Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry acquires Michigan toolmaker
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, a leader in aluminum and copper-based alloy castings, has acquired the Muskegon, Michigan-based foundry tooling manufacturer Anderson Global, expanding the Manitowoc-based firm’s capabilities in tooling, casting and machining across a variety of industrial sectors. Anderson Global was founded more than 40 years ago by John and Betsy McIntyre and employs more than 50 journeyman machinists.
Anderson Global will continue to operate as a standalone subsidiary within WAF’s portfolio, and all 80 team members will continue their employment under WAF’s ownership.
“We are thrilled to welcome Anderson Global to the WAF family,” said WAF CEO Sachin Shivaram. “John and Betsy McIntyre have built a world-class business that stands as the gold standard for tooling in our industry. This acquisition not only strengthens our internal capabilities, but also ensures Anderson Global will continue to support foundries across North America as an independent and trusted partner. We look forward to investing in the people, technology and equipment that will enable Anderson Global to thrive for decades to come.”
KI expands manufacturing facility
Furniture manufacturer KI has begun a multi-phase facility expansion project in the village of Bellevue with the construction of a new steel building, slated for completion in May 2026 by Bayland Buildings. That facility will initially function as a warehouse, officials said in a press release, and then the company will move on to a 120,000-square-foot second phase as the initial expansion will provide the square footage and functionality needed to support the second build cycle. Upon completion, the company’s footprint will grow to 500,000 square feet to accommodate increased demand in the K-12 and higher education markets.
“The expansions allow us to control our quality, lead times and operations, while leveraging continuous improvement and develop the ‘factory of the future,’” General Manager Tim Heyrman said. “The additional space will provide us with the opportunity to re-layout the facility for optimal flow and focus on automation such as guided vehicles and storage/retrieval systems.”
Green Bay Drop Forge rebrands, breaks ground on new facility
A groundbreaking ceremony was held March 27 for Green Bay Drop Forge’s brand-new $28 million factory. The 111-year-old company is moving to 3855 Finger Road in Green Bay’s Grandview Industrial Park under an agreement with the city of Green Bay to create tax incremental financing (TIF). The city has agreed to purchase the company’s longtime State Street location for $2.8 million and in turn acquire nearly 12 acres of riverfront property for future development. Green Bay Drop Forge will lease the property back from the city for up to 16 years, allowing for a phased transition to the new facility while giving the city flexibility for future redevelopment. The expansion is expected to create $10 million in new property value and generate approximately $199,200 in annual property taxes.
The company, which began in 1912 making horseshoe calks, has evolved into a key supplier of custom steel forgings, machined parts and assemblies for industries across North America and Europe. Construction on the new factory, which is being led by Schuh Construction, is expected to be completed in about a year, and President William Hoban says the new facility will provide much-needed space and equipment modernization and set the table for significant growth.
Also on March 27, Hoban announced the company’s three brands — Green Bay Drop Forge, Cleveland Hardware & Forging and Fox Valley Forge — would rebrand under the name W.E. Hoban Company in honor of Hoban’s father, William E. Hoban, who bought the historic business in 1985.
Jan Allman returns as CEO of Fincantieri Marinette Marine
In March, Fincantieri Marinette Marine’s board of directors approved Jan Allman to assume duties as CEO. Allman first served as CEO of Marinette Marine from 2014 to 2021, guiding the shipbuilder through significant growth and the early development of the Constellation-class Frigate program. She most recently served as vice president and general manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding and previously held the role of senior vice president for public affairs and community relations at Fincantieri Marine Group. Allman succeeds Mark Vandroff, who will transition to a new role as senior vice president of government relations in Washington, D.C., where he started with FMG in 2021.
“I want to thank Mark for his exceptional leadership at FMM, and I look forward to working with him as we navigate our company’s many opportunities with government stakeholders in Washington,” said Marco Galbiati, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group. “And I want to welcome Jan back to Marinette, where she spent many years overseeing the successful production of Freedom-class LCSs and the start of the Frigate program.”
Schneider Resources Holding adds Foxland Inc. to portfolio
De Pere’s Fritsch Equipment and Services, LLC has gained a sister company as Schneider Resources Holding announced its investment in Foxland Incorporated. Foxland Incorporated, founded in 1976, has locations in Kaukauna, Stratford and Dodgeville.
