Tom Renk, President

Obtaining his BS degree from Iowa State University, Renk has 23 years of professional metalcasting experience. His casting career began at the American Foundry Society (AFS) as a Software Development Engineer. During his tenure at AFS he improved existing casting software, taught software related classes, and did contract solidification modeling. After over 4 years at AFS, Renk worked as a Foundry Engineer for Maynard Steel in Milwaukee, WI. In 1995, Renk was hired by American Metalcasting Consortium (AMC)as an Applications Engineer . While at AMC, Renk worked with the United States Department of Defense and private defense contractors to optimize costs and casting processes of various military castings. In late 1996 Renk was presented with the opportunity to rejoin the family business, United Machine and Foundry (UMF) as a Foundry Engineer. During his 15 year career with UMF Renk has held various positions including foundry engineer, technical manager, operations manager, sales manager and his current role as president. Tom’s family includes his wife, Ann, and his 5 children. Living in his hometown, Tom feels a strong connection to the community. He is active in his church and enjoys fitness training, travel and learning new things.

Loren Klein, Quality Manager

Obtaining his BS degree from St. Mary’s University, Klein has over 25 years of professional Quality experience. Quality has always been a part of his career; exhibited in positions as Quality Control Inspector, Quality Test Technician, Senior Reliability Engineer, Quality Engineer, Six Sigma Black Belt, Quality Manager, as well as Maintenance and Safety Manager. Most of that time was with TRW Automotive, then with Inland Label & Marketing, Behren’s Manufacturing, Covidien and now at UMF. Klein came on board as UMF’s Production Scheduler & Customer Relations Rep and recently, moved into his current role as Quality Manager. Klein is an American Society of Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician, ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer, ASQ Certified Quality Engineer and ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Klein is a MSHSL Sports Official; enjoying officiating several different sports. Equally enjoyable to him is spending time outside doing various activities and hobbies.

Marty Renk, Customer Service/Production Scheduling

Marty a bachelor of science in Biology from Iowa State University and a Master of Arts degree in Technology with emphasis in manufacturing process development from University of Northern Iowa. Marty began his career in metal casting at Progress Casting Group, an aluminum permanent foundry in Minneapolis where he worked as a process engineer for three years.

This brought him exposure to companies such as Boeing, Harley-Davidson, Bombardier, Polaris, and Hobart.
Marty’s interest outside of work include running, biking, weight lifting, tennis, cross country skiing, fly fishing, cooking, reading, music, and spending time with his black lab Moses.

Perry Kamrowski, Foundry Engineer

After going to Winona State studying pre-engineering Mr. Kamrowski went to the University of Minnesota obtaining a bachelor of Civil Engineering degree. Mr. Kamrowski ‘ s foundry work started 2 years after this at United Machine and Foundry (UMF) in 1983 working in the cupola area. During his 28 year career at UMF Mr. Kamrowski has worked in many positions quality manager, furnace operator, production coordinator, and foundry engineer. Mr. Kamrowski is a member of the AFS 5D committee. His outside hobbies are volleyball and softball.

Garek Barum, Plant Manager

Obtaining his Composite Technical degree from Winona Technical College, Barum has 18 years of manufacturing experience. My career started as a Technician Operator for Composite Products Inc. (CPI) and progressed into Supervisory role and then to Process Engineering. During my tenure at (CPI) I worked on Process and Training improvements for CPI’s Long Fiber Patented Systems. After his 4 years at CPI, Barum worked as a Production Supervisor for TRW Automotive Electronics. After 4 years I was re-united with Composite Products Inc. as a Plant and Systems Engineer. Barum was involved in management of new system installation and Maintenance of equipment and facility. After 2 years in this role Barum was moved into the position of Operations Manager. Barum was responsible for Production, Maintenance, Logistics, Shipping and Receiving, Purchasing and Scheduling. After 5 years at CPI, Barum worked as Maintenance Supervisor for United Machine and Foundry and after 9 months moved into the role as Plant Manager for UMF. Hobbies include coaching of little league baseball and football, deer hunting, and motorcycling.

Deb Skarlupka, Office Manager

My name is Deb Skarlupka and as the office manager of United Machine and Foundry, now Alliant Castings, my duties have evolved since being hired in 2008. Along with clerical responsibilities, I work closely with all aspects of the 5S/Lean Projects. Additionally I assist the safety director in managing the data for the environmental reports, ordering and distrusting PPE and maintaining our MSDS Online.

I have been part of the Strategic Planning Committee to help Engage Employees and I am a member of the marketing team that has developed the new company name. The launch of the new name has given me the opportunity to coordinate all aspects of the business to incorporate the branding of the company to include forms, logo wear, proofing marketing materials and website/PowerPoint presentations.

Prior to my employment at UMF, I worked for 5 years as an office manager for a real estate agency and I have also worked as an administrative assistant for the superintendent and curriculum director of the Winona Area Public Schools. As an active member of the Winona community I have lead and been part of fundraising projects including the Washington Kosciusko Elementary School PTA, the Birthday Ball, the Winona Health Follies, and Habitat for Humanity. These projects have provided a new computer lab and playground equipment for WK School, new equipment and a new waiting area for Winona Health, and a new home for a deserving family. My family includes my husband of over 25 years, Randy, and my adult children, Heath, Jessica and Kelsey, and my 2 dogs, Reggie and Scout. Having lived in Winona for over 15 years I have developed many strong friendships and relationships that are very important to me. I graduated from Merrill (WI) high school and I enjoy traveling, camping, and cheering on my favorite sports teams, the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers.