Released on March 25, 2008

Ross Aluminum Castings LLC, Sidney, Ohio, has increased its aluminum permanent mold casting capacity by about 50%, according to a company press release.

Advanced Metals Group LLC, which counts Ross as a member company, last month announced expansions at two of its other metalcasting facilities—U.S. Castings, Entiat, Wash., and Mabry Castings. A statement issued by Ross indicated that, like its co-members, the company “is committed to implementing lean concepts throughout [its] facility” along with the expansion.

Prior to the addition, Ross’ production stemmed more from its green sand and nobake lines; a 4,000 lbs./hour furnace was installed primarily to feed metal to those processes. That furnace now has been supplemented by a 75-ft. long integrated molten aluminum launder line that provides metal to eight permanent mold casting production cells. A new robotic combination knockout and saw cell also was installed to improve handling of aluminum castings in excess of 100 lbs.

Officials for Ross said the company would continue to provide aluminum castings to manufacturers of fuel pumps and hydraulic valves, as well as gearboxes to the aerospace industry and a range of castings to the specialty and high performance automotive, general manufacturing and diesel truck industries.