Fritsch Equipment manufactures customized agricultural machinery and Foxland provides feed handling, manure management and building construction for farmers. With both companies now part of the SRH portfolio, they will maintain their distinct identities while benefiting from a closer partnership that enhances their ability to support farmers and agribusinesses.
“Farmers rely on high-quality equipment and service to keep their operations running efficiently,” said Alex Dollevoet, vice president of Fritsch Equipment. “With Foxland as our sister company and the support of Schneider Resources Holding, we are in a stronger position than ever to help customers find the right solutions — all while maintaining the personal service they trust.”
Crystal Bay Foods acquires Rogge’s Sausage
Crystal Bay Foods of Ashwaubenon has acquired Ripon-based Rogge’s Sausage Inc. The acquisition comes as Jeff Rogge, the third-generation owner and grandson of the company’s founder, transitions into retirement. All Rogge’s employees will remain with the company, which will be rebranded as Rogge’s Foods, LLC. Rogge’s Sausage, which has been in business since 1938, produces seafood, deli meats, cheeses, entrees, salads and sausage products. Crystal Bay will expand its offerings and bring beef, pork and other meat products to Rogge’s customers.
“Rogge’s has been a part of my family for three generations, and serving our customers for so many years has been an honor. I’m grateful to see the company continue under Crystal Bay’s leadership, and their commitment to quality and personal service ensures that Rogge’s will remain a trusted name for years to come,” Jeff Rogge said.
Sealock named president of Eagle Performance Plastics
Lori Sealock has been named president of Eagle Performance Plastics, Inc., an Appleton-based supplier of custom machined plastic components to original equipment manufacturers. Sealock has served Eagle in a variety of roles for 24 years, most recently as vice president, operations and finance. As president, Sealock will be responsible for managing all operations of the business and leading the entire Eagle team. Jared Bailin, previously president and CEO, will remain in the role of chief executive officer.
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry a finalist for NAM honor
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry is a finalist for the 2025 Manufacturing Leadership Awards. The annual awards are presented by the National Association of Manufacturers’ Leadership Council. WAF is being recognized as a finalist in the Partner in Collaborative Innovation category for its project with Gravity, the leading enterprise carbon accounting and energy management platform, to improve energy efficiency in the aluminum melting process at WAF’s foundry in Crookston, Minnesota. Winners in all award categories will be announced at the Manufacturing Leadership Awards Gala, which will take place June 18 in Marco Island, Florida.
While the project received federal support through a Department of Energy program focused on small and mid-sized manufacturers, it is currently on hold as part of a broader federal spending review.
U.S. Army adds $95 million in orders with Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation business, has received $95 million in orders from U.S. Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal on the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicle V contract. The orders include the modernized, autonomy-ready Palletized Load System (PLS) A2.
Company officials say the PLS A2 promotes significant improvements to soldier safety and broadens battlefield awareness. By integrating by-wire and active-safety systems, the PLS A2 supports the Army’s vision for a technology-enabled logistics force. The flexible architecture of the heavy fleet allows significant room for growth and the integration of new technology to support unit innovation as both threats and requirements evolve.
“The PLS A2 exemplifies how Oshkosh Defense is harnessing next-generation autonomy to enable human-machine integration and enhance operational efficiency,” said Pat Williams, chief programs officer at Oshkosh Defense. “As the U.S. Army advances its ‘transformation in contact’ initiatives, we remain committed to engineering mission-critical solutions that deliver technologies that can be rapidly integrated within existing operational units.”
Robinson, Inc. purchases former Cellcom building; is honored by Rolls-Royce
Robinson, Inc., a custom metal manufacturer that has expanded in Northeast Wisconsin three times since 2018 — including facilities in Manitowoc and De Pere — has purchased the 51,000-square-foot, three-story former NSight/Cellcom building in the town of Lawrence. Officials say the office space will provide Robinson a hub for its engineering, design, estimating, project sales, administration and accounting activities that are currently housed at Robinson’s 1740 Eisenhower Road location in Lawrence.
