At the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council, our mission is to build a community where people want to visit, live, work and invest. While we often highlight new businesses locating here and existing companies growing, it’s just as important to celebrate the products being made in Clarksville, many of which are used across the country and around the world.
Our “Made Here in Clarksville” series shines a light on the companies behind that impact. Our spotlight this month is the Clarksville Foundry.
Long before Clarksville became one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing communities, sparks were already flying from furnaces along the Red River. Since 1847, Clarksville Foundry has been shaping metal – and the region’s manufacturing heritage – through craftsmanship, innovation and a commitment to quality that has endured for more than 175 years.
Founded as the Clarksville Foundry & Machine Shop, the company was the first foundry established in Montgomery County. Over generations, it has grown into one of the oldest continuously operating foundries in the United States. Through wars, economic downturns and sweeping changes in manufacturing technology, the company has remained a resilient part of Clarksville’s industrial backbone.
Today, Clarksville Foundry specializes in custom iron castings, producing components used in industries ranging from infrastructure and manufacturing to architecture and energy. From engineering and pattern construction to molding and final casting, the company manages the entire production process locally at its Red River Street facility.
While many of the castings produced in Clarksville are shipped across the country to support major infrastructure and manufacturing projects, some of the foundry’s work can be found right here at home.
Where you can see Clarksville Foundry work locally
Downtown Commons: One of the most visible examples is the large metal sculpture located in the city’s central downtown park. The piece serves as a focal point for the popular community space that hosts concerts, markets and festivals throughout the year.
Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center: Visitors to the historic site can see a Model 1841 six-pounder Civil War cannon replica cast by the foundry, highlighting both the city’s military history and the company’s ability to reproduce historic iron pieces.
Historic downtown architecture: Clarksville Foundry has also contributed to restoration projects throughout the city, producing iron elements for historic buildings, including decorative and structural pieces for local churches and downtown structures.
Everyday infrastructure: Some of the foundry’s most common work is also the easiest to overlook. For decades, Clarksville Foundry has produced manhole covers, drainage grates, and other municipal castings used throughout the community, meaning residents likely encounter the company’s work every day.
Local investment, national impact
Clarksville Foundry has played an important role in the region’s manufacturing economy by supporting skilled jobs and investing in local production. The company employs craftsmen, engineers and technicians whose work keeps specialized metal casting expertise rooted in the community. Continued investment in equipment, facilities and workforce training helps reinforce Clarksville’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation.
“The Clarksville Foundry has been part of this community since 1847. The core of what we do hasn’t changed, but by embracing modern technology, we’ve grown into a dependable supplier for manufacturers across the country, including many who are bringing production back to American soil,” said Bill Foust, president of the Clarksville Foundry.
While its operations are based locally, the foundry’s cast iron components are shipped to projects and industries across the United States.
“There are so many incredible things Made Here in Clarksville! Thanks to the Aspire Foundation for funding this project, we’re excited to give our community a behind-the-scenes look at the products manufactured right here at home, from cookware and Italian tile to washing machines. It’s all made here,” said Josh Ward, executive director of the Clarksville Montgomery County Industrial Development Board.