ANSWERING THE


CAPACITY QUESTION


A recent survey of metalcasters revealed an industry at high capacity utilization, as well as some differences on how to measure capabilities.


E SHEA GIBBS, MANAGING EDITOR


ven the leanest metalcast- ing segments are running at around 70% capacity utiliza- tion, according to the results of a recent metalcasting indus- try survey by the American Foundry Society. T e busiest


segments are above 100%. A great majority of metalcast- ers are looking to add capacity. A smaller but still signifi - cant segment is planning to add shifts and/or labor to achieve capacity gains. T e survey results were clear: capacity in the metalcast- ing industry is tight. (For more results, see the sidebar “Major Segment Breakdowns.”) What wasn’t clear was how quickly metalcasters might be able to alter capacity, as all facilities defi ne their capacity diff erently. “In a nutshell, there is real capacity and there is per-


ceived capacity,” said Steve Lane, regional sales manager for Southland Metals Inc., Maumelle, Ark. “It is unfortu- nately a moving target.”


42 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | Mar/Apr 2012 U.S. CASTING PRODUCTION


2010 9.2 million tons 2011 10.25 million tons


2012 11.02 million tons 2013 11.51 million tons 2014 11.6 million tons


U.S. casting production is expected to grow with demand through 2014 and beyond, according to American Foundry Society forecasts.


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