For over seven decades, D & L Foundry has stood as a cornerstone of industrial manufacturing in the Pacific Northwest, operating from its established facility in Moses Lake, Washington. As a premier producer of gray and ductile iron castings, the company plays a critical, though often unseen, role in the daily function of municipal infrastructure across the region. Even so, from the manhole covers bearing the weight of city traffic to the valve boxes controlling essential water flow, the products leaving this Grant County foundry form the literal foundation of modern civilization. This article explores the history, capabilities, product lines, and enduring significance of this family-owned institution The details matter here..
A Legacy Forged in the Pacific Northwest
The story of D & L Foundry begins in 1946, a post-war era defined by rapid infrastructure expansion and a pressing need for durable, locally sourced construction materials. Day to day, founded by Don and Larry—hence the initials "D & L"—the operation started with a focus on serving the agricultural and municipal needs of the Columbia Basin. What began as a modest pattern and casting shop has evolved into a sophisticated manufacturing facility spanning thousands of square feet, yet the core philosophy remains unchanged: produce high-quality iron castings with short lead times and unmatched technical support Worth keeping that in mind..
Remaining family-owned and operated through multiple generations, the company has navigated the shifting tides of global manufacturing by doubling down on domestic production. That's why in an era where offshore sourcing became the norm for many competitors, D & L Foundry maintained its commitment to Made in USA manufacturing. This decision has proven vital for public works departments and contractors who require compliance with Buy America provisions and domestic preference laws mandated by federal and state funding agencies.
Comprehensive Municipal Casting Solutions
The product catalog at the Moses Lake facility is extensive, designed specifically to meet the rigorous demands of public works, water districts, sewer districts, and state departments of transportation. The foundry specializes in ASTM A48 Gray Iron and ASTM A536 Ductile Iron, materials chosen for their superior compressive strength, wear resistance, and ability to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles common in Washington’s climate.
Manhole Frames and Covers
Perhaps the most visible product line, manhole frames and covers are engineered for heavy-duty traffic loads (H-20 / HS-25 ratings). D & L offers a variety of configurations, including:
- Standard round assemblies for sanitary sewer and storm drain access.
- Watertight and gasketed units for flood-prone areas or high groundwater tables.
- Custom lettering and logos allowing municipalities to brand their infrastructure (e.g., "CITY OF MOSES LAKE SEWER").
Valve Boxes and Service Boxes
Controlling the flow of water and gas requires precision castings that resist corrosion and soil stress. The foundry produces a full range of:
- Two-piece and three-piece adjustable valve boxes (screw type and sliding type).
- Curb boxes and service boxes for residential and commercial water shut-offs.
- Monitor covers for deep bury applications.
Catch Basins, Grates, and Inlets
Stormwater management is critical in the Pacific Northwest. D & L supplies:
- Combination inlet frames and grates (Type 1, Type 2, and custom designs).
- Drop inlet grates and curb inlet frames.
- ADA-compliant grates featuring bicycle-safe slot patterns and heel-proof designs.
Custom and Specialty Castings
Beyond standard catalog items, the in-house pattern shop allows for rapid prototyping and production of custom castings. This includes pump bases, meter vault components, electrical vault lids, and specialized industrial components for the agricultural and food processing sectors prevalent in the Columbia Basin Simple, but easy to overlook. Took long enough..
Manufacturing Excellence: From Pattern to Pour
The competitive advantage of D & L Foundry lies in its vertical integration. Unlike distributors who simply stock imported goods, this facility controls the entire production lifecycle.
The Pattern Shop
Every casting begins with a pattern. The on-site pattern shop utilizes both traditional woodworking techniques and modern CNC machining to create precise master patterns. This capability is crucial for two reasons: it allows for the rapid creation of new custom tooling (often in weeks, not months), and it enables the maintenance and repair of decades-old patterns for legacy infrastructure parts that municipalities still require.
Melting and Metallurgy
The foundry operates electric induction furnaces, providing precise control over melt chemistry. This ensures consistent mechanical properties—tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation—batch after batch. Metallurgical testing is performed in-house, with samples poured for each heat to verify compliance with ASTM specifications before the castings are released.
Finishing and Coatings
Raw castings undergo shot blasting to remove residual sand and scale, creating a clean surface profile. Depending on specification, products receive:
- Asphaltic dip coating (standard for buried service).
- Primer coats for field painting.
- Fusion-bonded epoxy or specialty coatings for aggressive environments.
Machining services are also available for critical mating surfaces, bolt holes, and gasket grooves, delivering a "ready-to-install" component that reduces field labor for contractors Less friction, more output..
Serving the Pacific Northwest Infrastructure Network
The geographic reach of D & L Foundry extends well beyond Grant County. Their primary market encompasses Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. The strategic location in Moses Lake—central to major highway corridors (I-90, I-82, US-395)—facilitates efficient freight logistics to major metro areas like Seattle, Spokane, Portland, and Boise No workaround needed..
Meeting DOT and APWA Standards
Public works projects are governed by strict standards. D & L castings are manufactured to meet or exceed:
- WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) Standard Plans.
- APWA (American Public Works Association) standards.
- **AASHTO
