The Final Pour

Texas Foundries - 1939 to 2009

It is customary in the foundry and metalcasting industry for pattern makers to make medallions to commemorate significant events in the life of the foundry. Generally, these are happy and joyous events to celebrate the "first pour of molten metal" on a new molding line or a retired molding line or to christen a new furnace or some other significant event or milestone such as a well deserved quality certification or anniversary of years in business. Many businesses in the East Texas area have these medallions on their walls to mark events such as first place in the hush puppy contest at the East Texas Fair or a member of the chamber of commerce or a drug free workplace partner.

Unfortunately, medallions are also created for final pours in the life of an institution as is such the case with this medallion. Word on the street is that Citation Lufkin AKA Texas Foundries will do their final pour on Thursday, tomorrow. After seventy years of making quality castings for industry and the military, Texas Foundries will begin the final arduous task of shutting the furnances down forever and finishing and shipping the final castings. The die is cast and soon the gates will be locked. Everyone had hoped there would be a white knight appearing to rescue the operations, but it appears that such is not the case it becomes my duty to inform you...

I visited Texas Foundries in Lufkin Texas today to "scavange" some items that were being sold and to say a final goodbye to many of my friends there. One week shy of twelve years, I worked at Texas Foundries in the computer department - first as a Sr. Programmer/Analyst and then as the Information Systems manager. When I first started with Texas Foundries in 1994, there were nearly 1,200 employees running the ductile iron and steel foundries. Now, somewhere around 400 good souls will be or already are on the unemployment line. I have many positive fond memories of the place - but it was always the people that made Texas Foundries special. People are always the most important asset of any company. Write it down, mark it, circle it - it is an absolute truth.

A sad day for Lufkin and all of East Texas...

This medallion was actually cast several weeks ago.




Even Doc Holliday, the MinPin is sad about the closing of Texas Foundries... He spent many a night and weekend there making sure that production was posted...