Posts by Alex Lawton
A Conversation with Alex: Reflections on the state of the economy, the foundry industry, and the future of Lawton Standard
The last three years have been a wild roller coaster ride. From COVID-19 and supply chain issues to a roaring recovery and global uncertainty, it’s been one of the most challenging times in recent memory. But the challenges also contain seeds of opportunity. Despite the disruption, we’ve been making steady progress toward building a new…
Read MoreBuilding a better metalcasting platform: A work in progress
Alex Lawton, CEO, Lawton Standard Last September, I told you about our vision for Lawton Standard – to transform a group of foundry-based companies with complementary capabilities and skillsets into an integrated platform. Here’s a progress report on our journey toward that goal. To use a restaurant analogy, our goal has always been to assemble…
Read MoreState of the industry: Challenging but hopeful
Alex Lawton, CEO, Lawton Standard During the last year and a half, we’ve survived many challenges. There’s been a lot going on, from the global pandemic to economic ups and downs, from supply chain shortages to a changing workforce. We’ve experienced many symptoms of taking a thriving economy, suddenly turning it off, and then attempting…
Read MoreIn the midst of challenges, we face exceptional opportunities
During the last year, our industry has faced a whirlwind of challenges and opportunities. But rather than being buffeted by them, we have decided to face them head-on. Here’s what we’re up against, and how we’re proactively responding. For example, the last several years have shown us that the global supply chain is more fragile…
Read MoreAlex Lawton sits down to chat about labor, economic, and political challenges
Aside from the health, political, and economic challenges we’re all facing, The C.A. Lawton Co., the foundry industry, and all of manufacturing are being confronted by specific challenges today. As a small manufacturing company within the industry, we’re striving to overcome them. Perhaps hearing what we’re working on can help you with similar challenges. The…
Read MoreShaping the future of the foundry industry
As I mentioned in a previous article about the challenges we face in the industry, the problems we are working to solve now are what’s going to shape the future of this industry. As we find solutions to the workforce, political, and environmental issues we face today, we prepare ourselves to overcome even greater obstacles…
Read MoreOvercoming challenges in the foundry industry
Currently, The C.A. Lawton Co. and the industry as a whole, is being confronted by many challenges. As a small manufacturing company within the industry, I think we’re making great strides to overcome them. There are two key challenges that really come to mind. The first of them is labor. Skilled tradesmen and women that…
Read MoreThe factory of the future
Expert’s opinion: Right-shoring gains momentum
