Dee Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer in Crookston, has announced that it will officially operate under the new name WAF-Crookston, further aligning the facility with its parent company, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF).
The company’s roots date back to 1971, when it was founded in a garage near Crookston.
Originally known as Dee Inc., the business built a strong reputation for quality manufacturing and steady growth over the decades. In 2022, following its acquisition by Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, the company was renamed Dee Manufacturing.
Over the past four years, WAF has made significant capital investments in the Crookston facility to enhance sustainability, strengthen operations, and support long-term growth. Today, WAF-Crookston employs approximately 80 people, with continued expansion anticipated.
The transition to the WAF-Crookston name is intended to improve recognition throughout the manufacturing industry while reflecting the company’s connection to the broader WAF organization. Alongside the new name, the company has launched a new website that highlights its capabilities, services, and commitment to customers around the world (wafco.com).
Headquartered in Manitowoc, WI, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry is a global supplier of machined aluminum castings. Along with its Crookston operation, WAF owns and operates facilities in Wabash, Indiana; New Hampton, Iowa; and Muskegon Heights, Michigan. In addition, WAF produces the All American 1930 brand of pressure canners, cookware, pressure sterilizers and can sealers.
Having a new name does not alter the company’s focus. Sachin Shivaram, CEO of WAF, emphasized that their commitment to the Crookston community remains unchanged. WAF- Crookston will continue to focus on supporting local employees, customers, and community initiatives while building on a manufacturing legacy that spans more than five decades.
As WAF-Crookston continues to grow, the company is actively hiring for several positions, including 3rd Shift CNC Operators, 2nd and 3rd Shift Coremaker/Assemblers, and 1st Shift Casting Laborers. Starting wages range from $22.16 to $22.66 per hour, with an additional $1.25 per hour shift premium for eligible positions.
WAF-Crookston offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including a $400 monthly childcare reimbursement, $1,000 employee referral bonus, student loan repayment assistance program, health, dental, and vision insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA), critical illness and accident insurance, company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage, and a monthly bonus program. These investments reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to attracting and retaining a skilled workforce while supporting the long-term success of its employees.
