COLUMBIANA – Humtown Products, a manufacturer of 3D printed and conventional sand molds for the foundry industry, plans to expand its association with Youngstown State University and introduce automated processes.
“Humtown will open its third location within Youngstown State University’s Excellence Training Center,” says Brenda Covert, Humtown marketing director. “This facility will operate a micro-foundry, with Humtown supporting the center with casting ventures, as well as 3D printing.”
The company, established in 1959, also plans to implement a new automation system to help reduce the time-intensive process of extracting sand and parts from build boxes, thereby freeing up employees to perform other tasks.
These projects come as Humtown experienced growth last year in its additive and conventional sand core and mold manufacturing operations.
Humtown Additive, based in Leetonia, witnessed revenue growth of more than 50% in 2022 compared to 2021, while conventional manufacturing at Humtown Products’ plant in Columbiana increased by 62%, according to Covert. Employment grew by 16% across the company to 57, she says.
Humtown Additive, the largest provider of 3D sand printing in North America, added two sand 3D printers in 2022, bringing to 11 the number of machines operating at full capacity.
The one project that stands to have the most impact this year is the launch of the “Through the Lens of My Friends” video series.
Humtown CEO Mark Lamoncha invited students from Crestview High School to spend time at Humtown to witness the company’s operations and share their experience with classmates. This exposure to hands-on learning helps foster new interest in manufacturing careers.
“Mr. Lamoncha hopes to introduce students and this program to other forms of manufacturing in the future,” says Covert.