Where does Iron come from?

There’s no doubt that iron is crucial to the process of metal casting. Iron is known for it’s strength and flexibility, making it one of the most common materials used when creating castings. Iron can almost be taken for granted by foundry folks, but have you ever thought about where iron comes from and where…

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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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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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Lawton’s power of perseverance

Through all the past struggles Lawton has faced, it is important to look back on everything they have overcome.  From the Great Depression or even the Recession of 2008, Lawton continues to persevere through hard times. In 1886, Jones Bank ran into financial difficulty, and as a result, closed its doors. This caused a great…

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