AFS Begins Work on Aluminum Casting Performance Initiative (ACPI) Projects
AFS announced that contracting for three new projects as part of the Aluminum Casting Performance Initiative FY2024 funding package has been finalized. These projects will provide a critical step towards improving reliability and quality of aluminum casting methods.
Read moreNew Small Business Loans Under the CARES Act Open April 3: Eligibility, Application, and Key Terms/Benefits
The CARES Act includes the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses. The PPP provides short-term cash flow assistance to small businesses, including foundries, and their employees deal with the immediate economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loans are made by lenders…
DOL Indicates Shut-Down Employees Won’t Qualify for Emergency Paid Sick Leave or FMLA
On March 28, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released an updated guidance document on the implementation of the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave benefits in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
The updated DOL guidance…
COVID-19 Has Caused A Shortage Of Face Masks - What Can Foundries Do as They Face Shortages?
The COVID-19 crisis is creating a huge demand and shortage of NIOSH approved N95 respirators and diverting supplies from industry to health care workers. Protecting health care workers is a priority, but what happens to foundries who must protect workers and stay in compliance…
States Must Designate Metalcasting as Critical Manufacturing Sector
Governors and local officials across the nation have signed various “stay-at-home” or “shelter-in-place” orders in an increased effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. These orders vary in their scope in the restricted activities and affected industries but they typically address: (1)…
AFS Compiles Changes to Tax Filing Deadlines Due to COVID-19
The federal government and several states have extended their deadlines to file and pay 2019 tax returns because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The IRS pushed out the filing date for 2019 tax returns from April 15 to July 15. Individual states have announced changes as well. AFS…
AFS Pushes For Key Provisions In Stimulus Package to Benefit Metalcasters
American Foundry Society – March 2020
Key Recommendations for Congressional Stimulus Package
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…
Small Foundries in All U.S. States Eligible to Apply for Low-Interest Loans Due to Covid-19
The Small Business Administration has created a comprehensive coronavirus page with all of its resources in one place. You can find that page here.
The SBA announced it would offer disaster assistance loans for up to $2 million for foundries and other small…
AFS Urges Administration to Classify Metalcasting as Essential Industry
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…
Congress Sends COVID-19 Response Bill to President, Implications for U.S. Metalcasters
Update: The President signed this legislation into law the evening of March 18. Leave provisions will go into effect April 2.
The Senate approved a multibillion-dollar emergency aid package on Wednesday, March 18, to provide up…
Cancellation of Metalcasting Congress 2020
After purposeful consideration, the American Foundry Society Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel Metalcasting Congress 2020. This outcome became unavoidable in recent days, especially after the Ohio Governor prohibited large public gatherings. Given the uncertainty…