The Lawton Standard Co. is proud to announce that our Lawton De Pere trainer and EHS coordinator, Jairo Ramirez, has been selected to be on the board for the Wisconsin Cast Metals Association (WCMA).
Jairo has always been passionate about promoting safety, sustainability and continuous learning. As Lawton De Pere’s Environmental, Health and Safety coordinator, Jairo has advanced environmental compliance to support both workplace and community impact. He has been a guiding force for Lawton in earning our Green Tier 2 status from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Green Tier 2 Status at Lawton
Lawton De Pere is the only foundry in Wisconsin to be Green Tier 2 certified. The program shows Lawton’s commitment to superior environmental performance. The program helps guide Lawton in making better choices when it comes to sustainability and environmental impact.
One of the biggest parts of our Green Tier journey has been diverting thousands of tons of sand from the landfill. When sand gets too fine for the foundry to reuse, it is sustainably recycled to be used in projects like base layers for parking lots and construction projects. It can also be beneficially reused in asphalt and cement, concrete and grout, bricks and roofing materials and glass and ceramics. In the past four years, Lawton De Pere has diverted nearly 10,000 tons of spent foundry sand.
Lawton De Pere was first Green Tier certified in 2013. In 2021 Lawton earned Green Tier 2 status and in 2025 we renewed our commitment to the Green Tier 2 program. Our Green Tier 2 status also allowed the company to become the first to receive coverage under the exclusive Green Tier Registration Permit (ROP-G).
Ramirez has presented the actions Lawton takes to maintain it’s Green Tier 2 status to the DNR, other businesses and even at chambers of commerce. His passion has led the way in Lawton’s mission to be better neighbors and more dedicated to sustainability efforts.
Along with Lawton’s Green Tier 2 status, the company is also a member of the Sustainable Business Council in Wisconsin, earning the organization’s Green Masters Program certificate in 2022.
Lawton De Pere is also ISO 14001 certified, showing the company’s commitment to quality environmental management systems. That certification helps companies towards their goals of minimizing their environmental footprint, complying with relevant legal requirements and standards and achieving their environmental objectives.
What is the Wisconsin Cast Metal Association?
Since the 1960s, the Wisconsin Cast Metals Association has been a proactive voice for the metalcasting industry in the state.
The WCMA represents more than 30 member firms and 85% of the state’s casting production. Metalcasting is essential for a wide range of industries, including automotive, medical devices, aerospace, defense and energy. Foundries produce high-quality castings for products like airplanes, tractors, big rigs, appliances and much more.
The organization drives legislative, regulatory and sustainability initiatives that help advance the foundry and casting industry in Wisconsin, while also promoting responsible practices.
The metalcasting industry in Wisconsin is a $3 billion a year industry with over 115 foundries, employing nearly 18,000 workers. The WCMA aims to enhance the quality and knowledge of foundries in the state through the collective actions of its members. The association’s by-laws specify various matters affecting its operations and governance, including implementing plans and programs to accomplish its mission.
WCMA’s Board and Leadership
Jairo is one of eleven board members for the Wisconsin Cast Metals Association.
Jairo thrives on connecting with other professionals across the industry to foster collaboration and thoughtful conversations around safety and sustainability.
The organization is run by the board, along with President Bryant Esch and Vice President Sean Evans.
You can learn more about the WCMA’s board, leadership and events by visiting the non-profit’s website.