SUMMER 2005 OCMA NEWS

OCMA Presents Annual President’s Awards

At the July 19th meeting of the OCMA, outgoing OCMA President Doug Rowe, Ford Motor Company, ClevelandCasting Plant, presented the “Company of the Year” award to Lynn Bierly, Mansfield Castings and the “Supplier of the Year” award to Mike Swartzlander, Ashland Casting Solutions. The awards, established more than a decade ago in 1994,

recognize the value to OCMA of contributions made by its member companies and the individuals who give their valuable time to advance not only the OCMA, but also more importantly, the metal casting industry in Ohio.

Lynn Bierly, Mansfield Castings, accepts the Company of the Year Award from OCMA President Doug Rowe, Ford Motor Company, Cleveland Casting Plant

OCMA has benefited from the contributions of Mansfield Castings then known as Mansfield Brass & Aluminum, from its inception. For a number of years, President Lynn Bierly and Skip Burns, were regular attendees at all OCMA events. In 1999, after some “coaxing” Lynn was elected to the Board of Trustees. In 2002, Lynn was elected President of OCMA and served with distinction.

During her term, the Iron & Steel Foundry MACT was proposed by USEPA and Lynn gave full support to the OCMA Environmental Affairs Committee efforts to speak out against the overly burdensome regulation. In April 2003, Lynn led the OCMA delegation to the AFS GAC in Washington to lobby against the impact of the proposed MACT. The meeting with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur went so well that the next day in budget hearings, Rep. Kaptur warned the USEPA Administrator that she would be “watching closely” the impact of the MACT on iron and steel foundries in Ohio. She stated firmly that she would not let these companies future’s be jeopardized by over-regulation.

Lynn stayed an extra day on that trip and with OCMA Executive Director Russ Murray attended the first ever joint meeting with FIRST, Inc. and the federal agencies involved in expanding opportunities for beneficial reuse of foundry sand.

Lynn was re-elected to the Board of Trustees in 2004 and has remained very active in OCMA events including volunteering for the Inaugural Golf Outing and accompanying the OCMA team on Lobby Day for the recently enacted Tax Reform Bill, Am. Sub. H.B. 66.

MikeSwartzlander, General Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Ashland Casting Solutions. Ashland Casting Solutions, formerly Ashland Chemical, was a charter member of the OCMA. Retired General Manager Bill Bergdahl served as the first Executive Director of OCMA.

Mike Swartzlander literally beams as he accepts on behalf of Ashland Casting Solutions, the Supplier of the Year Award from Doug.

Mike Swartzlander was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2003, and elected to a full term in 2004. Since his election to the Board, Ashland Casting Solutions’ support of OCMA which has always been substantial increased markedly. Under Mike’s direction, OCMA has been able to use the training facilities at Ashland Casting Solutions to present its seminars which were formerly located in hotel meeting rooms. The cost savings has been substantial. Additionally, Mike has authorized the use of the Ashland cafeteria by participants without charge. With this assistnance OCMA profits from the seminars have helped its finances significantly.

Ashland Casting Solutions was a major sponsor of the Inaugural Golf Outing covering the cost of the “Beverage Cart” and fielding four foursomes. Ashland Casting Solutions has always had a number of registrants for the quarterly meetings and they are always involved in the OCMA committee meetings and activities as well. Ed Krohn, Comptroller, has assisted with the administration of OCMA finances since the early 1990’s.

Ashland Casting Solutions has always fielded a team of associates to attend the AFS GAC in Washington DC to assist OCMA leaders lobby Congress on issues of importance to the Ohio metal casting industry. In short, when OCMA has needed support, Ashland Casting Solutions has been there and they are well deserving of this year’s award.

