Manufacturing Leaders • Operators • Advocates
Building the Next Generation of American Manufacturing
Kory and Ali Anderson bring a firsthand perspective on what it takes to build manufacturing companies, strengthen the skilled-trades workforce, grow businesses in rural America, and create a stronger future for American industry.
As owners and operators of Anderson Foundries, their perspective comes from the foundry floor—not the sidelines.
Featured & Recognized By
About Kory & Ali
Operators First. Speakers Second.
Kory and Ali Anderson are helping lead a new generation of American manufacturing from inside the industry itself.
Through Anderson Foundries, they operate manufacturing companies spanning iron and aluminum casting, patternmaking, tooling, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. Their work has also expanded into workforce development, skilled-trades advocacy, education partnerships, and national conversations about the future of American industry.
Their message is grounded in real operating experience: hiring in rural communities, developing young talent, acquiring and growing manufacturing businesses, advocating for the industry, investing in facilities and people, and finding better ways to connect the next generation with meaningful careers.
Anderson Foundries at a Glance
Manufacturing Scale. Industry Recognition.
Founder & CEO
Kory Anderson
CEO, Anderson Foundries | Manufacturing Entrepreneur | Skilled-Trades Advocate
Kory Anderson is a manufacturing entrepreneur, foundry owner, builder, and national advocate for American manufacturing and the skilled trades.
From his roots in rural South Dakota to leading manufacturing operations across multiple states, Kory has built his career around making things, solving hard problems, and proving that world-class manufacturing can thrive in small communities.
He is also widely known for leading the reconstruction of the 150 HP Case steam engine, a Guinness World Record project that has introduced millions of people around the world to American manufacturing, engineering, craftsmanship, and the skilled trades.
Today, Kory uses his platform to advocate for domestic manufacturing, workforce development, career and technical education, and a renewed respect for the people who build America.
Speaking Topics
You Cannot Hire What You Refuse to Build
Why manufacturers must take responsibility for developing their future workforce.
The Next Generation of American Manufacturing
What industry leaders must do now to make manufacturing relevant, visible, and desirable again.
Rural America Can Build the Future
Why small communities and manufacturing belong at the center of America's industrial strategy.
From the Foundry Floor to Capitol Hill
Why manufacturing leaders must become active advocates for their industry.
Building Things People Said Couldn't Be Built
Lessons in grit, leadership, engineering, and perseverance from the 150 HP Case project.
Co-Owner & Strategist
Ali Anderson
Co-Owner, Anderson Foundries | Workforce & Brand Strategist | Manufacturing Advocate
Ali Anderson works at the intersection of manufacturing, workforce strategy, organizational growth, and brand development.
As a co-owner and strategic leader within Anderson Foundries, Ali focuses on helping traditional manufacturing companies strengthen their organizations, attract the next generation of talent, improve how they tell their story, and build stronger connections between employers, schools, communities, and industry partners.
Her perspective blends experience in consulting and organizational change with the realities of growing manufacturing businesses in rural America.
Ali is particularly passionate about changing how the next generation sees skilled careers and helping manufacturers become organizations people are proud to join.
Speaking Topics
You're Recruiting Too Late
Why workforce development has to begin years before someone submits a job application.
Manufacturing Has an Image Problem
How manufacturers can change the way young people, parents, schools, and communities see industrial careers.
Become the Employer Young People Want to Join
Practical ways manufacturers can improve culture, facilities, visibility, and recruiting.
Why Rural Manufacturing Matters
The economic and community impact of keeping manufacturing strong outside major cities.
From Invisible to Unmissable
How manufacturers can use storytelling, social media, partnerships, and public engagement to elevate their industry.
Joint Sessions
Better Together
Kory and Ali frequently speak together, combining the perspective of a lifelong builder and manufacturing entrepreneur with the strategy, workforce, and organizational perspective required to scale that vision.
Featured Session
You're Recruiting Too Late: Building the Next Generation Before They Ever Apply
A candid conversation about what manufacturers, schools, communities, and policymakers can do differently to build a sustainable skilled workforce.
Selected Speaking, Media & Industry Engagement
Manufacturing Advocacy
A Voice for the People Who Build America
Kory and Ali believe manufacturers cannot afford to stay silent about the challenges—and opportunities—facing American industry.
Their work includes engagement with industry associations, educators, workforce organizations, government leaders, national brands, and manufacturing partners to help elevate skilled careers and strengthen America's industrial base.
Built for Audiences Who Care About America's Future
Manufacturing & Industrial Conferences
Workforce Development Events
Skilled Trades & CTE Programs
Government & Policy Events
Economic Development Organizations
Business & Entrepreneurship Conferences
Schools & Universities
Corporate Leadership Events
Press & Media
Media & Interviews
Kory and Ali are available for select interviews and conversations around American manufacturing, skilled trades, workforce development, rural industry, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing advocacy.
Bring the Manufacturing Conversation to Your Audience
For speaking, media, partnership, and industry engagement inquiries, connect with the Anderson Foundries team.
Speaking & Media Inquiry
Tell us about your event or opportunity and we'll be in touch.