From manufacturing parts for medical equipment and other essential goods to donating supplies and providing expertise, AFS Corporate Members have joined the fight against COVID-19.
Below are stories from the growing list of metalcasters and industry suppliers who are working hard to support coronavirus relief efforts.
Illinois manufacturer sees significant increases in ventilator valve production
AFS Corporate Member Smith & Richardson works weekends and extended daily shifts to increase production of ventilator valves and other parts for the healthcare industries, where orders have gone up from 1,000 orders to 10,000, creating a backlog for non-essential orders that will have to wait until healthcare orders are fulfilled.
Beaver Dam company plays vital role in COVID-19 response
AFS Corporate Member Kirsh Foundry stepped up to the challenges of COVID-19 by working harder. Kirsh was recently featured in the news for ramping up its production of castings vital in assembling ventilators.
Neenah Foundry performs respirator fit tests for ThedaCare
In collaboration with ThedaCare, AFS Corporate Member Neenah Foundry provided respirator fit testing for several ThedaCare anesthesiologists who are working triage on the front line of the local COVID-19 response.
Waupaca Foundry donates to hospital to help fight COVID-19
AFS Corporate Member Waupaca Foundry put in extra hours to 3-D print face shield frames to donate to local hospitals facing shortages.
Baker Manufacturing expedites casting production for respirator presses
To help save lives amid the COVID-19 pandemic, AFS Corporate Member Baker Manufacturing Company rushed customer order requests for castings installed in presses of ventilators.
Pier Foundry & Pattern Shop turns up the heat in the fight against COVID-19
AFS Corporate Member Pier Foundry & Pattern Shop joined the industry’s support of the medical community by casting critical internal parts for ventilators, MRI machines, and portable X-ray equipment.
Mercury/Brunswick steps up to help out during COVID-19
AFS Corporate Member Brunswick Corporation has donated thousands of face masks to healthcare workers and first-responders and is 3-D printing more masks to give out locally. Brunswick also donated $50,000 to the Red Cross and is matching its employee donations.
Victaulic connects with community through laptop donation
To help keep families connected in spite of social distancing, AFS Corporate Member Victaulic Company donated laptops to Valley Youth House.
Orrville-based REFCOTEC begins producing hand sanitizer
REFCOTEC, an AFS Corporate member, is rapidly producing hand sanitizer in response to COVID-19.
Washburn Iron Works prints face shields for hospitals and more
AFS Corporate Member Washburn Iron Works Inc. teamed up with another local manufacturer to 3-D print hundreds of face shields to give to those in need – hospitals, nursing homes, and first-responders. Video credit: Cole Pearson
John Deere workers manufacturing thousands of face shields
In efforts to help those on the front lines of COVID-19 relief efforts, AFS Corporate Member John Deere plans to manufacture and distribute 225,000 face shields to distribute to first-responders, hospitals, and nursing homes.
ExOne and Pitt collaborate to produce promising reusable respirators with 3D printed metal filters
AFS Corporate Member ExOne Company and the University of Pittsburgh collaborate to 3D print reusable, sustainable metal filters in the fight against COVID-19. Still being tested, porous 3D printed metal filters offer a long-term solution to PPE shortage.
Pentair Expedites Pump to Reopen Closed Hospital
When a Chicago-area hospital desperately needed a new fire suppression system to re-open and provide COVID-19 relief efforts, AFS Corporate Member Pentair quickly stepped in to quickly manufacture and deliver a new water pump.
Wisconsin Centrifugal Pitches In for Community To support local businesses & encourage employees during the coronavirus pandemic, AFS Corporate Member MetalTek International purchased gift cards and gave them to its nearly 500 employees.
Goldens' Responds to Kettlebell Shortage
In response to demand for personal workout equipment amid the pandemic with gyms being closed, AFS Corporate Member Goldens' Foundry & Company stepped in to swiftly produce more kettlebells and dumbbells to fulfill retail demand.
Kohler's Cast-iron Foundry Produces Face Shields for Medical Workers
AFS Corporate Member Kohler Co. is featured in the news for producing & donating more than 200,000 face shields to medical workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Is your company contributing to the fight against COVID-19? Share it with AFS and Modern Casting by emailing Shannon Wetzel at swetzel@afsinc.org.