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Welcoming the Fourth Generation: Ryan Treiber Joins Chicago White Metal

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Chicago White Metal is proud to welcome Ryan Treiber as Director of Corporate Strategy; the fourth generation of the Treiber family to help shape the future of our company! With a strong background in digital e-commerce and supply chain operations, Ryan brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a deep-rooted passion for the family business.

For Ryan, joining CWM isn’t just a career move — it’s a homecoming. During his time at the University of Illinois, where he studied Business Management, Ryan completed multiple internships at CWM, working everywhere from project management to the shop floor. He recalls, “Even back then, there was always something about the people here that resonated with me.”

Over the past decade, Ryan honed his professional skills at Power Equipment Direct and Ulta Beauty, where he held leadership roles in digital operations and supply chain. “I wasn’t necessarily planning to return to CWM this soon,” Ryan admits. “But it felt like the right time to bring my experience here and contribute to something that’s always been part of my life.”

At CWM, Ryan will focus on special projects, exploring new opportunities for business development, internal efficiencies, and supply chain innovations. His experience leading cross-functional teams and implementing enterprise systems gives him a unique perspective on evolving CWM’s processes while preserving its values.

Reaching the fourth generation is no small feat. Studies show that only 3–5% of family-owned businesses in the U.S. make it to the fourth generation. Chicago White Metal has continued to thrive under successive generations’ leadership, a testament to the company’s adaptability, strong values, and enduring commitment to excellence.

His father, Eric Treiber, President and CCO of Chicago White Metal, sees Ryan’s arrival as both a personal and professional milestone. “Having Ryan join the company is meaningful on so many levels,” Eric says. “He has real-world experience and a fresh perspective, but he also understands the culture and the responsibility that comes with being part of a family legacy. I am proud of the path he’s taken, and excited to see the contributions he will make here.”

Ryan and his wife Holly live in Naperville with their two sons, Jackson and Will. While balancing family and career, Ryan is excited to build strong relationships across departments and with customers. “I’m here to learn, listen, and add value wherever possible,” he says. “It’s not just about being a Treiber — it’s about doing the work and being a part of this team.”

Please join us in welcoming Ryan Treiber to Chicago White Metal! We look forward to the next chapter in our shared journey — one built on innovation, collaboration, and a strong family foundation.

CWM Recycling Update – March 2025

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At CWM, sustainability isn’t just a goal — it’s a commitment we make every month. In March 2025, thanks to the dedication of our team and partners, we kept 4,223 pounds of recyclable materials out of landfills.

Here’s a breakdown of what we collected this month:

  • Cardboard: 2,078 lbs.
  • Plastic: 288 lbs.
  • Paper: 70 lbs.
  • Wood: 1,665 lbs.
  • Electronics: 122 lbs.

Every pound recycled makes a difference. Whether it’s cardboard from shipping, old electronics, or leftover wood, these efforts contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made — and even more excited about what’s ahead.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support our mission and contribute to making responsible recycling part of our everyday operations!

CWM Recycling Stats – February 2025

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CWM remains dedicated to reducing waste and promoting sustainable recycling efforts. In February 2025, through the hard work of our team and partners, we successfully diverted 2,513 pounds of recyclable materials from landfills.

Here’s how our recycling efforts measured up this month:

  • Cardboard: 773 lbs.
  • Plastic: 203 lbs.
  • Paper: 92 lbs.
  • Wood: 1,080 lbs.
  • Groot Mixed Recyclables (cans, bottles, plastic containers, paper): 365 lbs.

Our commitment to responsible waste management helps reduce our monthly environmental impact, moving us closer to a more sustainable future. Thank you to everyone involved in making these efforts a success!

Inside CWM Winter 2024/25 – Vol. 2

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In the Winter 2024/25 edition of Inside CWM, you can learn about:

  • Tom Mrock’s Retirement: Honoring 47 years of commitment and leadership at CWM.
  • Toys for Tots Success: 14 years of making holiday magic for children in need.
  • Meet CWM’s Cobots: Innovative automation improving efficiency and safety.
  • Welcoming Joseph Auz: Our new systems technician brings IT expertise.
  • Employee Achievements: Celebrating service awards, promotions, and personal milestones.
  • Cricket Coaching with Imran Naseer: Sharing the love of the game with young athletes.

View the PDF: Inside CWM Newsletter – Winter 2024/25 Edition

CWM Recycling Stats – January 2025

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CWM is proud to report our ongoing success in minimizing waste and promoting sustainable recycling practices. In January 2025, thanks to the tireless efforts of our dedicated team and partners, we diverted 4,324 pounds of recyclable materials from landfills.

Here’s a breakdown of the materials processed this month:

  • Cardboard: 1,924 lbs.
  • Plastic: 134 lbs.
  • Paper: 36 lbs.
  • Wood: 1,385 lbs.
  • Groot Mixed Recyclables (cans, bottles, plastic containers, paper): 320 lbs.
  • Electronics: 525 lbs.

CNC/Assembly also completed their yearly recycling of Carbide tooling and HSS (High-Speed Steel) tooling, recycling 200 lbs. of high-speed carbide steel.

