The History of KPF

Keokuk Prototype Foundry Co., Inc. was founded in 1976 in Keokuk, Iowa. Operations began with 6 employees in a converted barrel factory, producing prototype and short run steel castings using the no-bake molding method. As years went by, demand for production runs increased, and so began the growth of Keokuk Prototype Foundry Co., Inc.

To keep up with customer demands, KPF added a pattern shop in 1987. “Custom Patterns” provided the ability to build patterns, mount the patterns on cope & drag boards, build the flasks, and rig the patterns on-site. This dramatically reduced the lead times, and costs for KPF customers.

The next evolution of KPF was the addition of a machine shop. In 1992 Keokuk Prototype Foundry constructed a new building to house the pattern shop, long-term pattern storage and the newly founded Keokuk Machining. The machine shop provided CNC machining of castings produced by the foundry.

By 1997 Keokuk Prototype Foundry had outgrown their facility in Keokuk, Iowa and a new building was constructed in nearby Kahoka, Missouri. Ground was broken on the new site on July 24, 1998 at Vine and Maple Streets. In February of 1999 the first “heat” was poured and full production began that spring. The new location prompted a name change and all three devisions; the foundry, pattern shop, and Keokuk Machining became incorporated under the name KPF STEEL FOUNDRY.

KPF STEEL FOUNDRY continues to grow and to fulfill customer expectations. In September of 2000, KPF STEEL FOUNDRY became ISO Certified. The following year a 12,000 sq. ft. addition was made to increase pattern storage and machining expansion. In 2002 new equipment was added that increased our casting cleaning department capabilities. In 2007 KPF STEEL FOUNDRY had made another addition to accommodate more core making equipment as well as six more CNC machines that had been added to further increase capacity.

Today KPF STEEL FOUNDRY remains a privately owned company, committed to our customers, our employees, and our community.