Hunter Foundry

What Hunter Foundry does

Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation is a Schaumburg, Illinois-based manufacturer of automated matchplate molding machines and mold handling systems for the global foundry industry, founded in 1964 and employing 51–100 people. The company designs and builds capital equipment — primarily the HLM Series (linear motion technology) and HTBB Series (top/bottom blow process) matchplate molding machines, along with HLH Type I–IV linear mold handling systems, HV single- and dual-level turntable mold handling systems, and the SL Series pouring loop — that automate green sand casting operations for industrial metal castings. Its technology stack centers on proprietary mechanical innovations protected by 143 patents globally, including magnetically coupled rod-less cylinders, sealed linear bearings, and patented squeeze/clamping mechanisms that reduce maintenance and improve mold surface hardness consistency relative to side-blowing alternatives.

Hunter generates revenue through three primary streams: (1) one-time capital sales of new molding machines and complete mold handling lines sold through direct enterprise field sales with quote-based pricing, machine customization, installation, training, and warranty; (2) replacement parts — basins, pattern plates, sprues, squeeze boards — supported by a $7–12 million parts inventory and sold through direct contact, an eBay storefront, and catalog ordering; and (3) recurring field service and the Hunter 'Hunts' annual service contract providing priority scheduling, reduced service rates, and a 10% parts discount. A refurbished and remanufactured machine program extends the addressable market to price-sensitive customers. The company serves foundries across transportation, aerospace, electric vehicle, defense, commercial vehicle, automotive, agriculture, plumbing supplies, and emerging markets in 30+ countries, with nearly 1,800 machines installed worldwide and global manufacturing/sales operations across North America, China, Europe, and India.

The company was family-owned for 60 years under the Hunter family before being acquired in 2024 by Manny Gandhi, who is also CEO of SMG Group, a customer and now potentially a related-party. The current product roadmap emphasizes the post-2013 HLM and post-2019 HTBB platforms, with no public disclosure of revenue, funding, or M&A pipeline. More than 90% of parts, labor, and components are made in the U.S., supporting a premium made-in-America positioning.

Name

Hunter Foundry

Legal name

Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation

Website

https://hunterfoundry.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation, founded 1964 and based in Schaumburg, IL, designs and manufactures automated matchplate molding machines and mold handling systems for foundries worldwide. The company sells capital equipment, replacement parts, and field services to industrial metal casters across automotive, aerospace, EV, defense, and industrial sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Schaumburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Industrial Machinery Sales: Sale of automated matchplate molding machines (HLM Series, HTBB Series) and complete line of mold handling systems (Linear HLH Types I–IV, Turntable HV systems, SL Series). Machines are sold directly through field sales consultation with customization to customer requirements. The company also offers refurbished and remanufactured machines at reduced costs relative to new products.
2. Replacement Parts Sales: Sale of auxiliary parts including basins, pattern plates, sprues, squeeze board accessories, squeeze boards, and bottom boards. The company maintains a $7 million parts inventory and sells parts through its eBay store and direct contact. Service contract holders receive a 10% discount on parts orders for one calendar year.
3. Field Services and Support: On-site field services including installation, maintenance, repairs, engineering solutions, training, and technical support. Service contract customers receive priority scheduling, reduced service rates, and frozen service rates over the contract year.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Hunter Foundry manufactures and sells automated matchplate molding machines (HLM Series, HTBB) and mold handling systems (Linear HLH Types I–IV, Turntable HV systems, SL Series) for industrial foundries producing metal castings. The company also sells auxiliary parts, refurbished machines, and provides field service and maintenance through its Hunter 'Hunts' Service Contract program.

