ERMAK

STEWARDSHIP

At Ermak we believe that doing business is more than just making a profit. While we take pride in our products and operate with sound business practices, we also know that it is simply not enough. This is why we sponsor and participate in activities that make our industry and our communities stronger.

EDUCATION

Ermak actively supports ongoing training and education for students. Every year, Ermak sponsors a participant in the STEPS program, which allows girls in 6th - 7th grades to attend a 1-week camp for hands-on experiences in engineering, technology, and sciences at the University of Wisconsin Stout. We also supply ingot and other supplies to high schools and universities to assure students have opportunities to learn metal casting, machining, and applied sciences. Additionally, we actively teach foundry and machining classes at high schools and universities because we believe America’s production, trade, and science capabilities must be preserved and passed to new generations in order for our society to compete globally and maintain a sound economic base.

ENVIRONMENT

Metal casting and machining create waste products and emissions that can impact the environment. In the United States many industry processes are regulated to protect the environment and minimize work hazards. Sadly, this is not the case globally. Pollution and unsafe working conditions exist in foundries and machine shops around the world, particularly in developing countries. To compound the issue, some American foundries and machine shops actively sub-contract their work to these countries, resulting in lower product costs but leading to environmental damage and poor human working conditions globally. At Ermak, we believe in good stewardship. All of our products are made in the USA. Not only do we meet all applicable environmental and safety regulations, we also do the following:

• Reclaim, reuse, and recycle sand from molds
• Recycle and re-melt unused aluminum castings
• Use energy-efficient gas-fired crucibles for melting aluminum
• Utilize automation to reduce production waste
• Utilize technology to eliminate unnecessary production
• Actively clean and recycle the air in our production areas

INDUSTRY

Ermak participates in several industry organizations. Ermak has been active in the American Foundry Society Twin Cities Chapter (AFS) for many years. Our owner, Jeff Erickson, has served as Chairman twice, sat on the Board of Directors, and has also served as the Chairman of the Scholarship Committee. Jeff also won the AFS Distinguished Service Award in 2005.