The global metalcasting industry was on display at CastExpo’08 and the 112th Metalcasting Congress, held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga., May 17-20. Cosponsored by the American Foundry Society (AFS) and the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA), the event featured more than 450 companies showcasing the latest technology, equipment and services available to the metalcasting industry. In addition, 66 technical and management sessions offered advice and research findings in several different fields of metalcasting including molding, die casting, patterns, metals, human resources, marketing and engineering.

The AFS Gold Medals were announced at the AFS Annual Banquet on May 18. George M. Goodrich, Stork Climax Research Services, Wixom, Mich., was awarded the John H. Whiting Gold Medal "for untiring efforts to improve the foundry industry through research, publication of articles and books, leading and serving on committees in the Cast Iron and Steel Divisions, and teaching for the Cast Metals Institute." Thomas W. Stark, Badger Mining Corp., Berlin, Wis., was awarded the William H. McFadden Gold Medal "for leadership and service to the American Foundry Society as a national director and CMI instructor, and for service to the Molding Methods and Materials Division of AFS to ensure the growth of the metalcasting industry."

NADCA’s International Awards were announced at the reception and ceremony May 19 at the Atlanta History Center. Badger Metal Tech, Inc., Menomonee Falls, Wis., was awarded the Edward A. Kruszynski Supplier Excellence Award for the company’s long-standing record of NADCA membership as well as its participation in NADCA’s education efforts and committees and boards. The Austin T. Lillegren Award was presented to Paul Robbins, Castool Tooling Systems, Uxbridge, Ontario, who has demonstrated loyal and extraordinary service to the die casting industry. The Nyselius Award, which is given in recognition of exceptional technical contributions to the industry, was awarded to Kurt O’Connor, Delphi Corp., Carmel, Ind. Lastly, Bill Walkington, Walkington Engineering Inc., Madison, Wis., was awarded the Herman H. Doehler Award for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of the die casting industry.

During the AFS President’s Luncheon and Annual Business Meeting, the AFS Awards of Scientific Merit were presented to Dr. Von L. Richards II, Missouri Univ. of Science & Technology, Rolla, Mo., and Theodore J. Schorn, Enkei America Inc., Columbus, Ind. This year’s AFS Service Citations were awarded to Lawrence E. Helm, Blackhawk Foundry & Machine Co., Davenport, Iowa, and Ronald A. Pomeroy, Kansas Castings Inc., Belle Plaine, Kan. The CMI Directors’ Award was given to Roger L. Reamer (retired), Progress Casting Group, Plymouth, Minn.

The luncheon also included the winners of the 2008 Casting Competition, co-sponsored by Engineered Casting Solutions and AFS. The winner of the Casting of the Year was Carley Foundry Inc., Blaine, Minn., for its Harley Davidson Oil Tank.

The President’s Luncheon also featured the induction of the 2008-09 class of AFS Officers and Directors. Paul H. Mikkola (retired), Metal Casting Technology Inc., took the office of AFS President; Stephen H. Reynolds, Lufkin Industries Inc., took the office of AFS Vice President; and Henry W. Lodge, Lodge Manufacturing Co., took the office of AFS 2nd Vice President. The Directors Class 2008-2012 includes Donald J. Backens, John Deere Foundry; Dana R. Cooper, Ashland Inc.; Bruce W. Dienst, Simpson Technologies Corp.; Mary Beth Krysiak, Sand Technology Co. LLC; and Tamara Trudeau-Ebenhoeh, Grede Foundries Inc.

NADCA’s Recognition Luncheon, which was at the Georgia World Congress Center on May 19, honored the annual Safety Award winners and the 27th International Die Casting Design Competition winners. In addition, Paul Cnossen, BuhlerPrince Inc., Holland, Mich., received the Instructor of the Year award; Bill Butler, who is retired from General Motors Powertrain, received the Technical Committee Member of the Year award; and Ed Herman, Creative Concepts Co. Inc., Utica, Mich., received the Best Paper award for his USCAR/USAMP Large Thin Casting Project.

"This year’s CastExpo’08 and Metalcasting Congress was a tremendous success. The continued coalition between AFS and NADCA to sponsor this event is not only beneficial to the U.S. metalcasting industry as a whole, but also improves the working relationship and exchange of information between industry members," said Jerry Call, AFS Executive Vice President.

"By all accounts from our equipment supplier exhibitors, this show was the best ever. Everyone felt that the mix and quality of the attendees was excellent," said Daniel L. Twarog, NADCA President. "The joint venture with AFS has made this show a ‘must-attend’ event in North America for the serious metalcasting company."

For more information on CastExpo’08 and the 112th Metalcasting Congress, contact Dave Krugman, AFS PR and marketing coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 847/824-0181 x 286.

More than 450 companies showcased the latest technology, research and services available to the metalcasting industry at CastExpo’08.