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In this episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa Fox visits Seneca Foundry to talk with Lori Mason and Steph Kruger, two of the driving forces behind one of Iowa’s most resilient and forward-thinking manufacturers. The conversation dives deep into the foundry business—its history, challenges, and evolution. Lori and Steph open up about navigating industry consolidation, the lingering effects of the agricultural downturn, and the ripple impact of tariffs and global supply chain disruptions.
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Despite these headwinds, Seneca Foundry has leaned into transformation rather than retreat. The company has made significant operational changes, adopting smarter technologies and modernizing systems while maintaining its commitment to craftsmanship and community. Lori and Steph discuss how they identified priorities that truly move the needle—those that strengthen their competitive advantage in workforce recruitment and retention. Their approach has built a culture that’s magnetic: the Seneca team is young, diverse, loyal, and proud of the hard work that defines foundry life.
As Lori points out, “Foundry work will never be clean or easy,” but at Seneca, it’s meaningful, respected, and full of opportunity. Listeners will hear how the leadership team has built an environment where employees feel ownership, purpose, and pride in producing parts that support agriculture, construction, and countless other industries. This episode is a testament to what happens when a company honors its legacy while fearlessly innovating for the future.