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=Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry=

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry is a company that specializes in aluminum die castings and cookware. The company was founded in 1909 by Abraham Avrom Schwartz who set up the operations in Manitowoc, WI.

1909-1941
Originally Schwartz had only 10 employees for the new business, but as they proceeded with orders, while making quality aluminum castings, the company grew. In 1920, the company secured a contract making aluminum parts for the Kissel Motor Car Company. During the Great Depression the company struggled to grow and secure new contracts, but ended up surviving the worst years (1929-1932). As the company navigated through the depression it added on a workforce, albeit slowly, and expanded the facility to add more production lines. In 1930, the company ventured into the cookware and kitchen ware market by introducing its own pressure canner under the brand name All-American.

1941-1980
When the United States entered World War II in 1941, the company was contracted by the Federal Government to build parts for the United States Navy for the submarine service. Like many other companies during this time period, WAF focused on contributing to the war effort as able. The 1950s and 60s were another period of growth as the company continued to add to its workforce and diversify its products. The company started making parts for cars, refrigeration units, and even reloading presses for ammunition. Additionally, a new lineup of grills/griddles, pressure cookers, and roasters were designed to diversify the company.

In 2007 WAF experienced its worse downturn since the Great Depression with the financial collapse of 2007. The unstable marketplace made it harder to sell product and as a result 100 workers were layed off. Eventually the company profited again hiring many of the 100 who were laid off.

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry employs 300 workers; most of them belong to a union. They have expanded into three different buildings, the main plant where aluminum production takes place, the permanent mold facility, and consumer products.