As states initiate work restrictions on business, AFS urges governors to ensure the metalcasting industry is designated as a critical manufacturing sector vital to critical infrastructure.

The federal government and several states have extended their deadlines to file and pay 2019 tax returns because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

As Congress negotiates a third stimulus package, the American Foundry Society (AFS) has worked closely with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to ensure key provisions are included that could benefit metalcasters.

The Small Business Administration announced it would offer disaster assistance loans for up to $2 million for foundries and other small businesses affected by the coronavirus. These low-interest loans are available to businesses that have sustained “substantial economic injury” due to the spread of the virus.

AFS continues to advocate for metalcasting during the COVID-19 crisis facing the U.S. and the metalcasting supply chain. On Friday, March 20, AFS sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence in his role leading the COVID-19 task force, asking the administration to identify foundries, their supply chains, and workers as essential when drafting and enforcing shelter-in-place rules during the pandemic.

The Senate approved a multibillion-dollar emergency aid package on Wednesday, March 18, to provide up to 12 weeks of paid sick and family leave for workers at companies with fewer than 500 employees, unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing, and food and medical aid to people suffering from the results of the coronavirus pandemic.

After purposeful consideration, the American Foundry Society Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel Metalcasting Congress 2020.

The American Foundry Society said today it supports the energy package under consideration in the U.S. Senate, the bipartisan American Energy Innovation Act (S. 2657). A vote in the Senate could come the week of March 9.

The AFS Institute offers a variety of topics in instructor-led training programs to further expertise in the different alloys of metalcasting and to hone troubleshooting skills.