Through these collective efforts, we continue pushing toward a more sustainable future, reducing our environmental impact each month in 2025 and beyond!

CWM’s 2024 Sustainability Journey: A Year of Progress and Excellence

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At CWM, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a commitment. As a leading die cast company, we understand the significant impact our operations can have on the environment. That’s why, throughout 2024, we worked tirelessly to reduce waste, promote recycling, and operate in an eco-friendly manner. Our team has worked hard to implement innovative waste diversion practices; the results speak for themselves.

In 2024, CWM diverted 60,040 pounds of materials from landfills through our recycling efforts. This milestone reflects our dedication to sustainability and demonstrates how green initiatives can thrive. We’re excited to share how we’ve made a difference this year.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the materials we recycled throughout the year:

  • Cardboard: 18,801 lbs.
  • Plastic: 2,541 lbs.
  • Paper: 949 lbs.
  • Wood: 21,385 lbs.
  • Mixed Recyclables (cans, bottles, plastic containers, paper): 8,226 lbs.
  • Styrofoam: 84 lbs.
  • Concrete: 2,500 lbs.
  • Electronics: 1,677 lbs.
  • Bulbs (pieces): 373 lbs.
  • Refractory: 604 lbs.

These materials represent the waste we’ve successfully diverted from the landfill, turning what would have been discarded into valuable resources for reuse. The volume of materials we recycled in 2024 highlights the profound impact of our efforts.

Looking Toward the Future: Continuing the Green Momentum

As we reflect on our achievements in 2024, we’re energized by our progress, but we’re not stopping here. CWM is always looking for ways to improve and evolve, striving to be a leader in sustainable manufacturing practices within the die-casting industry.

In 2025, we’re setting even higher recycling and sustainability goals, working to reduce waste further, increase recycling rates, and embrace greener technologies in our production processes. This will include expanding our partnerships with recycling organizations, adopting new waste reduction techniques, and continuing to engage our team in innovative green solutions.

By focusing on sustainable operations and recycling, we not only help protect the environment but also contribute to a healthier future for generations to come. CWM’s green initiatives are a testament to what is possible when businesses take responsibility for their environmental impact and work toward positive change.

Thank You to Our Team and Partners

None of this would be possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible team and partners. Each employee plays a role in ensuring that we stay on track with our sustainability efforts, from sorting and processing materials to driving innovations in waste diversion. We also want to thank the recycling partners for working with us to process materials safely and efficiently.

As we look forward to another year of progress, we remain committed to our sustainability mission. Together, we can continue to make a significant impact—not just on our operations but on the world around us.

Here’s to a greener future, one pound of recycled material at a time!

CWM Recycling Stats – December 2024

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CWM is proud to report our ongoing success in minimizing waste and promoting sustainable recycling practices. In December 2024, thanks to the tireless efforts of our dedicated team and partners, we diverted 3,238 pounds of recyclable materials from landfills.

Here’s a breakdown of the materials processed this month:

  • Cardboard: 1,574 lbs.
  • Plastic: 92 lbs.
  • Paper: 115 lbs.
  • Wood: 768 lbs.
  • Mixed Recyclables (cans, bottles, plastic containers, paper): 475 lbs.
  • Electronics: 214 lbs.

Through these collective efforts, we continue pushing toward a more sustainable future, reducing our environmental impact each month in 2024 and beyond!

CWM Recycling Stats – November 2024

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In November 2024, CWM continued to make strides in our mission to reduce waste and promote recycling. Through the dedication of our team and partners, we successfully diverted over 5,700 pounds of recyclable materials from landfills.

Here’s a summary of the materials processed:

  • 2,031 lbs. of cardboard
  • 260 lbs. of plastic
  • 36 lbs. of paper
  • 1,829 lbs. of wood
  • 570 lbs. of mixed recyclables (cans, bottles, plastic containers, paper)
  • 13 lbs. of styrofoam

In total, we diverted 5,739 lbs. of materials from landfills this month. This effort is important to our ongoing commitment to sustainability and waste reduction at CWM.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our partners and staff members whose efforts have made this achievement possible. Your contributions are crucial in helping us work toward a more sustainable future.

Here’s to continuing this positive momentum as we move forward!

CWM Recycling Stats – October 2024

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In October 2024, CWM successfully diverted significant materials from landfills, continuing our commitment to sustainability. Here’s what we processed:

  • 2,936 lbs. of cardboard
  • 422 lbs. of plastic
  • 116 lbs. of paper
  • 3,004 lbs. of wood
  • 685 lbs. of mixed recyclables (cans, bottles, plastic containers, paper)
  • 22 lbs. of Styrofoam
  • 524 lbs. of electronics

Overall, in October 2024, CWM diverted 7,709 lbs. of recyclable materials from landfills, furthering our goal of reducing waste and promoting recycling at our facilities.

Thank you to all our partners and staff for helping make this achievement possible!

Cost-Effective Solutions: When to Use Die Casting Over Other Methods

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Selecting the right production process is crucial for maximizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing. Various methods, from traditional machining to innovative 3D printing, offer unique advantages and applications. Amongst these other manufacturing options, die casting has shown to be a highly effective solution, especially for high-volume production.

