Acheson Foundry & Machine Works in Chattanooga: Industrial Fabrication and Machine Shop Services for Commercial Contractors

Acheson Foundry & Machine Works is a full-service machine shop and fabrication facility specializing in custom metal work, casting, and precision machining for commercial contractors, manufacturers, and industrial clients across the Southeast. Founded in 1902, the operation combines traditional foundry work with modern CNC machining, handling everything from small replacement parts to large structural components for construction and industrial projects.

What Acheson Foundry & Machine Works actually is

The business operates as both a foundry (casting molten metal into molds) and a machine shop (cutting, drilling, and finishing metal to precise specifications). This dual capability sets it apart from shops that do only one or the other. The foundry side produces custom castings in iron and steel for parts that are difficult or impossible to fabricate from solid stock. The machine shop side handles CNC milling, turning, threading, and finishing work. Together, they serve general contractors who need structural brackets, replacement parts, custom fittings, or components that cannot be sourced off-the-shelf. The facility also works directly with manufacturers and maintenance teams across Tennessee and Georgia.

Services and typical scope

Foundry services include casting design consultation, mold fabrication, and pouring for iron, ductile iron, and steel. Castings are used for everything from heavy equipment components to architectural hardware. Machine shop work covers CNC milling and turning, drilling, tapping, grinding, and surface finishing. The shop can also handle assembly of multi-part jobs and quality inspection. Turnaround time depends on job complexity; simple parts may be ready in one to two weeks, while large or intricate castings can take four to six weeks. Pricing is quoted per job and varies with material, size, and precision requirements; request an estimate by bringing drawings or describing your part. The shop accepts both one-off commissions and production runs.

How Acheson compares to other Chattanooga-area options

Chattanooga has several machine shops and fabricators, but few combine foundry work with in-house machining. Shops like Hayes Metalworks handle structural steel fabrication and welding but do not cast; they are the better choice if you need welded assemblies or structural steel beams. Precision machine shops in the area (names vary by specialization) typically focus on machining existing stock but outsource casting jobs, adding time and cost. Acheson's integrated model works best if you need a single source to handle both the casting and the finished machining, reducing handoffs and simplifying quality control. If your project requires only machining of pre-made blanks, a dedicated machine shop may turn it faster; if you need a one-off casting with complex geometry, Acheson's in-house capability becomes valuable.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

This shop is right for general contractors needing custom metal parts, replacement components for aging equipment, or specialized fittings that stock suppliers do not carry. It suits manufacturers and maintenance teams that want local expertise and short lead times compared to national suppliers. It does not suit retail customers or small DIY projects; Acheson focuses on commercial and industrial work. It is also not the place for quick-turnaround jobs under one week unless the part is very simple. Customers should have working drawings or clear specifications; the shop can advise on design, but vague requests will require consultation time.

What the first contact involves

Call or visit with drawings, dimensions, and material requirements. If you lack drawings, describe the part and its function; the shop can often help refine the design or suggest a casting versus machining approach. Acheson will provide a quote based on complexity, material, and quantity. Payment and deposit terms are negotiated per project. Once approved, the job enters the queue; keep in mind that large or specialized castings may require a longer lead time.

Hours, location, and logistics

Acheson Foundry & Machine Works is located at 301 Riverfront Parkway in Chattanooga, near the North Shore industrial corridor. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; call ahead for current scheduling (423-624-3231). On-site parking is available for visitors. The facility is designed for commercial pickup and delivery; arrange logistics with the shop when you place your order.

For Chattanooga contractors and manufacturers needing custom metal parts without out-of-state delays, Acheson's combination of foundry and machine capabilities covers jobs that generic fabricators cannot handle alone.