Gray iron casting finishing operation to shutter mid-February

(Waupaca, Wisconsin) Jan 13, 2025—Waupaca Foundry officials announced today that they will cease operations and close its Ironwood, Michigan plant in February 2025. The manufacturer opened the facility in 2019 and currently employs 18 full-time workers. All employees have been offered relocation to iron foundry operations in Marinette and Waupaca, Wis., or Tell City, Ind. 

The Ironwood plant is a grinding and cleaning operation for castings produced at Plant 1, a gray iron foundry in Waupaca, Wis. The plant, responsible for processing complex parts—many for the agriculture market—has been affected by changing industry demands and economic pressures. The agriculture sector, a key market for Waupaca Foundry, has seen a sharp year-over-year decline in market share. This decline reflects broader shifts in customer willingness to pay premiums for non-value-added logistics alongside labor shortages and volatile freight costs. These trends highlight the need for strategic adaptation to maintain competitiveness in this challenging economic environment.

All iron casting grinding and finishing work processed at the Ironwood facility will be processed at Plant 1 or Plant 2/3 in Waupaca.

“We have been fortunate to have a highly skilled workforce in Ironwood,” said Human Resources Manager Carmen Peskie. “We sincerely appreciate their dedication and service and hope many will explore opportunities at our other manufacturing facilities.”

Waupaca Foundry operates three Wisconsin-based foundries in Waupaca and Marinette and another in Tell City, Indiana. The company also operates a machining center and is headquartered in Waupaca, Wisconsin. 

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