Franklin Precision Castings Marks 40 Years of Investment Casting Excellence
Franklin Precision Castings (FPC) is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of manufacturing precision investment castings for a wide range of industries including pumps and valves, steel, oil and gas, food processing, and defense.
Founded in 1985, the company has evolved from a supplier of glass mold components into a diversified manufacturer serving multiple sectors with complex, high-performance castings.
Originally operating as Franklin Bronze & Alloy Company, the foundry holds the distinction of being Pennsylvania’s oldest continuously operating casting facility. In 1978, John and Bob Barber purchased the business, which at the time focused on nickel sand castings. After a fire destroyed the original plant in 1981, the Barbers rebuilt with support from state and local redevelopment agencies, re-establishing operations and bringing back their workforce.
Pioneering Investment Casting
In 1985, Franklin made a pivotal shift toward investment casting when a mold shop manager approached the company for faster delivery of glass mold parts. Leveraging his metallurgical expertise, Bob Barber introduced nickel guide rings, plungers, and baffles — products that helped FPC earn a strong reputation for quality and quick turnaround.
Franklin’s strategic location near major glass manufacturing regions in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio further strengthened its role as a reliable supplier. The company’s commitment to investing in modern equipment, robotics, and in-house tooling positioned it for steady growth.
Modernization and Expansion
By 2005, Franklin completed a $7 million expansion with support from Pennsylvania state and local grants. The project included a new building and installation of the first Shell-O-Matic robotic shelling system in the United States, later followed by an upgraded second system to increase efficiency and production capacity.
As demand continued to rise, the company diversified its customer base, expanding into the automotive, mining, and safety equipment markets. This growth included the addition of a second stainless-steel pouring center and the development of advanced gating systems to support more complex casting requirements.
Acquisition and Rebranding
In 2014, Franklin was acquired by Wall Colmonoy Corporation, a global leader in advanced metallurgical solutions. The acquisition strengthened Franklin’s technical capabilities and expanded its global reach. In 2024, the company was officially rebranded as Franklin Precision Castings to better represent its expertise in precision investment casting.
“Franklin’s glass container customers had long been supported by Wall Colmonoy through the supply of nickel powder alloys for molds,” said Bill Clark, Chairman & CEO of Wall Colmonoy. “The acquisition united two companies committed to delivering advanced metallurgical solutions and complements our casting capabilities in the UK.”
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
Today, Franklin Precision Castings continues to invest in automation and process improvements to enhance production speed, accuracy, and quality.
“We’ve grown from pouring our first investment castings to producing critical parts for industries we never imagined back then,” said Jeff Morgan, Tool Design Technician and 40-year FPC veteran. “What hasn’t changed is the pride we take in what we do.”
With four decades of experience and ongoing investment in technology, Franklin Precision Castings remains a trusted name in precision investment casting and foundry manufacturing.
