140+ year old foundry still learning new tricks with LEAN

Several years ago, The C.A. Lawton Co. made a complete commitment to LEAN. LEAN methodology emphasizes simplifying and accelerating work processes while simultaneously improving product quality. Today, we’re a LEAN-centered company, not just doing some LEAN manufacturing techniques, we’re all in. “Historically, we always made good castings and served customers relatively well. But as a…

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The world’s first castings

Some historians believe that iron casting began in ancient China as early as 6000 BCE while others believe that only copper and bronze castings were being made at this time. However, evidence provided by archeologists contradicts both beliefs. Discovered by archeologists in what was then known as Mesopotamia, the earliest uncovered example of a cast…

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Midwest Manufacturing & Logistics joins The C.A. Lawton Co. family

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date:  7/2/2020 Midwest Manufacturing & Logistics joins The C.A. Lawton Co. family The C.A. Lawton Co. welcomes Minster, OH facility as second iron foundry location Birmingham, MI – Private equity firm, Oakland Standard Company, is proud to announce the expansion of their iron foundries. Midwest Manufacturing & Logistics, an iron foundry located…

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Happy 4th

As we celebrate the 4th of July and our 244th birthday as a country, it is important to remember those who made sacrifices for us. Especially during these hard and difficult times, we are thankful for the people who selflessly put others first.  At The C.A. Lawton Co., we are very proud to live and…

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Continuous Improvement double take: the shakeout in shakeout

Continuous Improvement is, by definition, a never-ending process.  At The C.A. Lawton Co., as with all CI organizations, the mindset of this philosophy becomes part of the culture.  Every team member is trained and prepared to participate in improvement events.  The week of May 18-22, 2020, the Lawton team embarked on a very ambitious kaizen…

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Lawton’s All Employee Training 2020

The C.A. Lawton Co. held its annual training day on Friday, March 6, 2020.  This training day is an opportunity for the company to update all employees on required safety and environmental issues as well as provide other specialized instruction. The training day is a focused, full day event.  Each employee was scheduled to participate…

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Lawton & World War II

Lawton has been very versatile and sensitive to the changes happening in the world around them.  They are doing it currently as they have in the past, such as designing and manufacturing products for World War II. When the United States entered World War II in 1941, Lawton, like most other companies at this time,…

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Managing for Daily Improvement

In the past few years, The C.A. Lawton Co. has placed a great deal of importance on its Lean journey. Over summer 2018, Lawton took the next step by implementing the use of MDI boards. MDI stands for Managing for Daily Improvement. Lawton’s goal is continuous improvement, and a great way to reach that goal,…

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The Culture of Lawton

I know it’s going to be a good day when I walk into Lawton and there are various bags of cheese curds on the front desk.  Such a small and simple gesture can change the atmosphere of the workplace.  Every employee has this similar attitude which creates a family oriented environment.  Lawton exemplifies this family…

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