What is the Municipal Castings Association?
MCA is an organization of American manufacturers dedicated to ensuring that infrastructure in the United States is built with top quality products that meet all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and specifications. Our members maintain the highest ethical and quality standards to ensure that they provide the finest infrastructure materials in the world.
The products we are concerned with are made of either gray or ductile iron, and include, among others:
- manhole frames and covers
- drainage boxes
- inlet frames and grates
- traffic signal boxes
- street lighting boxes
- communication access boxes (e.g., for telephone, cable installations)
- utility castings
Am I required to use American-made iron foundry products?
If the project uses Federal highway program dollars, you are required to purchase products that are made in the USA. Products covered under the law include manhole covers, rings and frames, catch basin frames and grates, iron and steel inlet grating, and other miscellaneous iron products.
Does NAFTA void the Buy America laws?
No, the Buy America provision still applies for municipal castings as established by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act.
What is AASHTO M-306-07 and how can I receive a copy?
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has established voluntary standards for municipal castings used in transportation projects. To obtain a copy of these standards, please email us at info@municipalcastings.org and we will mail a copy to you.
How do we know that our supply of municipal castings was made in the USA?
All products must be stamped clearly with the country of origin on the top surface with the English name. However often foreign producers falsely mark their products as “Made in the USA”. The only way to ensure that you are purchasing municipal castings that are made in the USA is to purchase from a reputable, domestic producer. See more on country of origin marking requirements here.
