Behind the wear parts: Magnus Andersson

When Magnus talks about foundries, it’s with the energy of someone who’s never lost his sense of wonder. After more than 30 years in the casting industry, he’s still captivated by the complexity, unpredictability, and hands-on craftsmanship that define his everyday life as Production Manager at Combi Wear Parts.

From summer job to lifelong passion

Magnus’s journey began in Alvesta, Sweden, where he took a summer job at a local foundry after high school. What was supposed to be a temporary gig turned into a career. He started in the model workshop, moved into painting, and soon proved his potential—eventually being sent to foundry school in Jönköping by RISE. The combination of theory and practice opened his eyes: “That’s when the light bulb really turned on. I understood what happens behind the scenes—and why every detail matters.”

He took his journeyman’s certificate in 1999 and began moving up the ranks, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the casting process—from molding and melting to core production and cleaning. His early career built the foundation for a deep technical and practical knowledge base, but also a leadership style grounded in experience.

Craft, legacy, and adaptability

Magnus isn’t just a professional in the industry—he comes from a lineage of foundry workers. His grandfather, father, uncle, and brother have all worked in foundries. “It’s like churches in the old days—every town had a foundry,” he says.

He’s worked in both small, family-owned foundries and in larger, structured companies. This has shaped his leadership approach: firm, empathetic, and above all, adaptable. “You can’t treat everyone the same way. You have to read people.”

Every day is different

Magnus’s days are packed with activity. From early-morning check-ins during his drive to work, to performance analysis and daily production meetings, to last-minute planning and staffing adjustments, he’s always in motion. “There’s no such thing as a routine day in a foundry. A part can run perfectly for three years and then suddenly fail. You have to trace back and figure out what changed”, he explains.

This dynamic nature is part of what keeps him inspired. “It’s not like working with a machine that does the same thing every day. Casting is alive. It’s always evolving.”

Advice for the next generation

What’s his advice for someone entering the field? “Learn from the ground up. Try every station. The more you know, the more fun it gets.” Foundry work, he says, is a never-ending learning curve. “You can study sand for months. You can study metallurgy. You never stop learning. That’s what makes it great.”