Waupaca Foundry | PartingLINE

Waupaca Foundry, Inc., a Hitachi Metals group company, is the recipient of the 2019 Business Friend of the Environment award in the category of environmental innovation. The iron component supplier was honored for outstanding leadership in integrating sustainable business practices throughout its manufacturing operations. Sponsored by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), the annual Business Friend of the Environment award recognizes small, medium and large businesses in three categories: sustainability, the use of innovative technology, and environmental stewardship.

Waupaca Foundry has put the Great Recession well into its rear view mirror as the plant here that makes iron castings for parts used in cars and trucks now employs a five-year high of 560 people. One company advantage executives cite is the use of a just-in-time supply chain that they say is unique in their industry and a cost-saver for the business.

Over the years, I've contributed about 90 articles to IndustryWeek. One of them " It Takes Two to Tango ," from 2015, dealt with the fact that in supply chain negotiations, there is middle ground if both sides are willing to compromise. The headline, suggested by my then-editor, was a bit of a stretch for me; I didn't understand how it related to the content of the article. But now I know what he was getting at. Tango dancers must coordinate and collaborate to the nth degree to successfully execute the dance.

"Signing Day" recognizes graduating seniors who have "signed on" to work for local employers instead of attending college. First-timers this year included Perry Central and Tell City high schools in southern Indiana; to honor those seniors who have chosen to go straight into the workforce, landing jobs in such occupations as construction, cosmetology, manufacturing and information technology.