November 20, 2017, is the date Lodge Cast Iron will remember as the ‘First Pour’ from its new 3rd Street Foundry in South Pittsburg.
The 122-year- old company broke ground on the new facility in June 2016. Completion of the 127,000-square foot facility, and the opening of a 212,000-square football distribution center in June of this year positions the company for continued success in U.S. and international markets.
The new 3rd Street foundry includes a melt center with two induction furnaces, a sand system, and two sand molding machines that will increase the company’s production capacity by 75%. Prior to the completion of the new 3rd Street Foundry, Lodge produced between 1,600 and 8,000 pieces of cast iron cookware an hour in its 6th Street Foundry.
Since Lodge Cast Iron’s introduction of foundry seasoned cast iron cookware in 2002, the company has experienced continued growth in sales and distribution of its iconic line of skillets, Dutch Ovens, camp Dutch Ovens, grill pans, griddles, reversible griddles and serving pieces.
The company's product assortment includes enamel coated cast iron cookware, seasoned carbon steel skillets and griddles, cooking accessories and cookbooks.
Founded in 1896 by Joseph Lodge, Lodge is the oldest family-owned cookware company in the U.S. Two descendants of Joseph Lodge serve on the company’s management team.