TAX REFORM IS A REALITY

The many individual efforts of OCMA members have paid off. Thanks to many e-mails, letters, and phone calls from OCMA members and other manufacturers to their legislators throughout the State, much needed tax reform has become a reality in Ohio. On June 30, 2005, Governor Bob Taft signed Am. Sub. H. B. 66, the omnibus budget bill that contained the provisions pertaining to the elimination of the tangible property, the reduction of income taxes, and the imposition of the Commerical Activitiy Tax (CAT). The key points of the reform are outlined below:

Tangible Personal Property (TPP) on inventory, manufacturing machinery and equipment, and furniture and fixtures will be phased out over four years at approximately 25% per year beginning in tax year 2006. New purchases of machinery & equipment are exempt from the tax immediately.
 
The Corporation Franchise Tax will be phased out over five years at a rate of 20% per year beginning in tax year 2006.
 
The Ohio Income Tax will be reduced by 4.2% in tax year 2005 and similar cuts continue for four additional years to a total of 21%.
 
10% Real Property Tax Roll Back on most Commercial and Industrial Property is eliminated in 2005.
 
The Commercial Activity Tax or CAT is effective beginning July 1, 2005.  It will be phased in over a five year period.  Companies with over $150,000 in taxable gross receipts will be required to register with the Ohio Department of Taxation by November 15, 2005 and pay a one-time fee. You are encouraged to file online at www.obg.ohio.gov where registration will only be $15.00. Paper registration may be done for a $20 fee. Forms are available at the Ohio Department of Taxation website, www.tax.ohio.gov, or by calling 800-282-1782. The registration fee can be applied toward CAT liability on your first return.

The rate in 2005 will be 0.06%.  2005 taxes for the period July 1, 2005 thru December 31, 2005 will be applied to taxable gross receipts which are those received for the sale of personal property & services delivered to customers in Ohio.  Property and services delivered to customers outside of Ohio are not considered taxable receipts.  The tax is calculated by adding $75.00 to the product of 0.06% times the taxable gross receipts in excess of $500,000. 

MEETING UPDATE

More than sixty (60) OCMA members attended the Tuesday, July 19, 2005, meeting to hear several intriguing and

controversial presentations. The first speaker, Mr. D. K Russell, Manufacturing Sustainability Manager, Ford Motor Company, Environmental Quality Office, outlined the history and re-development of the Rouge Heritage Project that contains several environmental breakthroughs including a grass (sedum) roof.

Don Russell, Ford Motor Company, accepts the OCMA Iron Pourer Speaker Award cast by the Kent State University FEF students from OCMA President Doug Rowe.

The key points of his presentation are summarized below.

1.The Rouge Manufacturing Complex was a result of Henry Ford’s vision to build a vehicle assembled from components manufactured at one site. Steel, iron castings, glass, rubber, and electricity were all produced there. At its peak, over 100,000 people were employed in a virtual city with its own fire and police departments and hospital staff. In 1930, the total length of the conveyor systems inside the complex was 120 miles! It also contained the largest industrial railroad with 20 diesel locomotives, 860 boxcars, and more than 100 miles of track. Most importantly, the complex had two foundries.

2.The first product manufactured at the Rouge Complex was the WWI Eagle sub chaser. The first automobile was the Model “A” built in the 1920’s and the Mustang was built there from its inception in 1964 until 2004.

3.The Rouge Heritage Project begun in 1999 is a complete environmental and aesthetic revitalization of the complex. It includes environmental upgrades with stormwater management a key theme. Energy efficiency is stressed and the history of the site is preserved.

4.Visionary Architect Bill McDonough influenced the project. He encouraged respect for biodiversity and the use of solar energy. The Rouge Initiatives included: 1) stormwater management; 2) energy efficiency; and 3) historical continuity.

5.Stormwater management was a key issue because USEPA was concerned about runoff from the complex and was threatening to require Ford Motor Company to build a very expensive water treatment plant to handle stormwater. However, Ford met the stormwater challenge with very different solutions: a grass (sedum) roof and porous pavement in the large parking lots.

