Kory Anderson
Building the Future of American Manufacturing and the Skilled Trades
Kory Anderson is an American manufacturer, foundry owner, Guinness World Record holder, and national keynote speaker. His work spans operating metalcasting facilities, founding a nonprofit skilled-trades academy, speaking to manufacturing and workforce audiences across the country, and documenting American industrial heritage through the 150 Case restoration project.
The Work
Four Areas of Focus
Anderson Foundries
Operating American Metalcasting
Kory owns and operates Anderson Foundries, an American metalcasting company producing iron and steel castings for agricultural, industrial, and custom applications. The foundry is a working example of what American manufacturing can still accomplish — built from the ground up, staffed by skilled tradespeople, and run by someone who works the floor.
Visit Anderson FoundriesIron Warrior Academy
Rebuilding the Skilled-Trades Pipeline
Iron Warrior Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Kory founded to expand access to skilled-trades education, mentorship, equipment, and apprenticeships for the next generation of American tradespeople. The Academy works directly with high school students, connecting them to real shop floors, real mentors, and real career paths.
Learn About Iron Warrior AcademyKeynote Speaking
A National Voice for Manufacturing
Kory speaks to manufacturing associations, trade organizations, corporate leadership teams, and educational institutions on American manufacturing, workforce development, and the skilled trades. His keynotes draw on firsthand operating experience — not theory — and challenge audiences to rethink how America builds, trains, and values its workforce.
See Kory's Speaking TopicsThe 150 Case
The World's Largest Steam-Powered Tractor
In 2022, Kory and his team completed the restoration of the 150 Case — a 1905 steam traction engine that became the Guinness World Record holder for the largest steam-powered tractor in operation. The project required foundry-cast components, precision machining, and years of skilled-trades work. It now travels to events across the Midwest as a living demonstration of American manufacturing heritage.
Learn About the 150 CaseThe Challenge
American Manufacturing Needs Skilled People
The United States faces a significant and well-documented shortage of skilled tradespeople — welders, machinists, foundry workers, electricians, and the broader workforce that keeps American manufacturing running. Estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry associations consistently project hundreds of thousands of unfilled manufacturing positions over the next decade.
Kory's response to this challenge is operational, not rhetorical. He runs a foundry that employs skilled tradespeople. He founded a nonprofit that trains the next generation. He speaks to the organizations and institutions that shape workforce policy and education. And he documents the work publicly — on YouTube, in the press, and on stage — to shift the cultural narrative around what it means to build things in America.
Recognition & Credentials
Guinness World Record
Largest Steam-Powered Tractor in Operation — 2022
Fast Company
Most Innovative Companies 2026 — Manufacturing #9
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
CO-100 Top 100 Small Business in America
American Foundry Society
Casting of the Year Award
Fox Business
Featured commentator on American manufacturing and workforce
Google Economic Impact
Recognized for economic contribution through American enterprise
From the Insights Library
Manufacturing & Skilled-Trades Reading
Speaking · Partnerships · Workforce Initiatives
Bring Kory's Perspective to Your Organization
Kory speaks to manufacturing associations, trade organizations, corporate teams, and educational institutions. He is also available for brand partnerships, media appearances, and workforce development initiatives.