Built for Tomorrow’s Demands – Delivered Today
At Washburn Iron Works, we pride ourselves on our dedication to our customers and innovation. Our advanced manufacturing processes ensure that we meet the highest standards and maintain flexibility to optimize customers demands.
Forward-Thinking Leadership
Our leadership team combines experience with fresh perspectives to drive our mission forward.
Sustainable Practices
As 'OG recyclers', we prioritize sustainability in all our manufacturing processes.
Our Founding
Otto Rusch founded Washburn Iron Works the first iron was poured on June 26th, 1976

Barrel Stove Kits
Barrel Stove kits are sold.
Growth
Dave & Raelyn (Otto’s youngest daughter) Pearson join the company.
Improvements
New Ajax Melt System installed.
Expansion
9600 square foot expansion and the first automatic molding machine with a mold handling line is installed.
Recognition
Otto named small business person of the year for the state of Wisconsin.
Upgrades
New Dual Trak Inductotherm Melt System.
Retirement
Otto retires, Raelyn becomes President.
Expansion
Building expansion for a 2nd automated molding machine.
Capacity Building
Hunter automated molding machine and mold handling line is up and running.
Growth
Taylor & Cole join the company.
Upgrades
Robotic grinding added.
Upgrades
Robotic molding added.
Retirement
Dave retires.
Upgrades
New Hunter 20X24 HLM molding machine installed, we named it the “Otto Matic."
Upgrades
New BP 16X20 molding machine installed.
Upgrades
New shakeout system and two Barinder automated grinding cells added.
Expansion
13,000sq foot addition for future melt system.
Award & Expansion
Received a $1,000,000 Energy Innovation Grant from the state of Wisconsin for upgrading to a new electric melt system.
Upgrades
New 2250 Dual Trak Induction Melt System with automated charge system and iron distribution system updated.
Our Team
Meet the dedicated leaders of Washburn Iron Works.
Taylor Pearson
President
Taylor grew up in the foundry industry, working summers at Washburn Iron Works during high school and college. In 2012, he returned to continue the family legacy after seven years in healthcare management, now he oversees all company operations and drives the vision and continuous improvement efforts for the company.
Cole Pearson
Vice President
Cole grew up around the foundry industry, working summers at the plant throughout high school. In 2012, after gaining experience with metal fabrication, he came back to help usher in the third generation of leadership for Washburn Iron Works. Cole is heavily involved in the day to day operations of the plant directing new projects and process improvements around the facility.
Raelyn F. Pearson
Treasurer
Raelyn has been with the company since 1979, in 2002 she took over as President when founder Otto Rusch retired.
Kurt Lindstrom
Plant Operations Supervisor
Kurt joined Washburn Iron Works in 1992 after serving in the Navy, bringing a strong sense of discipline and dedication to the team. With experience in every position within the plant, he has advanced into a management role where he oversees plant operations and ensures the highest standards of efficiency and quality.
Kevin Korpela
Accountant
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Why Choose Washburn Iron Works?
At Washburn Iron Works we prioritize quality, responsiveness, and building long-term partnerships. Our commitment to innovation ensures we are uniquely positioned to be your foundry partner now and into the future.
Family Owned
Our leadership is young, dynamic, and dedicated to the family legacy of excellence.
Responsive
Our goal is to respond to customers inquiries and questions within 24 hours.
Experience Unmatched Quality in Every Casting we Produce
We prioritize safety, quality, efficiency, and sustainability in our manufacturing processes. Every casting we produce is manufactured to exacting specifications and our iron is certified by a third party laboratory. Focusing on our customers requirements, Washburn Iron Works is the partner you can count on for consistent results.
Customer Testimonials
Our clients know the value of consistent quality, clear communication, and trusted results. Hear their stories firsthand.
"Washburn Iron Works has been a trusted partner for over a decade, delivering quality castings with low scrap rates and expert solutions. Their team is accountable, innovative, and genuinely invested in our success — true partners in solving complex casting challenges."
DAVE
“I must say that in the four years I have been here, I have seen remarkable improvements from Washburn Iron Works in quality, delivery, and responsiveness. Washburn Iron Works is definitely one of my favorites to work with."
DON B.
Our Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
At Washburn Iron Works, we pride ourselves on the role foundries play in environmental stewardship. Our extensive history in the industry along with continuous improvement efforts ensure that we are optimizing the resources required to make our products.
87%
Post consumer and post
industrial waste
500+
Customers served, showcasing our trusted partnerships.