waupaca Foundry, has been named the 2018 Large Business of The Year by the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce. The iron casting component supplier, headquartered and operating two gray iron foundries in Waupaca, Wisconsin, was recognized for its business practices and commitment to the community. Waupaca Foundry was previously honored with this award in 2003 and 2012 by the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce and in 2016 by the Perry County Chamber of Commerce (Indiana).

To be eligible for the award, the business must demonstrate economic enhancement to the area, provide service to the community, enhance the community image, and enrich community life.

Waupaca Foundry has a history of providing leadership, financial, and in-kind support to schools, nonprofit organizations, and civic and environmental initiatives. The foundry is the largest employer in Waupaca County and extends its spirit of teamwork by supporting the community.  

Criteria for the Large Business of the Year award includes:

• Must be a Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce Member in good standing;
• Must be a business enterprise for five or more years; and
• Must employee twenty-one or more employees.

 
"Waupaca foundry has been a mainstay of the community since 1955," said Kirk Kallio, director of human resources for Waupaca Foundry. "One of our key initiatives is to provide good jobs and career advancement for the people of Waupaca and surrounding areas so together we can best serve our customers and our community." Kallio is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

"We are so fortunate to have Waupaca Foundry in our community," said Terri Schulz, president of the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce. They are a very generous corporate citizen supporting our schools and non-profit organizations financially along with donations of equipment, supplies and volunteers," she said.

Waupaca Foundry, headquartered in Waupaca, Wisconsin, was first established in 1955 and key expansions occurred in Waupaca, Wis. in 1957, 1964, 1966 and in Marinette, WI in 1973. In the last two decades alone, Waupaca Foundry expanded operations in Indiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Michigan. Waupaca Foundry employs 4,500 employees enterprise wide, with nearly one-third employed in Waupaca, WI generating 10.4% of total income and 9.9% of total sales in Waupaca County every year.

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