American Foundry Society Recognizes Corporate Treasurer and Past President for Leadership, Mentorship, and Role Modeling in the Metalcasting Industry
WASHBURN, Wis. – March 12, 2026 – The Women in Metalcasting (WIM) program of the American Foundry Society (AFS) has announced that Raelyn Pearson, Corporate Treasurer and Past President of Washburn Iron Works, Inc., has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Women in Metalcasting Award for Excellence.
Pearson was nominated by her son, Taylor Pearson, President of Washburn Iron Works, and chosen by a panel of independent judges who reviewed nominations from across the industry. The award honors an exceptional leader, mentor, and role model for women in the metalcasting industry.
Pearson will be honored at the Women in Metalcasting Luncheon during the Metalcasting Congress on April 15, 2026, at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The luncheon is open to all Metalcasting Congress attendees, with advance registration encouraged.
“We are incredibly proud of my mother’s well-deserved recognition,” said Taylor Pearson. “Her vision, dedication, and commitment to excellence have guided our family business for decades and inspired the next generation in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. This award reflects not only her personal achievements but also Washburn Iron Works’ long-standing values of quality, innovation, and community.”
Founded in 1976 by Otto Rusch, Washburn Iron Works began as a small operation and has grown into a modern, family-owned foundry under the leadership of the Pearson family. Raelyn Pearson (Otto’s youngest daughter) joined the business in 1979 alongside her husband Dave; she became President in 2002 upon Otto’s retirement and now serves as Corporate Treasurer. Her sons, Taylor (President) and Cole (Vice President), joined full-time in 2012, representing the third generation of family leadership.
Specializing in high-quality ductile and gray iron castings, Washburn Iron Works combines decades of craftsmanship with advanced automation, robotic grinding cells, and state-of-the-art electric melt systems. The foundry serves more than 500 customers across diverse industries, including heavy machinery, industrial equipment, healthcare, agriculture (seed sorting), food processing, material handling, and rail applications.
“Raelyn’s leadership has been instrumental in modernizing our operations while preserving the family values that define us,” added Taylor Pearson. “From expanding our facility multiple times to investing in cutting-edge technology, her influence continues to shape Washburn Iron Works as a trusted partner known for quality, responsiveness, and innovation.”
The company is located at 112 East Bayfield Street in Washburn, Wisconsin, and employs approximately 40 team members. For more information, visit www.washburnironworks.com or contact info@washburnironworks.com.
About Washburn Iron Works Washburn Iron Works is a family-owned and operated gray and ductile iron foundry established in 1976. The company delivers gray and ductile iron castings through advanced manufacturing, automation, and a relentless focus on quality, customer service, and environmental stewardship. Serving hundreds of customers nationwide, Washburn Iron Works combines generational expertise with forward-thinking technology to meet the demands of today’s manufacturing industries.
Media Contact: Taylor Pearson President Washburn Iron Works (715) 373-2661 t.pearson@washburnironworks.com
