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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 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!

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!

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 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!

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!

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!

In September 2024, CWM sent the following materials to Imperial Recycling for processing:

• 986 lbs. of cardboard
• 111 lbs. of paper
• 108 lbs. of plastic
• 1,347 lbs. of wood

Additionally, our partner Groot collected approximately 630 lbs. of mixed recyclables, including cans, bottles, plastic containers, and paper, from various locations within the facility.

Overall, CWM successfully diverted 3,788 lbs. of recyclable materials from landfills in September!

In August 2024, CWM sent the following materials to Imperial Recycling for processing:

• 1,504 lbs. of cardboard
• 36 lbs. of paper
• 207 lbs. of plastic
• 1,900 lbs. of wood

Our partner, Groot, also collected a variety of mixed recyclables, including roughly 730 lbs. of cans, bottles, plastic containers, and paper from different areas around the facility. Additionally, we recycled 165 lbs. of electronics.

In total, CWM diverted 4,542 lbs. of recyclable material from landfills in August 2024!

Die casting is a manufacturing process well known for its precision and efficiency. It is used to make components for various applications across multiple industries. As technology advances and innovations emerge, the die casting industry evolves, and leading die casting companies embrace these new developments and opportunities.

This blog delves into the modern trends that are shaping the future of die casting, from the latest technological advancements to cutting-edge techniques and sustainability considerations; here’s what the future of die casting looks like:

1. Innovations in Die Casting Techniques

a. Automation and Robotics

The integration of automation, including robots and cobots, is revolutionizing die casting processes:

• Automated Systems: Robots and cobots enhance efficiency and consistency in die casting, CNC machining, and assembly operations. Automated systems streamline the processes, reducing human error and increasing production rates.
• Smart Technology: Incorporating sensors and real-time monitoring systems allows process optimization. Smart technologies enable precise control over parameters, leading to higher quality and more consistent products.
• Improved Safety: Automation in die casting reduces worker exposure to hazards, minimizes injury risk from repetitive tasks, and creates a safer work environment by handling dangerous operations.

b. Advanced Prototyping Technologies

Advancements in prototyping technologies ensure that designs are validated before production, which can help reduce project lead times.

• Rapid Prototyping: Techniques like 3D printing accelerate prototype development by reducing lead times and costs. This technology not only transforms manufacturing through its ability to create complex part geometries but also enables rapid design adjustments and more efficient product development.

2. Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

a. Energy Efficiency

The die casting industry is making strides toward greater energy efficiency:

• Reduced Energy Consumption: New technologies and materials are being developed to lower energy usage during casting. Innovations in process design and material handling contribute to more sustainable production practices.
• Recycling and Waste Reduction: Advances in recycling technologies are addressing the challenge of scrap metal and waste reduction. Improved recycling processes help reduce the environmental footprint of die casting operations.

b. Sustainable Materials

Sustainability is becoming a key focus in material development:

• Eco-Friendly Alloys: Alloys such as aluminum, magnesium, and zinc are eco-friendly due to their recyclability and lower environmental impact than other materials – especially plastic. Aluminum, for instance, can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality, reducing the need for raw material extraction and energy consumption.
• Biodegradable Materials: While still in the exploratory phase, biodegradable materials hold promise for reducing the industry’s overall environmental impact. These materials include biodegradable polymers and composites used as lubricants or cleaners that break down more readily in the environment than traditional chemicals.

3. Quality Control and Process Improvement

a. Enhanced Inspection Techniques

Ensuring high-quality outcomes is crucial in die casting:

• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Advances in NDT methods enhance the ability to detect defects without damaging the components. These techniques—like X-rays or light testing methods—ensure products meet rigorous quality standards.
• AI and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are emerging as powerful tools for predictive maintenance and defect detection. These technologies enable more proactive quality control and process management.

b. Process Optimization

Optimizing die casting processes is critical to improving efficiency:

• Simulation and Modeling: Advanced software for simulation (like Magmasoft) and modeling programs to help predict die casting outcomes and refine processes. These tools reduce errors and enhance process efficiency.
• Lean Manufacturing: Lean principles are applied to die casting to minimize waste and improve operational efficiency. Techniques like value stream mapping and continuous improvement drive better performance and reduced costs.

4. The Future of Reshoring in Die Casting

a. Economic and Strategic Drivers

Reshoring is becoming an increasingly viable option for die casting operations, driven by several key factors:

• Cost Competitiveness: While labor costs in traditional offshoring destinations have risen, reshoring can now be cost-competitive due to automation and efficiency improvements. The reduction in shipping and logistics costs also makes reshoring more attractive.
• Supply Chain Resilience: The recent global disruptions have highlighted the vulnerabilities of extended supply chains. Reshoring helps mitigate risks related to supply chain interruptions and geopolitical tensions, offering greater control over production and delivery times.
• Local Market Demand: Companies are increasingly responding to local market demands for faster turnaround times and customization. Reshoring allows manufacturers to be closer to their end markets, facilitating quicker adjustments to product specifications and market trends.

Conclusion

The die casting industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation driven by advancements in materials, techniques, and sustainability practices. These emerging trends are shaping the future of die casting, offering opportunities for enhanced performance, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. Industry professionals are encouraged to stay informed about these developments and adapt to the evolving landscape.

For further insights and personalized advice on how these trends can affect a potential die cast part, feel free to reach out to CWM. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the future of die casting and leverage these innovations for your success. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your goals.