AB&I Foundry Supports Manufacturing Day by Hosting Students
November 25, 2019
OAKLAND, CA November 25, 2019: The Manufacturing Institute, the education and workforce partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, and AB&I Foundry, a leading producer of cast iron soil pipe and fittings used for commercial plumbing systems, celebrated Manufacturing Day on November 14th at the foundry in Oakland. The company hosted both middle-school and high school students.
The students were taken on a tour of the foundry and shown several critical processes used to make cast iron soil pipe and fittings. They were able to engage with manufacturing leadership and participate with hands-on projects including learning how the manufacturing process functions and participates with the quality control function of measuring the actual metal castings. By demonstrating these aspects of manufacturing, the students were able to see how much science and precision is needed in a manufacturing.
“Manufacturers across the nation are seeing the best and brightest young talent entering manufacturing,” said Richard Watson, VP of Operations at AB&I Foundry. “These students are the future leaders and providing them the opportunity to explore opportunities with Manufacturing Day is important as they shape their future.”
“Advanced Manufacturing is applied math and science and essential for our society and our infrastructure. We in the Oakland Unified School District value our partnership with the AB&I Foundry team, who has opened their doors and hearts to our scholars. We need more partners like AB&I who are willing to provide valuable career awareness and exploration opportunities in the world of manufacturing”, said Emiliano Sanchez, Coordinator of Career Technical Educational Trades and Apprenticeships.
Manufacturing Day is led by The Manufacturing Institute. First held in 2012 and organized by its founder—the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International—Manufacturing Day gives manufacturers the opportunity to address the skills gap, connect with future generations, update the public perception of manufacturing and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole.
Media Contact: Francesca Dunbar
Director of Group Marketing, McWane Plumbing Group
(925) 216-1828
Francesca.dunbar@mcwaneplbgrp.com
About AB&I Foundry
AB&I Foundry, based in Oakland, CA, is a division of McWane, Inc. Born in the shadows of the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, AB&I Foundry has been producing quality cast iron products for over a hundred years. Acquired by McWane in 2006, AB&I manufactures a full-line of cast iron soil pipe and fittings for DWV systems. In addition, AB&I has become a modern, highly-technological full- service provider of custom OEM gray iron castings for companies nationwide. Through a comprehensive program of water treatment, air pollution reduction, recycling, and solid-waste management, AB&I has set the standard for responsible foundry practices and policies.
About McWane Inc.
McWane, Inc. is a family-owned business based in Birmingham, Ala., with companies across the U.S. and around the world. The McWane Family of Companies casts ductile iron products, including pipe, valves, hydrants, fittings and plumbing products; manufactures fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems and steel pressure vessels; and builds network switches and monitoring equipment. McWane is a leader in delivering clean, safe drinking water around the world while focusing on safe, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. With more than 6,500 team members, McWane has a longstanding commitment of supporting the communities where its team members live and work. For more information, visit mcwane.com.
