Silver Dollar Castings Wins "Casting of the Year" Competition
NFFS member, Silver Dollar Castings, an air-set aluminum foundry located in the heart of Chicago, was awarded Best Achievement in a Small Foundry Business in the 2025 Casting of the Year Competition, hosted by the American Foundry Society (AFS). The award honors SDC’s exceptional work on the Stationary Seal, Air and Oil Bearing Casting, developed in partnership with Griffin Industries of Green Bay, WI, for ProEnergy Services.
This complex component is used in jet engine turbines that provide backup power at renewable energy sites. Originally outsourced to India, the project stalled for more than a year without a working sample, leading ProEnergy to reshore the effort. By collaborating closely with Griffin’s design and tooling team, SDC delivered a fully compliant, production-ready casting in just six months—meeting strict quality standards including AMS2175 Class 1 Grade B, 250 UOS as-cast surface finish, and 100% x-ray and fluorescent penetrant inspection per ASTM E1417. “This project was a true team effort,” said Jill Clement, President of SDC. “I wasn’t sure where our castings stood compared to the broader industry, but when Kim Phelan, editor at Casting Source magazine, asked why we hadn’t submitted before, it really made me think. I knew the original casting was being produced at a very high-tech facility, and I believed our team of 9 could meet that challenge—especially with the help of our incredible partners at Griffin.”
Clement continued: “Winning this award is an incredible honor. To be reviewed by your peers and recognized in this way is something the whole SDC team is deeply proud of. This project has pushed us to grow, strengthened our relationship with ProEnergy, and opened doors for more opportunities to support their casting needs.”
SDC’s winning entry received the highest score in the small foundry category, recognized for its complex internal geometry and the ingenuity required to meet such strict technical demands using a no-bake process. The casting was showcased at CastExpo 2025 in the Casting in Excellence Display.
This story highlights the power of American manufacturing partnerships and the growing impact of reshoring. By bringing production back to the U.S., companies like ProEnergy gain better quality control, faster turnaround times and stronger supply chain reliability—all while supporting domestic innovation and craftsmanship.
Congratulations to Silver Dollar Castings and their entire team!