6.A highly innovative solution of the stormwater problem was developed at the Rouge Heritage Project. The very large Dearborn Truck Plant’s roof now has a “grass roof”. Actually, the roof is covered with thirteen (13) species of sedum, a low growing vegetation that is designed to trap dust, absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and create a habitat on the roof. The sedum also absorbs virtually all of the rain that falls on the plant and eliminates any stormwater runoff. In conjunction with the porous asphalt used on the large parking lots, the Project eliminated the stormwater problem without the wastewater treatment plant.

7.Interestingly, the “green roof” is actually yellow in the spring when the sedum flowers and red in the fall when it turns with the cooling weather. Additional greening of the Rouge Complex occurred with landscaping improvements and the planting of vines along the walls of the Visitors Center to further cool the interior.

8.A part of the Rouge Project was the building of a Visitor Center, which allowed guests to observe the “green roof” and the other revitalization projects on the complex. The Visitor Center emphasized the use of solar energy with solar thermal, translucent panels that created a canopy over the entrance, and photovoltaic panels to fuel the Visitors Center with solar energy.

9.Regarding historical continuity, those historians among us may recall the important “Battle of the Overpass” that occurred in 1937 and spurred the UAW organizing efforts. The Miller Road Overpass where tens of thousands of Ford employees would cross everyday from the parking lot to the factory has been recreated.

Mike Swartzlander, enjoys a light moment during his presentation on the future of metal casting.

Mike Swartzlander, General Manager, Ashland Casting Solutions, provided the audience with a double dose of information. He reviewed a presentation suggesting a tremendous growth in demand for castings delivered at the AFS Cast Expo, “Golden Age of Castings, 2005-2050” and provided an update on developments in the foundry industry in China outlined in “Development Survey of Chinese Foundry Industry” authored by a colleague, Li Yong Sheng with the China Foundry Association. The key points outlined below are gleaned from his presentation or are taken directly from the AFS paper. They represent only a small portion of Mike’s presentation. If you would like to see more, the PowerPoint presentations are both available from the OCMA office.

1.Three major developments will fuel enormous worldwide casting demand in the next forty-five years:

Countries described as developing nations including China, Russia, India, and Brazil (CRIBs) will become developed nations in the next four decades with China perhaps becoming the largest economy in the world.
The Age of Hydrocarbons is fading fast. The skyrocketing price of oil and natural gas is reducing the cost advantages of casting alternatives. As a result, metals are becoming popular again.
A New Age of Advanced Materials including advanced iron castings of ductile, austempered ductile iron (ADI), compacted graphite iron (CGI), and Silicon-Molybdenum (SiMo), magnesium, and titanium will keep the casting market alive and vibrant for decades to come.

2.The CRIBs economic growth is expected to far exceed that of the present developed economies such as the U.S. and Western Europe. In fact, Goldman Sachs anticipates that China may become the largest economy in the world, surpassing the U.S. by 2040. By 2050, India’s economy may be equal to the U.S. economy and far larger than the Western European nations and Japan, which are expected to grow at single digit rates. Although the per capita incomes of these economies will remain far below those of the U.S., the huge population differences will drive the overall size of their economies.

3.For example, automobile sales are expected to explode in the CRIBs in the next two decades. In 1994, 75% of auto sales took place in the developed nations with the remainder in the CRIBs and smaller economies. By 2010, the share of the worldwide automobile market in the CRIBs is expected to be 40%. This means that auto sales in the CRIBs will be in double digits while little or no growth is expected in the developed nations.

4.Similarly, the CRIBs will see tremendous growth in their construction markets as they build the infrastructure needed for a developed economy. This means that casting demand in the CRIBs could lean more toward construction and industrial equipment until their infrastructures catch-up.

5.The rising price of hydrocarbons has had a very negative impact on many metal casting alternatives especially plastics. The cost advantages are disappearing and manufacturers are looking once again at metals as the appropriate replacement. The recycling of metal is an important characteristic that improves casting viability in future decades.

6.Simultaneously, new metals have been developed that have metallurgical properties that create demand for their use: 1) lighter weight; 2) strength; 3) durability; and 4) easier to customize.

