Who We Are!
THE FOUNDRY that is now Wear-Tek started as a small weld shop in the mid-1970’s named Dyko. In the year 2000 Dyko was purchased by the current ownership group and changed the name to Wear-Tek. Since that time, we have grown to cover some 14 acres with over 55,000 sq./ft. of covered manufacturing space.
For more than 25 years, Wear-Tek has dedicated itself to being a trusted OEM partner in the aggregates and asphalt industry. While many foundries chose to operate as “will-fitters,” Wear-Tek invested heavily in building strong relationships with equipment manufacturers and producing castings exclusively for them. As a result, each manufacturer retains ownership of their patterns, and Wear-Tek does not produce or sell those castings to any other party.
What’s in our Name?
IN OUR EARLY YEARS, we focused primarily on operating as a foundry dedicated to producing wear castings for the aggregate, asphalt, and agriculture industries. The transition from the name Dyko to Wear‑Tek was a natural evolution—one that clearly represented the products and services we aimed to provide at that time.
Since then, we’ve broadened our capabilities and now supply castings to the cement, power‑generation and piling sectors, along with a wide range of other industries.
Lean Manufacturing
WEAR-TEK HAS EMBRACED the lean manufacturing management philosophy which is centered on maximizing value for the customer while minimizing waste across every step of a process. It encourages organizations to examine how work actually flows, identify activities that don’t add value, and redesign operations to be smoother, faster, and more reliable. At its core, lean emphasizes continuous improvement, respect for people, and a culture where employees are empowered to solve problems and refine their work. When practiced well, it creates systems that are flexible, efficient, and deeply aligned with customer needs, rather than weighed down by unnecessary complexity.
Moving Forward!
OPERATING A FOUNDRY in today’s world is anything but simple. Increasing regulations, global competition, raw material sourcing, and rising labor costs—paired with ongoing workforce shortages—create a demanding environment for any foundry. So how has Wear‑Tek met these challenges head‑on?
For more than two decades, we’ve made consistent, strategic investments in our foundry operations. Upgrading and expanding our equipment has allowed us to operate with greater efficiency and reliability. One of our most impactful changes came several years ago when we transitioned from traditional silica sand to a man‑made alternative. This shift not only improved our regulatory compliance but also significantly boosted the morale and well‑being of our dedicated team.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers and to the extraordinary men and women whose dedication, craftsmanship, and passion continue to shape this foundry into what it is today.
How we feel about our Foundry!
AS A COMPANY OWNED and operated by lifelong foundrymen, we take great pride in carrying this tradition forward—starting with recycled and raw materials and using our hands, experience, and craftsmanship to bring something truly useful into existence.
Furthermore, we take tremendous pride in employing a large team of highly skilled, hardworking, and motivated craftsmen who continue to carry this tradition forward. Teamwork, safety, quality, efficiency, integrity, respect for every individual, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service form the foundation of our business model. Our steadfast dedication to excellence in each of these areas has enabled Wear‑Tek and its employees to thrive and achieve lasting success.