A major investment in Green Bay manufacturing is set to bring new jobs and advanced forging technology.
Green Bay Drop Forge, a 111-year-old leader in precision steel forging, is investing $20 million in a state-of-the-art expansion to modernize production, create jobs, and strengthen U.S. manufacturing. The company’s new 58,000-square-foot facility in Green Bay, Wis., will allow for increased forge, machining, and assembly operations, ensuring over 100 manufacturing jobs stay local while supporting industries that power America’s infrastructure, including automotive, heavy truck, construction, defense and agriculture.
This expansion comes at a crucial time for U.S. manufacturing, reinforcing domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on overseas production. By investing in cutting-edge forging technology, Green Bay Drop Forge will improve efficiency and enhance product quality. This will strengthen its position as a key supplier of durable, American-made components for industries nationwide.
But, before Green Bay Drop Forge became a leader in precision steel components, its story started with something much simpler: horseshoes. More than a century ago, the company was known for forging horseshoes and drive calks, the metal spikes that helped horses grip icy roads. As transportation and industry evolved, so did Green Bay Drop Forge, shifting to manufacturing high-strength parts for automobiles, agriculture, and heavy machinery. That same ability to adapt and innovate is what continues to drive the company forward today.
Forging is one of the oldest and strongest methods of shaping metal. Unlike casting, which pours molten metal into a mold, forging involves heating steel and pressing, hammering, or rolling it into shape. This process aligns the metal’s internal grain structure, making it stronger, more durable, and resistant to wear and tear.
Think about the parts in your car, tools in your garage, or the heavy machinery that builds roads and harvests crops — forged components are everywhere. This expansion is more than just a facility upgrade; it’s an investment in the materials that keep America moving.
Green Bay Drop Forge supplies industries that rely on superior strength and durability. On the automotive side, Green Bay Drop Forge has been a trusted Tier 1 supplier for General Motors (GM) for over 50 years, earning GM’s Supplier Quality Excellence Award, a distinction given to only 7% of GM’s suppliers worldwide. It also supports American small businesses, like CobraHead, a Wisconsin manufacturer known for its high-quality gardening tools, one we highlighted in AAM’s 2022 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide. These partnerships underscore how forging plays a role in both large and small manufacturers alike.
At a time when the U.S. forging industry is struggling with growing foreign competition and has seen hundreds of plant closures over the past two decades, this expansion is a much needed boost for American manufacturing. And it wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration and support of the City of Green Bay. By backing this expansion, the city is reinforcing its commitment to manufacturing and economic growth, ensuring that businesses like Green Bay Drop Forge can continue to thrive and provide high-quality, American-made products for generations to come.
Imagine the ripple effect this investment will have on the entire country, strongly supporting our domestic steel industry. With this growth comes a stronger local economy and more opportunities for workers. Green Bay’s support for this expansion reinforces that manufacturing will continue to be a driving force in the region — creating jobs, strengthening industries, and forging a stronger future.