Alcast Company Permanent Mold Aluminum Foundry History
Alcast Company is a permanent mold aluminum casting manufacturer in Peoria IL. Founded in 1970 by William A. and Marilyn L. Mitchener, Alcast Company began as a small aluminum foundry in Peoria, Illinois. In its early years, Alcast operated from a modest leased facility, initially focusing on producing sandwich cookers. A pivotal opportunity arose when Caterpillar Inc. sought a new casting partner to supply aluminum castings for its transmission business unit in East Peoria. Recognizing the limitations of traditional foundry equipment, Mr. Mitchener set out to innovate.
Driven by a commitment to quality and precision, Mr. Mitchener developed the proprietary Mitchener Molding Machine—a low-pressure, semi-permanent mold casting system that revolutionized the aluminum casting process.
The machine incorporated advanced metal handling techniques, maintained consistent metal temperatures, and featured an electromagnetic pump-driven delivery system that feeds the casting from the bottom of the mold. This innovation allowed Alcast to produce high-integrity castings that set new industry standards.
Today, Alcast remains Caterpillar Inc.’s global provider of torque converters, stators, and impellers.
Our Proprietary Aluminum Casting Process
Alcast Company’s process is an ELECTRO-MAGNETIC, bottom-fill, low pressure, permanent mold, aluminum casting process, which minimizes the occurrence of oxidation in the casting process. This reduces much of the variation in the molding, and thus produces porosity-free castings, which are less likely to crack, warp or leak under pressure. Alcast Company builds the electro-magnetic casting machines internally.
Management’s philosophy is to provide the highest quality aluminum castings to producers of high quality products. Alcast Company became a QS9000 registered company in 2001 and later ISO / TS 16949 registered. Continuous improvement is a way of life at Alcast Company!
Proven Aluminum Castings for Diverse Industries
For many years, Alcast flourished with a close partnership with Caterpillar. However, by the early 1980s, the company recognized the risks of depending on a single customer. In response, Alcast made a strategic decision to diversify its offerings, expand its customer base, and enhance its capabilities.
Over the years, we’ve added heat treatment, CNC turning, CNC milling, balancing, broaching, shaping, powder coating, and other value-added services. Anchored by the Mitchener Molding Machine, this shift not only secured Alcast’s future but also positioned the company to serve a wide range of industries, including automotive, marine, heavy equipment, recreational vehicles, and governmental agencies.
A Ligon Permanent Mold Group Company
In 2021, Alcast Company became a proud member of the Ligon Industries family of foundries. This acquisition has strengthened our position as an industry leader, expanding our reach and capabilities in the low-pressure semi-permanent mold casting sector.
Today, Alcast continues to deliver innovative, high-quality aluminum castings backed by decades of expertise and an unwavering commitment to excellence. From our humble beginnings to our position as a cutting-edge contract aluminum foundry and machine shop, Alcast remains dedicated to providing our customers with the best aluminum casting solutions available.