Additionally, the company recently received its fourth consecutive supplier of the year award from Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, this time in the Stationary Power Solutions category for 2024. Award criteria included product quality, on-time delivery and customer support. As an industry leader in the design and production of generator set (genset) power systems, Robinson has ramped up production to deliver hundreds of gensets for Rolls-Royce over the course of the past decade.
“We constantly look for ways to improve our systems and expand our capabilities to better serve Rolls-Royce and support its leadership in the power systems industry,” said Jim Birkholz, Robinson’s executive director of power gen development.
Sargento launches three new products
Plymouth-based Sargento Foods announced three new product launches: Sargento Natural American Cheese — 100% natural cheese; Sargento Seasoned Shredded Cheese — bold and flavorful blends in collaboration with flavor company McCormick & Co, Inc.; and Sargento Shareables — an easy-to-share, ready-to-serve cheese and cracker tray in partnership with Mondelēz International.
“For more than 70 years, our focus on innovation, quality and taste has made Sargento the leader in natural cheese,” said Erin Price, general manager of consumer products. “In 2025, we are continuing our leadership by unveiling three new products that will resonate with consumers looking for bold, new flavors and snack options, while at the same time, growing the natural cheese category.”
Chilton plant to create 58 snow removal vehicles for MSP
Between fall 2025 and 2027, M-B Companies of Chilton will deliver 58 specialized snow removal vehicles valued at nearly $56 million to Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, owned and operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission. By 2027, the airport will have more than 60 snow removal machines from Aebi Schmidt, M-B’s parent company.
“We are thrilled to provide this complete fleet update for MSP,” says Aebi Schmidt Group CEO Barend Fruithof. “This demonstrates that our machines have earned the operators’ trust with their exceptional quality and reliability.”
Mercury Marine HR director receives national award
The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, has announced the 130 recipients of its 2025 Women MAKE Awards, which honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers across all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite. Melanie Bruins, director of human resources at Fond du Lac’s Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation, is recognized among this year’s honorees.
Eck Industries achieves CMMC Level 2 certification
Eck Industries, Inc., a provider of high performance aluminum castings, has achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2.
The CMMC framework, developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, is designed to enhance cybersecurity across the defense industrial base. By achieving Level 2 certification, Eck Industries has demonstrated compliance with rigorous security controls, ensuring the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information in federal contracting environments.
Portraits of Success: 40 Under 40 is May 30-June 1
Insight’s Portraits of Success: 40 Under 40 is a celebration of the achievements and impact 40 young professionals in Northeast Wisconsin have had in their industries or communities. View portraits of this year’s honorees May 30-June 1 at The Art Garage in Green Bay. The exhibit is open to all and free of charge. Among this year’s honorees from the manufacturing industry are Luke Benrud of Dura-Fibre, LLC; Jodie Federwitz of Ornua Ingredients North America; Josh Guya of Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry; Cal Kanowitz of Marion Body Works; and Amanda Kroener of Carbliss. Profiles of Insight’s 40 Under 40 will be included in the June issue of Insight on Business magazine and online at insightonbusiness.com/40u40.
New North Summit is June 5
New North, Inc.’s annual summit will once again be held at Lambeau Field the first week of June. The largest regional economic development event in Northeast Wisconsin, this year’s summit is themed “Rooted in Resiliency.”
“We are delighted by the variety of this year’s New North Summit speakers,” says New North President and CEO Barb LaMue. “We will hear from an innovation leader from Plexus, as well as from a panel of corporate leaders about a successful housing initiative in our region. We also are featuring a nationally recognized entrepreneur, who will share his inspiring story.” Registration for the June 5 event (7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) is now open online at newnorthsummit.com.
Women of Influence event is July 29
Mark your calendar for July 29, when Insight will hold its annual Women of Influence in the New North Region awards at the Oneida Hotel and Conference Center in Green Bay. This annual luncheon includes remarks from eight honorees who are making a difference in Northeast Wisconsin. Learn more online at insightonbusiness.com/women.
Registration open for WiM SUMMIT 2025
Registration is open for the Women in Manufacturing’s 15th anniversary conference: WiM SUMMIT 2025, which will be held in Chicago and virtually Oct. 12-14. Early-bird pricing is available now through June 30 at womeninmanufacturing.org.
