August 2025
Seneca Foundry, a cornerstone of Webster City manufacturing for 116 years, proudly celebrates the first anniversary of ownership under Lori Mason, who now serves as President and CEO.
A Trailblazing Leader
Lori Mason stands as the foundry’s first female President and CEO, a milestone in an industry where women hold only about 30% of manufacturing leadership roles. Despite this, she credits the company’s culture of mutual respect for allowing her to thrive without feeling “different.” Her journey at Seneca began more than 20 years ago in the accounting department, a time when she said, “I didn’t even know what a cast iron mold was.” Today, she leads the company into its next era alongside her husband, Brandon, and their five children.
Succession Built on Team Support
Seneca Foundry was long led by the McCollough family, under whom Lori gradually transitioned, from minority ownership five years ago to full ownership this year, thanks largely to encouragement from her longtime team. “The support from the team drove the decision,” Mason remarked. Many employees have been with the company for decades, and as she put it, “When they stay, they stay for life.”
Deep Community Investment
True to Lori’s leadership mantra, “Support your team, and your team will support your business,” Seneca is more than a foundry; it’s a community partner. The company invests in community-building by providing employees and their families with tickets to local fundraising events (Rotary’s Turkey Dinner, Sundaes on Sunday), sponsoring the Hamilton County Fair, and supporting youth through contributions to 4-H. Each year, the foundry pays $10 for every local 4-H member to ensure free participation in the program.
Grounded in Webster City, Growing for the Future
Under Mason’s leadership, Seneca Foundry remains firmly rooted in Webster City, not planning to relocate, but instead expanding its footprint through investments in equipment and technologies. The goal: strengthen the local workforce and serve customers for generations to come.
Congratulations to Team Mason!
Today, Seneca continues to shine as a beacon of continuity, innovation, and community stewardship. Congratulations to Lori Mason on her first year as owner, and to the entire Seneca team for proving that dedication, values, and hometown roots never go out of style.