7.A New Iron Age is on the horizon. The continuing advances in iron metallurgy improve material properties and open new casting applications. The characteristics of ADI are leading to uses never anticipated. Similarly, the fact that SiMo iron can run hotter longer than any other cast iron has led to its use in automotive exhaust manifolds. The strength and durability of CGI suggests that it may soon be common in automotive and truck engines.

8.Use of magnesium, the lightest of structural metals, is expected to see tremendous growth in the coming decades. Magnesium’s low density makes it attractive where weight reduction is an issue, particularly in automotive components. It is also replacing plastic components where higher strength, temperature resistance and conductivity are important. The 2002 AFS “Casting of the Year” was an AZ91D magnesium casting for the housing of the InFocus projector. This casting was chosen over plastic enclosures to meet the many design challenges.

9.Total magnesium metal production is expected to reach about 500,000 metric tons by 2005. More than 50% of its use will be alloying with aluminum or used in iron and steel processing. Given the expected growth in aluminum and ductile iron, magnesium metal products will be driven on several fronts. In the automotive industry, magnesium metal usage is expected to grow by more than 13% for the next decade. Helping to drive this growth is the new process, thixomolding. The process is based on material flow in a semi-solid state to achieve a thin wall, high density and complex shapes.

10.Thanks to new technical developments in the processing of titanium, it may become the metal of the future. Titanium is as strong as steel but 40% lighter, non-magnetic, and corrosion resistant; features that make it a perfect metal for aerospace, automotive, chemical and biomedical applications. With the FFC Cambridge process expected to reach commercial production in the next two decades, titanium could be the next aluminum in the casting industry.

11.Technological & manufacturing advances continue to improve the future of the casting industry. Components can be designed, modeled, cast, machined and assembled in virtual space before the first metal is poured. Molds, cores, and castings can now be produced by rapid prototyping methods. Even the complex process of blowing a core can now be modeled using CFD (computational fluid dynamics). Final quality of castings continues to improve and time to market continues to shrink.

12.Casting productivity and quality have improved exponentially over the past decades. Many high production foundries achieve scrap levels of less than 1%, yields of 80-90%, and production rates of hundreds of molds per hour. Foundry management has also made impressive gains using tools such as “Lean Manufacturing” and “Six-Sigma”. These methods have resulted in continuous improvement in quality, productivity, and cost.

13.How can U.S. foundries take advantage of the coming Golden Age of Castings? First of all, they must recognize the need to compete globally. Perspectives need to change to develop customers in Australia or China, or Eastern Europe. Competencies in casting design, production, and end-use application can be readily used in the growing markets of the CRIB economies. It is becoming increasingly easier for even small foundries to participate in international activities, by either importing and exporting, aligning with overseas producers to exploit some combination of capabilities, and to even invest.

14.Secondly, metal casters need to invest in technology. There is a window of opportunity to direct increased cash flow into meaningful improvements in casting design, modeling, prototyping and production. These improvements can much better position U.S. foundries with increased capabilities and lower costs.

15.Finally, foundries need to invest in people. The knowledge and skills needed to keep pace are changing even faster than the technology. Over the next fifty years, new skills will need to be developed every three to five years. Ongoing training and education will be a must for successful foundries.

16.Many older foundrymen may long for the good old days and The Golden Age of Castings may seem to be a time long past. However, the opportunities for growth are there. The first half of this century will be a time of unprecedented change. You can view this time of change as a sunrise or a sunset; it’s your choice.

China Update

1.China foundry total production in 2003 was 19.9 million tons a 22% increase from 2002. China has been the leading producer of castings for the last four years. Although Chinese foundries have improved their productivity in the past several years, Chinese foundries continue to have very low productivity compared to the U.S., Japan, and Western Europe.

2.Chinese foundries employ approximately 1.2 million people, the largest workforce in the foundry industry anywhere. However, the average output of the average employee is about one-fifth of that of employees working in the foundry industry in a developed nation.

3.There are more than 20,000 foundries in China, with nearly 60% of them in Eastern and Central China, the industrial heart of China.

