AFS CastExpo Wrap Up 2025

Sinto America proudly exhibited at the AFS CastExpo, held April 12–15 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. As North America’s premier metalcasting trade show and industry event, CastExpo brought together leaders and innovators from across the foundry industry. We were also honored to be joined by our valued global partners HWS, Roberts Sinto de Mexico, and Sintokogio.

This year, Sinto proudly participated as a Gold Sponsor at CastExpo, gaining prominent brand visibility at North America’s largest metalcasting event. The sponsorship provided Sinto with nine months of extensive print and digital promotion, significantly elevating brand awareness in the lead-up to the show. In addition to the Gold Sponsorship, Sinto was also the exclusive Lanyard Sponsor—ensuring every attendee on the show floor wore a Sinto-branded lanyard. This strategic branding move maximized our exposure, reinforcing the Sinto name across the entire event space and industry.

Sinto America’s presence at the expo was marked by an impressive 30’ x 60’ booth, showcasing a diverse lineup of advanced equipment and technologies. Featured displays included the FDNX flaskless molding machine, the 455 BARINDER® Grinder, the GDST Sand Tester, and equipment from the newly added Tinker Omega Sinto product line. Attendees also experienced a model of the remote monitoring center for our cutting-edge SINTO SMART FOUNDRY®—highlighting Sinto’s commitment to innovation, industry 4.0 solutions and the enhanced Sinto Support System. Sinto also highlighted the new Sinto Sand Technologies and its fully integrated turnkey system offerings, tailored to meet each customer’s unique needs.

One of the standout attractions at Sinto’s booth was the live demonstration of its electric mold handling line. Positioned prominently at the front of the booth, the display spotlighted Sinto’s FOUNDRY-grade servo cylinders—designed for precision, reliability, and clean operation. The demo captured the attention and served as a major draw for attendees.

Century Foundry, Inc. recently invested in a 20×26 FBO-IIIS electric molding line with full SINTO SMART FOUNDRY® integration. The Sinto team was excited to welcome members of the Century Foundry team at the show, highlighting their partnership and shared commitment to smart, efficient foundry operations.

Throughout the show, Sinto successfully engaged in numerous important meetings with both existing customers and promising new prospects. By the end of the event, Sinto had secured 163 contacts, with almost 100 customers, for follow-up opportunities.

WOMEN IN METALCASTING AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Sinto is incredibly proud to announce that Debbie Eckmeter was honored with the Women In Metalcasting (WIM) Award for Excellence at the WIM dinner this year. This prestigious award is presented annually to individuals who have been exceptional leaders, champions, mentors, and role models for women in the metalcasting industry—and Debbie embodies all of that and more.

Debbie began her journey with Sinto as a clerk/typist and, over an impressive 47-year career, rose to become Vice President of manufacturing, Aftermarket Parts, and Service. Today, in retirement, she continues to share her expertise through foundry consulting for Sinto. Her dedication to the job and to her team was unmatched. Debbie was known for saying, “If my guys are here working late or on a weekend, then I will be here too.” That kind of leadership leaves a lasting legacy.

DENNY DOTSON AWARD

This year, Denny Dotson, a valued member of Sinto America’s Board of Directors, was honored with the prestigious Jozef Suchy Medal by the World Foundry Organization. Dotson, who served as AFS President from 2013 to 2014, has also been a long-standing representative on the WFO Executive Committee. He is widely recognized for his transformative leadership at Dotson Iron Castings (now MPS Mankato, LLC).

“Denny Dotson is known throughout the world as a pre-eminent and visionary metalcasting leader,” said Doug Kurkul, CEO of AFS. “It’s therefore very appropriate that Denny is only the second North American to receive the Suchy Medal.”

ALUMNI DINNER

The AFS Alumni (past board members and national award recipients) dined at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, just steps away from the convention hall that hosted CastExpo. What began with attendees enjoying some fun by throwing passes towards a target and place-kicking footballs toward goal posts wound up becoming a “Kick for a Cause” Foundry Education Foundation (FEF) fundraiser!

Inspired by AFS Board member and SAI CEO Michael Halsband delivering a powerful, soccer- style kick perfectly through the uprights, fellow AFS board member Kelley Kerns (HA Group) came up with the idea of a kicking challenge to raise funds for FEF. Thanks to Kerns, Halsband and other attendees, a generous sum was raised for FEF.

SUMMARY

The AFS CastExpo 2025 was a tremendous success for Sinto America. Our team was thrilled to connect with a wide range of customers and prospective partners throughout the event. With approximately 35 Sinto representatives in attendance, every visitor to our booth had direct access to a knowledgeable foundry expert ready to discuss their unique casting applications. We had many meaningful conversations about how we can shape the future of metalcasting together.. We’re already looking forward to CastExpo 2028!