Charter Manufacturing Announces Retirement of COO Tom Marry, Names Joel Casterton as Successor

MEQUON, WIS., April 1, 2026 – Charter Manufacturing today announced the retirement of Tom Marry, Chief Operating Officer, following three years of dedicated leadership with the organization. Joel Casterton, formerly President of Charter Steel, has assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Marry joined Charter in 2022 as President of Charter Steel and later was appointed Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure, he helped guide the acquisition of Niles Iron & Metal, refreshed Charter Steel’s SBQ strategy and led or sponsored key enterprise initiatives. His leadership strengthened operational performance, reinforced safety and continuous improvement, and advanced Charter’s long-term strategic priorities.

“Tom’s leadership, operational expertise and strong alignment with our culture and values have left a meaningful and lasting mark on Charter,” said John W. Mellowes, Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful for his contributions and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”

Casterton brings extensive operational, commercial and engineering experience to the COO role. Since joining Charter Steel in 2023, he has served as an execution-focused leader, partnering on the creation of the Charter Steel Strategic Plan, leading the evaluation of the Quality System and strengthening engagement across manufacturing teams.

Prior to Charter, Casterton held senior leadership roles at Modine Manufacturing, where he led a global business unit and business operations across program management, commercial and engineering functions. Earlier in his career, he held operations and engineering positions at Ford Motor Co. and served as an Instructor/Squad Leader in the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering from Iowa State University.

“Joel is a strong and disciplined leader with deep manufacturing experience and a clear understanding of our markets and strategy,” said Mellowes. “His leadership ensures continuity in our strategic focus and continued momentum across our businesses.”

About Charter Manufacturing

Charter Manufacturing (chartermfg.com) is a family-owned group of differentiated metals manufacturing businesses founded in 1936. Headquartered in Mequon, Wis., the company employs more than 2,300 employees across its corporate location and businesses Charter Casting, Charter Steel, Charter Wire, and Niles Iron & Metal. The Will to Grow drives Charter’s success, with dedicated employees committed to continuous improvement and an entrepreneurial spirit that thrives with the Charter Family.