4.Casting consumption in China is dominated by four categories with nearly equal consumption levels of approximately 3.5 million tons. These are: 1) Automotive industry; 2) Internal combustion engine, tractor and agricultural auto; 3) Pipe and pipe fittings; and 4) Metallurgy mineral machinery industry. The next largest consumption categories are the machine tool industry and the railway transportation industry with consumption levels of 900,000 tons and 800,000 tons respectively.

5.Exports of Chinese castings have grown from 1.2 million tons in 2000 to 1.7 million tons in 2003. However, this represents less than 10% of total production. Most castings are used internally in growing the Chinese economy. Similarly the value of the exported castings is approximately $1 billion, less than 1.0% of the total value of castings produced.

6.Environmental issues affecting the Chinese foundry industry have become huge. Communities are not welcoming new foundries to their neighborhood, too much pollution! Although foundries in China must continue to be price competitive, local community demands are forcing them to clean up their acts.

7.Approximately one-half of the Chinese foundry industry is state-owned. The remaining half is privately owned and considerably more productive.

Former OCMA leader John Lalley now with Pascarella & Wiker, LLP, a business-consulting firm, demonstrated his wide range of knowledge and experience in his presentation. His subject, “Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: From Stigma to Strategy” affixed the attention of the OCMA members. The key points of his presentation are presented below:

OCMA Emeritas John Lalley, Pascarella & Wiker, LLP emphasizes a point during his presentation on bankruptcy as a corporate strategy.

1.How bankruptcy is viewed by society has changed dramatically in the last thirty years:

Old view –bankruptcy carried a stigma; it was something you wished to avoid at all costs;
Bankruptcy was always the last resort, used only when all alternatives had failed;
Individuals involved in bankruptcies were often “tainted” from their experience hindering their ability to find employment, receive loans, and/or capitalization in the future;
In the very “old days” individuals who could not pay their debts ended up in debtors prison.

4.However, the current view of bankruptcy at least in the business world is that it can be used as an effective strategy.
Bankruptcy can be used to accomplish a business objective or goal;

Entering into bankruptcy or threatening to do so is now used as a strategy to force negotiations with the debt holders;

Bankruptcy is now viewed as a way to get something done when all else has failed.

5.How did this happen!

Congress rewrote the Chapter 11 statute in 1978. The Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 was much more debtor friendly. The emphasis of the act was to allow reorganizing of a company versus its liquidation.

Bankruptcy was first used as a strategy in the early 1980’s by Texaco in a dispute with Pennzoil. In a court judgment, Pennzoil had won an $8-10 million settlement. Rather than paying the legally required judgment, Texaco filed bankruptcy under the reformed act. Texaco was able to negotiate a reduced settlement and business leaders first realized that bankruptcy could be used as a strategy.

During the 1980’s and 1990’s, leveraged buyouts or (LBOs) became very popular and as a result the banking industry became much more comfortable with high levels of debt. Leveraging debt was considered a perfectly acceptable business strategy.

Companies declaring bankruptcy rather than paying exorbitant judgments greeted the development of massive tort class action lawsuits. Dupont was forced to declare bankruptcy rather than pay the massive judgment in the silicone implant tort action.

Finally, Congress in the Bankruptcy Amendment of 1984 (Section 113 – Labor Contracts) changed the law affecting collective bargaining agreements when bankruptcy is declared. The amendments set forth what you can do with a collective bargaining agreement under bankruptcy and how you can do it.

6.What can be done through bankruptcy? Various “promises” can be modified or broken.

Payment (vendors)
Repayment (banks)
Pension
Retiree medical benefits
Labor contracts

7.Other problems can be addressed as well:

Sale of a troubled business. Such a sale can generate positive cash. A Section 363 Sale through bankruptcy sale is often used in this situation

“Prepackaged” transfer of ownership to debtholders. In this case the company has too much debt. The company reaches terms with its creditors and subordinated debtholders before it declares bankruptcy. In this situation, the company declares bankruptcy and it ends in 60-90 days. Often vendors can receive full payment under this scenario.

