(Manitowoc, WI) Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF), a leader in aluminum and copper-based alloy castings, has acquired the assets of castings manufacturer DEE, Inc. in Crookston, Minnesota. The acquisition will expand WAF’s current operations while creating new opportunities with the increased capacity.
“We are thrilled to welcome DEE into the WAF family,” said WAF CEO Sachin Shivaram. “DEE has a dedicated and skilled workforce that operates much of the same equipment as our Manitowoc plant, making it a natural extension of our business as we look to meet the growth in our customers’ demand for aluminum castings. It also creates new opportunities as manufacturing continues to evolve, so we envision significant growth at DEE as well as Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry.” Shivaram added that WAF will seek to add 30 new positions at DEE as production grows.
Leading the DEE facility will be Paul Cwikla, one of the three previous owners, who will serve as Vice President and General Manager. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the team, the community and for WAF,” said Cwikla. “We recognize the experience and expertise WAF brings to the table and share the value they place on employees. It is a great match and we’re excited about our future together.”
City of Crookston leaders are also eager to welcome Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry to the ‘Crookston family’. “DEE has played a vital role in sustaining our community through skilled jobs, capital investment, and local leadership,” explains Crookston City Administrator Amy Finch. “We are impressed with the standard and quality reflected in WAF’s leadership and we are confident they will continue in that honored tradition, moving our community into the future with confidence and vision.”
With 72 employees, DEE, Inc. is among the largest employers in Crookston, and it has played a pivotal role in the community. “DEE has been a leading company locally, and this acquisition creates new opportunities that will enhance and strengthen our local workforce,” said Christine Anderson, business consultant for Crookston’s Small Business Development Center. “WAF has an excellent reputation, is committed to success and we’re excited for what this means to Crookston and Northwest Minnesota.”
WAF’s latest acquisition comes less than a year after it purchased Wabash Castings in Wabash, Indiana. “There has been tremendous growth in demand for products manufactured in America, and we are positioning ourselves to meet that demand,” Shivaram said. Under WAF’s ownership, Wabash Castings has doubled revenue and increased employment by 50%.
Founded in 1909, WAF is a family-owned company, serving a wide variety of industries by providing high-quality aluminum and copper-based alloy castings. Its Manitowoc facilities, including its foundry and machine shop divisions, employ more than 450 team members, with Wabash Castings, LLC employing nearly 150 team members.
