×

Mueller Company shows off new brass foundry to American Foundry Society, highlighting significant manufaturing investment in Central Illinois

By Lindsay Romano Jul 23, 2025 | 5:41 PM

July 23, 2025 -Mueller Company welcomed representatives from the American Foundry Society (AFS), North America’s largest metalcasting trade association, for an exclusive tour of its state-of-the-art brass foundry in Decatur, Illinois.

AFS members from across the country gathered at Mueller’s headquarters to experience firsthand the company’s newest investment in advanced foundry technology. The facility at 2700 N. Jasper Street, is one of the largest, finished goods brass foundries in the world.

Riley Kerestes, Mueller Decatur Plant Manager, stated that AFS has committees that establish best practices in the industry and each quarter visit a host foundry in which to perform an audit. The visit to Decatur on Wednesday was the most attended foundry group in the last 3 years, reflecting the excitement around largest investment that Mueller as a Corperation has ever made.
“They wanted to see a new foundry too,” Kerestes said.  “A project that started in 2018 and went online only recently…we got to show that off to a National group. They were very impressed as you don’t often get to see a new foundry.”

The tour included a detailed look at the new brass foundry, which opened in 2023 and features modern automation, energy-efficient processes, and enhanced safety systems.

“The thing we are most proud of is that Mueller chose to make that investment in Central Illinois. We have a workforce that is committed to all levels, including our union staff, in making sure this investment pays off for the company and we take pride in the products that we make,” Kerestes added.

Founded in 1857, Mueller is one of Decatur’s oldest employers and a cornerstone of the metalcasting community. The company continues to play a critical role in shaping the future of infrastructure across North America.