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30 | I NSIGH T • M a r c h 2 0 1 6 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m Workers at Waupaca Foundry use a giant furnace to melt down scrap metal for use in multiple machines that turn out a variety of products, including the brake rotors in many of the vehicles made in America. I N S I G H T O N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T B y S e a n P. J o h n s o n O ne of the oldest concepts in metalworking has created new opportunities for Waupaca Foundry. Historically, a blacksmith would forge a new piece of metal from disparate pieces to create a stronger product built upon the best characteristics of the contributing parts. You might say the latest developments surrounding Waupaca Foundry are borne of the same fiery combination. Hitachi Metals Foundry America, the parent company of Waupaca Foundry, announced in February a merger between the Waupaca-based company and fellow subsidiary Hitachi Metals Automotive Components USA. HMAC will become a division of Waupaca Foundry, which should emerge from realignment as a stronger player in key markets, particularly automotive. "ere are a lot of synergies. is is a win for all of us," says Mike Nikolai, president and chief operating officer. "We bring a lot of expertise in building custom equipment, automation and process improvements that we can bring to HMAC. ey have developed some lighter-weight metals and have product design expertise we can leverage." While both companies compete in the auto industry, they serve different segments. HMAC produces cast, machined and assembled ductile iron suspension and exhaust White-hot opportunities Waupaca Foundry strengthens its outlook with new Hitachi merger components for global automotive OEMs. Waupaca Foundry is North America's leading supplier of casting components such as brake rotors to the automotive market, as well as providing components for the commercial vehicle, agriculture, construction and industrial markets. "is puts us in a position to serve a wider market in automotive," Nikolai says. "If they can sell it, we can make it." e merger is expected to be complete by April, but the Waupaca Foundry's headquarters have already seen an influx of people from centralization of staff. e merged company's data services, information technology and accounting functions have moved to Waupaca, which could have easily been moved off shore. It's a testament to the company's efficiency and management the functions were moved to Waupaca, company officials say. For now, Waupaca Foundry's operations are expected to remain in place or grow because of the merger. e company employs 3,900 people at P H O T O B Y I M A G E S T U D I O S