Veteran Executive to Drive Strategic Growth and Innovation

(Waupaca, Wisconsin) February 10, 2025 – Waupaca Foundry, a leading global supplier of iron castings, today announced Michael (Mike) Hawthorne as Chief Executive Officer. Hawthorne succeeds Mike Nikolai, who left the company after nine years as CEO and over three decades of service at Waupaca Foundry. 

“We’re excited to welcome Mike Hawthorne to the Waupaca Foundry family,” said Daniel Collin, Chairman of Waupaca Foundry. “He brings over 30 years of industry experience and understands the roles that engineering, design, system integration and operational excellence play in achieving breakthrough results. He will build on the strong foundation that Mike Nikolai has left here. We wish Mike Nikolai well and thank him for his contributions to the business.”

As CEO, Hawthorne will focus on driving operational efficiency, enhancing innovation, and furthering the company's relationships with customers and stakeholders. His appointment will solidify Waupaca Foundry's position as a key player in the metal casting industry. 

"I am honored to join Waupaca Foundry and look forward to working with the talented team to build upon the company's strong foundation," said Hawthorne. "Waupaca Foundry has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality products, and I am excited to lead the company to its next growth phase."

Hawthorne’s previous experience includes serving as President, Specialty Manufacturing Group for JB Poindexter & Co., President & CEO of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC, and President & CEO of New York Air Brake, LLC. Hawthorne holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and an MBA from Syracuse University. 

Waupaca Foundry operates three Wisconsin-based foundries in Waupaca and Marinette and another in Tell City, Indiana. The company also operates a machining center and is headquartered in Waupaca, Wisconsin. 

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