KINGSFORD — Kingsford City Council has signed a resolution honoring Grede Foundries Inc. for celebrating 100 years in business.

The company was formed in 1902 by William J. Grede, who purchased the Liberty Foundry in Wauwatosa, Wis.

Its foundry in Kingsford was built in 1947 after World War II. It is the city’s largest employer.

Grede has 10 facilities located in Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

Now an independent company owned by Gamut Capital Management, Grede designs, engineers, validates and manufactures high-quality ductile, gray and specialty iron castings for automotive, commercial and industrial markets. In September 2019, Gamut agreed to acquire Grede from American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc.

In other recent action, the council heard City Manager Tony Edlebeck report that he has met with engineers on the planned water main project in Kingsford Heights.

They are reviewing preliminary plans and have discussed options for funding. The city is planning to replace the water mains and the original water services on Wilson Street from Woodward Avenue to South Park Street; Harrison Street from Woodward Avenue to Fulton Street; Cleveland Street from Dickinson Boulevard to Fulton Street; Saratoga Street from Woodward Avenue to Edison Street; Rexford Street from Woodward Avenue to Bell Court; and Bell Court from Rexford Street to Dickinson Boulevard.

The project will replace approximately 6,000 feet of 2 1/2-inch water main with new 6-inch water main and replace approximately 140 older galvanized iron water services that contain lead “gooseneck” connections.

In addition, the project will include street reconstruction due to the extent of the water main and service replacements. The city in March hired GEI Consultants of Iron Mountain as its engineer.

Earlier this year, the council adopted a monthly increase of $5.25 in water and sewer fees, which is expected to generate about $158,000 in additional annual revenues. Cost for the Heights water project is an estimated $3 million to $3.5 million, at least a portion of which might be borrowed through the Michigan Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund.

The council, in other business:

— Accepted the low bid from 1st Down Tree Service of Kingsford in the amount of $5,970 to remove 13 trees and grind 25 stumps in the city. A bid was also received from Quintin Olson Enterprises LLC in Quinnesec for $8,340.

— Reported that a PowerPoint video on the wastewater treatment plant renovation is available on the city’s website.