External problems such as mass tort claims.

8.Why would a company wish to use Chapter 11? A troubled company can use Chapter 11 to force lenders, other creditors, unions, PBGC, and tort lawyers to negotiate. However, Chapter 11 is a very expensive process. It also becomes a very big distraction for employees and managers. Lastly, under even the best-planned Chapter 11 situations the company owners risk loss of control. A crisis manager could have very different ideas about how the company should be reorganized. Or a competing reorganization plan or buyer may come into the picture.

9.What if you are in the position to consider declaring Chapter 11?

Remember, the secured lender is in a strong position. You must be on the same page concerning the possible filing.
To the extent possible, treat all vendors alike.

Remember, management’s fiduciary duty extends to creditors as well as shareholders.

10. What if it is your supplier declaring Chapter 11?

The uncertainty over your source of supply suggests that you investigate possible alternatives.

The possible sale of your supplier to a new owner or new management such as a crisis manager could changes things overnight.

You must be prepared for the fact that your contract to purchase may be rejected by the new owners. Or you may be asked to renegotiate the terms of your contract to supply with prices likely to climb.

10.What if it is your competitor?

A possible sale and or new management mean changes are certain.

You may be forced to compete with a new cost structure or even a new capital structure.

You may also see this situation as an opportunity.

11.What if it is your customer?

Bad debt or payment will be a long time coming. You need to anticipate problems. You may wish to get help, someone who has experience in bankruptcy negotiations.

It is possible you will be working with a new owner and/or new management.

It is possible that your sales contract will be rejected and forced negotiations will occur.

Insist upon financial information before extending terms. You can consider a payment schedule of pay one, ship one. Don’t be too nice and do not let your account get too far out of balance. However, remember that shipping to a debtor could be safer after filing of bankruptcy than it was before.

You may be eligible for a reclamation claim whereby shipments made ten days before declaration of bankruptcy you may be able to reclaim.

You may wish to consider serving on the unsecured creditors committee. Although this job takes a lot of time, you do have a front row seat.

John’s PowerPoint presentation is available from the OCMA office. If you are interested in a copy please call at 614-876-5100 or e-mail at ohiocastmetals@sbcglobal.net.

ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE

Vice President of the OCMA Environmental Affairs Committee, Dennis Baker, Flowserve Corporation, presented the environmental report. The PowerPoint environmental report is available from the OCMA office just call or e-mail. Key issues are outlined below:

Generally Available Control Technology

USEPA is preparing to introduce the Son of MACT or GACT. GACT will apply to area sources; those with a potential to emit less than 10 tons/yr for a single HAP or less than 25 tons/yr for any combination of HAPs. USEPA views area sources as important contributors of HAPs especially in urban areas. The USEPA is operating under Section 112(k)(1) which states that USEPA shall “achieve a substantial reduction in emissions of HAP from area sources”. Section 112(k)(3) requires USEPA to prepare a national strategy for urban air toxics.

There have been no significant developments since the last report. It does not appear as if USEPA is going to meet the 2006 deadline.

Iron & Steel Foundry MACT

At a recent surprise inspection, USEPA was very interested in the foundry’s scrap inspection program and its implementation. Importantly, the USEPA inspectors were satisfied with the written program, which was similar to the OCMA proposed plan. From comments made during the USEPA visit, it is clear that USEPA is especially interested in mercury and methods that can be used to keep it from entering the scrap metal feedstock.

OEPA NOx SIP Plan

Ohio EPA has issued its final plan for NOx reduction.
The plan calls for a 65-85% reduction in NOx emissions.
Electric utilities and operators of large boilers are to be most affected.
The plan establishes a NOx budget-trading program.
Part of the plan allows for Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy and Innovative Technology Projects.
NOx credits given for accepted projects.
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dapc/files/OhioGuidanceFINAL.pdf

Beneficial Reuse

Ohio EPA has announced its intent to draft a rule to replace OEPA Policy 400.007. The proposed deadline is the end of 2006.
OCMA has already spoken with Lead Rule Writer, Chris Bowman, OEPA Division of Surface Water to inform him of our intent to advance the metal casting industry’s interests and open wider opportunities for the use of spent, non-toxic foundry sand.

