________________________________________________________________________________________ Cascade
Die Casting
contract for an electric motor component for a heavy truck application, for example. It’ s the next frontier; electric vehicles are going to be a long-term solution in certain areas, and we really feel this is an example that will make a significant difference. The other significant new project is for an electric car; it was a part that had previously been made in China but is being reshored, if you will, to the US.
“ This also represents a broader trend. Looking over 33 years in business and as an active member of trade associations and manufacturing communities, I feel manufacturers are getting more respect and appreciation than we have in the last several years. It feels good that people are recognizing the importance of manufacturing.”
Looking forward, Pat outlines the company’ s strategy for expansion and leveraging recent improvements: prioritizing sales and new business development to capitalize on emerging opportunities.“ Additionally, we will continue to improve our
culture because that is not something that is ever completed or perfect.
“ In January, we had a strategy session to nail down our longer-term goals. We talked a lot about the ability to grow the business; we think growth is great for our people because it provides continuous challenges to engage them. It’ s great for the business because it enables us to keep investing in innovative new ideas and new equipment. Another big focus has been on increasing the size of our equipment, which we will continue to do heading into the future. This will help us tackle some of the exciting emergent projects involving larger casting, which we want to be a part of moving forward. It will become a positive feedback loop: the stronger we get as manufacturers, the more competitive we will become and be able to take on bigger and more complex projects.” ■
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