This blog provides an overview of die casting, exploring its benefits, applications, and comparisons with other manufacturing methods.

1. Understanding Die Casting

What is Die Casting?

Die casting is a manufacturing process in which molten metal is forced into a mold cavity under high pressure. This results in precise, high-quality metal components produced quickly and efficiently. The die casting process falls into two categories: cold chamber and hot chamber.

Cold chamber die casting is used for aluminum production. This method transports molten metal from a central furnace to a holding furnace at the machine. Each cycle delivers a precise amount of molten metal to the shot chamber using an automated ladle transfer system. Programmable hydraulic valves actuate a plunger that forces the metal into the die under high pressure. Once solidified, the plunger releases, and the part is ejected onto a conveyor for the next operation.

Cold chamber die casting is used for aluminum production. This method transports molten metal from a central furnace to a holding furnace at the machine. Each cycle delivers a precise amount of molten metal to the shot chamber using an automated ladle transfer system. Programmable hydraulic valves actuate a plunger that forces the metal into the die under high pressure. Once solidified, the plunger releases, and the part is ejected onto a conveyor for the next operation.

On the other hand, hot chamber die casting is used for magnesium and zinc production. This process automatically supplies molten metal to the machine through a “gooseneck” submerged in a furnace. At the start of the cycle, a piston retracts to fill the gooseneck with molten metal, which is then plunged into the die when the piston is activated. After solidification, the die is opened, and the finished part is ejected. The part is then transferred to a conveyor for further processing.

Overview of Materials Commonly Used

Aluminum, zinc, and magnesium are the most commonly used metals in die casting due to their favorable properties, such as lightweight, corrosion resistance, and excellent fluidity, which allow for intricate designs.

2. Advantages of Die Casting

Cost Efficiency

One of die casting’s key advantages is its cost efficiency, especially for high-volume production runs. While initial setup costs can be significant, the lower per-unit costs quickly offset this as production scales.

Precision and Detail

Die casting is known for its precision. It can produce parts with tight tolerances and complex geometries, making it ideal for applications that demand intricate details.

Surface Finish

The surface quality achieved through die casting often surpasses that of other methods, minimizing the need for additional finishing work and ensuring components meet aesthetic and functional requirements.

Environmental

Die casting is more environmentally friendly than plastic injection molding for several reasons. Metals like aluminum and zinc are highly recyclable and can be reused indefinitely, unlike many plastics that degrade over time. Additionally, die cast products are typically more durable, leading to fewer replacements and less overall material consumption. These factors combine to make die casting a more sustainable manufacturing option.

3. When to Choose Die Casting Over Other Methods

Production Volume

Die casting is especially effective for high-volume production. Once the mold is created, producing additional units becomes quick and cost-effective.

Complex Geometries

For projects that require intricate designs, die casting provides the flexibility to create shapes that other methods may struggle with.

Durability Requirements

Applications demanding strong and durable components, such as automotive parts, often benefit from the robustness of die cast components.

Tight Tolerances

In scenarios where precision is critical, die casting’s capability to maintain tight tolerances makes it a preferred choice for many industries.

4. Comparing Die Casting with Other Manufacturing Methods

Injection Molding

Although injection molding and die casting involve injecting materials into molds or dies, they serve different functions. Injection molding is used to manufacture plastic parts, whereas die casting produces strong and durable metal components. Die casting is often the preferred choice for many applications because it creates highly detailed, complex shapes with excellent dimensional accuracy and superior strength and durability of the final products—especially when compared to plastic components.

Die casting is also significantly more environmentally friendly than plastic injection molding. The materials used in die casting are 100% recyclable, reducing waste and minimizing pollution. With the pressing issues surrounding plastic waste, die casting is a greener alternative.

Sand Casting and Investment Casting

Sand casting and investment casting are additional methods for producing metal parts. While these processes can be cost-effective for low to medium volumes, they generally lack the precision and efficiency of die casting, particularly for complex designs. Die casting’s tighter tolerances and faster cycle times make it the preferred choice for mass production.

5. Cost Considerations

Initial Setup Costs

Die casting requires upfront investment in tooling and equipment. However, the long-term savings associated with high-volume production can justify this cost.

Operational Costs

When comparing operational costs, die casting tends to be more energy-efficient and less labor-intensive than other methods, particularly for high-volume runs.

Long-Term Savings

The cost benefits of die casting become evident over time, as the process’s efficiency leads to substantial savings in materials and labor costs for mass production.

Conclusion

Die casting offers numerous advantages, particularly in high-volume production scenarios, complex geometries, and stringent durability and precision requirements. As manufacturing processes evolve, businesses must evaluate their needs and consider die casting a viable solution.

Consulting with experts in the field can provide tailored insights into navigating the complexities of manufacturing processes. Contact us today to discuss your project, or click here for a quote!

Delivering precision Die Cast products and services in Aluminum, Magnesium and Zinc since 1937.

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  • 649 IL Route 83, Bensenville, IL 60106-1340
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