About Dakota Foundry
BUILT IN WEBSTER. BUILT TO TAKE ON THE IMPOSSIBLE.
Since 1977, Dakota Foundry has produced American-made gray and ductile iron castings in Webster, South Dakota. Nearly five decades later, our experienced team continues to combine hands-on foundry knowledge with modern technology to cast what others won't.
Our Story
Nearly Five Decades of American Iron
Foundry operations began in Webster, South Dakota in 1977. In 2004, employees purchased the company and renamed it Dakota Foundry — a reflection of the pride they had in the work and the place.
In 2014, Kory Anderson acquired Dakota Foundry, bringing new investment, new technology and a renewed commitment to the skilled trades. Today, Dakota Foundry is part of Anderson Foundries — a network that includes Muncie Castings and Spartan Pattern.
We combine traditional foundry knowledge with 3D sand printing, MAGMA simulation and connected tooling resources to cast what others won't.
Key Milestones
FROM LOCAL FOUNDRY TO NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Foundry operations begin in Webster, South Dakota.
Employees purchase and rename the company Dakota Foundry.
Kory Anderson acquires Dakota Foundry.
The Dakota team helps complete the 150 HP Case using 250+ unique castings, earning a Guinness World Records title.
Foundry operations begin in Webster, South Dakota.
Our People
THE EQUIPMENT MATTERS. THE PEOPLE MAKE IT POSSIBLE.
Dakota Foundry's strength comes from hands-on experience in molding, melting, metallurgy, finishing and solving difficult casting problems. Our team brings generations of combined foundry knowledge to every pour.
Generations of Combined Foundry Experience
How We Work
Four Principles. Every Casting.
We Take On Difficult Work
Complex geometry, challenging weights, tight timelines — we built our operation around the castings others walk away from.
We Build Consistency Into the Process
From pattern to pour to finishing, we engineer repeatability so your castings arrive right the first time.
We Communicate Clearly
You know where your order stands. No surprises, no runaround — just straight answers from people who know the work.
We Stand Behind the Casting
If there is a problem, we fix it. That is not a policy — it is how we operate.
The Dakota Foundry Guarantee
We deliver on our commitments. We've got your back when you are in a crunch. If there is a problem, we will fix it.
Founder Spotlight
BUILT BY A FOUNDRYMAN.
Kory Anderson is the founder and CEO of Anderson Foundries and the owner of Dakota Foundry. Raised in a farming family near Andover, South Dakota — a town of approximately 91 people — he developed an early passion for welding, manufacturing and historic steam equipment.
Kory started his own welding and manufacturing business at age 22 and acquired Dakota Foundry in 2014, helping preserve an American iron foundry and its skilled jobs. He later led the recreation of the 150 HP Case, a project requiring more than 250 unique castings that earned a Guinness World Records title.
Today, he leads Dakota Foundry, Muncie Castings and Spartan Pattern through Anderson Foundries and advocates nationally for American manufacturing and the skilled trades. He also founded Iron Warrior Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to bring 100,000 people into skilled-trades careers by 2030.
Pouring Into the Next Generation
Today's Castings Help Build Tomorrow's Workforce.
At Dakota Foundry, we believe the future of American manufacturing depends on the people we prepare today. That's why we proudly support Iron Warrior Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by our CEO, Kory Anderson, to prepare the next generation for careers in foundry work and the skilled trades.
Our support helps advance the Academy's mission to bring 100,000 people into the trades by 2030—giving young people the hands-on skills, confidence and opportunity to build meaningful careers.
Iron Warrior Academy is a registered
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Webster, South Dakota
Where the Work Gets Done
Dakota Foundry operates from a 75,000-square-foot facility in Webster, South Dakota. Every casting we produce is poured in Webster, South Dakota by skilled American workers.
Join Our Team
BUILD WHAT OTHERS WON'T.
Dakota Foundry is built by skilled people who take pride in solving difficult problems and making products that keep American industry moving. If you want hands-on work, practical training and the opportunity to build a meaningful skilled-trades career, we want to hear from you.
- Hands-on skilled-trades experience
- Training and opportunities to advance
- Work that supports American manufacturing
- A team that values craftsmanship and problem-solving
- Opportunities to learn foundry processes and modern technology
- Located in Webster, South Dakota
Production Employee
Join the team that turns sand and molten iron into castings built for American industry. Production employees may support molding, pouring, core production, shakeout, grinding, finishing and material handling based on experience and production needs. Training is available for motivated applicants willing to learn.
Maintenance Technician
Help keep Dakota Foundry's equipment, facility and production systems operating safely and reliably. This role supports preventive maintenance, equipment troubleshooting, repairs and continuous improvement throughout the foundry.
Operations Manager
Lead day-to-day foundry operations with a focus on people, safety, quality, scheduling and dependable production. This position is intended for an experienced manufacturing leader who can solve problems, develop employees and help move Dakota Foundry forward.
Don't see the right opening? We are always interested in meeting hardworking people who want to learn and grow with American manufacturing.
Apply to Join Dakota Foundry
Tell us a little about yourself, your experience and the type of work that interests you. Previous foundry experience is helpful, but a strong work ethic and willingness to learn matter too.
Part of Something Bigger
The Anderson Foundries Network
Dakota Foundry operates as part of Anderson Foundries, a network of American foundries and pattern shops built to handle the full range of casting challenges — from prototype to production, from small runs to large volumes.
Learn About the Network