Product overview

Hunter Foundry offers a comprehensive portfolio of automated foundry equipment centered on matchplate molding technology and mold handling systems. The core products include the HLM Series and HTBB matchplate molding machines, which represent the company's proprietary linear motion and top/bottom blow technologies respectively. These are complemented by the HLH Type I-IV Linear Mold Handling Systems providing single, double, and triple row pouring/cooling configurations, the HV-Single Level and HV-Dual Level Turntable Mold Handling Systems with multi-level cooling, and the SL Series Single-Level Pouring Systems. The company also provides a complete range of auxiliary parts including basins, pattern plates, sprues, squeeze boards, and offers field services, remanufactured equipment, and service contracts. The product line serves foundries in industries including automotive, aerospace, transportation, agriculture, plumbing, defense, and commercial vehicles, with machines installed worldwide since 1964.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HLM Series Matchplate Molding Machine Patented automated matchplate molding machine using linear motion technology with magnetically coupled rod-less cylinders and sealed linear bearings. Delivers smooth, quiet, energy-efficient operation with maximum stability and reduced maintenance for foundries producing metal castings.
• HTBB Matchplate Molding Machine Next-generation single-station molding system using top/bottom blow process with adjustable hydraulics and higher squeeze pressure. Delivers more consistent and uniform mold surface hardness, eliminates the shadow effect common in side-blowing machines, and produces improved casting finishes for high-production foundries.
• HLH TYPE I System Single row pouring line linear mold handling system with automatic mold conveying, weight and jacket handling, and cooling times up to 30 minutes. Designed for flaskless green sand molds.
• HLH TYPE II System Double row combined pouring and cooling line system with dual-pass pouring and cooling, featuring cooling times up to 45 minutes for flaskless green sand molds.
• HLH TYPE III System Triple row combined pouring and cooling line system with triple-pass pouring and cooling, featuring cooling times up to 1 hour for flaskless green sand molds.
• HLH TYPE IV System Single row pouring plus triple row cooling line system with multi-pass cooling capability for cooling times in excess of 1 hour. Molds can pass through system up to four times without weights and jackets.
• HV-Single Level Turntable Mold Handling System Turntable mold handling system with dual-level cooling for flaskless green sand molds. Features automated weight/jacket setting, precise mold indexing, and cooling times up to 30 minutes.
• HV-Dual Level Turntable Mold Handling System Multi-level turntable mold handling and cooling system for flaskless green sand molds with cooling times up to 1 hour. Features automated mold handling and multi-level cooling configuration.
• TYPE SL-I Single-Level Pouring System Single-level pouring loop system with automated weight and jacket setting, controlled acceleration/deceleration mold indexing, and flexible pouring modes (fixed position or walk-forward pouring).
• Refurbished Machines Refurbished and remanufactured foundry equipment of high quality at reduced costs relative to new products. Machines are reverse engineered and refurbished with latest technology to perform like new.
• Field Services On-site installation, repair, maintenance, and technical support provided by trained field service engineers globally. Includes a $7 million parts inventory for quick delivery of replacement parts.
• Hunts Service Contract Annual service contract providing scheduled inspections, maintenance assistance, priority scheduling, reduced service rates, frozen service rates over the contract year, and a 10% discount on all parts orders for one calendar year. Requires at least 2 scheduled calls to qualify for the parts discount.
• Basins (Auxiliary Parts) Precision basins for efficient and accurate mold handling. Available in various sizes with Ultra-Clean Basin Former Design featuring patent-pending technology with multi-location pre-hosed air injection and replaceable polyurethane liner.
• Pattern Plates (Auxiliary Parts) High-precision aluminum tooling plates engineered for flatness and parallelism within .005 inches. Features optional quick-change, slotted vents, half holes, and joint locks configurations.
• Sprues (Auxiliary Parts) Essential casting components serving as primary channels for directing molten metal into mold cavities. Designed for efficient flow to minimize turbulence and air entrapment.
• Squeeze Board Accessories Components including reinforcement plates, alignment dowels, edge protectors, vent inserts, and quick-lock systems for enhancing efficiency and precision of molding operations.
• Squeeze Board & Bottom Boards Precision components providing essential support during molding process. Available in standard, vented, customizable, reinforced configurations with quick-lock systems for rapid replacement.

Quantifiable outcome

• Increased productivity and profitability through smooth, quiet, energy-efficient operation with lower maintenance requirements
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• American Foundry Society (AFS)coreOthersHunter Foundry is an active member of the American Foundry Society, the leading association for the foundry industry. As a corporate member, Hunter participates in industry initiatives, receives industry recognition, and contributes to advancing the foundry industry. The company has received multiple awards from AFS including the Wm. J. Grede Award presented to founder Al Hunter in 2001.
• Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF)coreOthersHunter Foundry is an active member of the Foundry Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization representing the foundry industry's first link to college campuses. In 2012, Hunter established a scholarship fund named for company founder Al Hunter, endowed with a $25,000 seed donation, to encourage students to pursue metalcasting as an academic endeavor. The first recipient school was the University of Alabama.
• eBayminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHunter Foundry launched an eBay store to sell hard-to-replace parts at discounted prices with direct delivery. This is a minor distribution channel for parts sales, making parts more accessible to customers who may not have direct Hunter sales relationships.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• DISA (Norican Group): DISA, the molding line brand of Norican Group, is the closest direct competitor to Hunter, offering green sand molding systems including matchplate, flaskless, and vertical molding lines for foundries globally. Both companies target the same foundry customer base with comparable sand molding technologies.
• Vulcan Engineering Company: U.S.-based supplier of complete foundry systems including molding machines, mold handling, and pouring equipment. Vulcan competes with Hunter for North American foundry modernization projects and offers comparable integrated foundry solutions.
• Tinker Omega Manufacturing: U.S. manufacturer of matchplate and flaskless molding machines plus mold handling systems. Tinker Omega is a direct competitor to Hunter in the North American green sand molding segment with comparable product offerings.
• Sintokogio, Ltd. Japanese industrial machinery manufacturer with a strong foundry equipment division producing molding machines, sand systems, and shot blasting equipment. Sintokogio competes directly with Hunter in automated molding for global foundries, particularly in Asia.
• BMM Weston: UK-based manufacturer of matchplate molding machines and mold handling equipment. BMM Weston competes directly with Hunter in green sand molding for foundries, particularly across European and Commonwealth markets.
• Palmer Manufacturing & Supply: U.S. manufacturer of foundry equipment including matchplate molding machines, sand systems, and auxiliaries. Palmer is a smaller but directly comparable competitor serving North American green sand foundries with similar product categories.
• Kunkel Wagner: German foundry machinery manufacturer producing molding machines and complete foundry systems. Kunkel Wagner competes with Hunter primarily in European markets and is comparable in product scope for traditional green sand molding.
• SAVELLI Group: Italian manufacturer of foundry machinery including matchplate molding machines and complete molding lines. SAVELLI competes head-to-head with Hunter in Europe and emerging markets, serving similar green sand foundry customers.

Broad incumbents

• Inductotherm Group: Larger industrial conglomerate supplying melting, holding, and pouring equipment for foundries worldwide. While not focused on matchplate molding, Inductotherm serves the same foundry customer base with complementary capital equipment, making it a broader incumbent competitor for foundry modernization budgets.
• Vesuvius (Foseco): Global supplier of consumables, refractories, and engineered systems to foundries through its Foseco brand. Vesuvius serves Hunter's customer base with adjacent foundry products, making it a broad incumbent competing for overall foundry wallet share.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/hunterfoundrymachinery
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hunter-foundry-machinery-corp

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hunter Foundry