Revisiting the Ohio Air Pollution Control Act

OCMA is a member of a coalition to encourage the Ohio General Assembly to amend the Ohio Air Pollution Control Act (APCA). Coalition members include the OMA, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Contractors Association, and the NFIB.
The goal of the coalition is to amend the APCA to reduce the number of contaminants regulated and to eliminate BAT requirements for small sources.
OCMA members have complained that it is harder today to obtain a Permit to Install (PTI) than ever before. Companies have missed great opportunities due to these delays.
Members of the coalition including OCMA Executive Director Russ Murray have already met with Ohio Senate President Bill Harris and Chairman of the Senate Environment & Natural Resources Committee, Bill Niehaus.

Join Us This Fall

The OCMA HR Seminar will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2005, at the Columbus Convention Center. The HR Committee has selected the topics of reducing medical & health insurance costs through disease control programs, communicating with the media especially after a negative event, and a legal update. We will have speakers from Mercer, General Motors, and Frantz Ward LLP. Contact Russ Murray at 614-876-5100 for more information.

EMTEC Report

Nick Cannell, EMTEC, provided the report. Highlights are outlined below:

EMTEC has continued to expand; it now has thirty-two (32) employees and has successfully established the organization as a leader in the development of fuel cell research;

Additional funding to EMTEC has allowed it to expand the CASTnet funding as well. The CASTnet program continues to assist foundries interested in using solidification modeling. EMTEC members are treated to an additional benefit whereby EMTEC will subsidize an individual foundry member’s solidification modeling initiative.

Nick continues to assist those foundries intereested in applying for Safety Training Grants from the Bureau of Workers’ Comp.

EMTEC has also received a grant of $120,000 for a project using moldable ceramic to make missile nose cones. It is also exploring an investment casting program that would predict shrinkage.

Energy Industries of Ohio (EIO) Sponsors Ohio Technology Showcase

Along with the Ohio Department of Development & U.S. Department of Energy, the Energy Industries of Ohio (EIO) is sponsoring an Ohio Technology Showcase from Tuesday, September 27 thru Thursday, September 29th. The showcase will be held in Cleveland and the Ford Motor Company’s Cleveland Casting Plant will be a featured tour. Additional tours include the EAF and Tube Mill Operations, The Timken Company; Basic Oxygen Steel Plant, Republic Engineered Products; and the wheel and forged products plant, Alcoa.

The Ohio Technology Showcase is a three-day event, combining technical sessions, plenary addresses by business and government leaders, and special forums on selected topics. Key industries represented at the showcase are metal casting, steel, aluminum and forging, polymers and plastics, and glass. The program will include Best Practices Training on Tuesday, September 27th for Melting and High Temperature Processes & Compressed Air Systems. The registration fee for the training programs is only $50. American Foundry Society (AFS) and OCMA will be sharing a booth at the Showcase.

The Changing of the Guard

New Officers and Trustees of the OCMA Board elected at the Annual Meeting are as follows:

Officers

1 President John Vaught, Tri-Cast, Ltd.
1 Vice President George Deckebach, Miami-Cast, Inc.
1 Secretary John T. Kurtz, Kurtz Bros., Inc.
1 Treasurer John Burke, OSCO Industries, Inc.

Board of Trustees - Terms to expire in 2008

1 Jim Flanagan, Babcock & Wilcox Company
1 Barry Moore, GM –Powertrain - Defiance
1 Paul Rance, Col Pump Company, Inc.

Ron Evers, Alliance Castings Company, accepts the welcoming OCMA membership certificate from OCMA President Doug Rowe.

OCMA Past President Doug Rowe accepts a Distinguished Service Award from incoming OCMA President John Vaught, Tri-Cast, Ltd.

Photos courtesy of Nick Cannell, EMTEC.