editorial E A New O ‘‘ Beginning? pportunity is what you
make of it. Yes, I have resorted
to a catch phrase in this month’s editorial, but with
good reason. T e catch phrase is true. And, with CastExpo’13 in St. Louis this April, opportunity will be knocking on the door and I want you to make the most of it. With an expected attendance of more than
8,000, CastExpo’13 is the metalcasting gathering place this year. As I write this column, I can feel the buzz of interest from both the sold- out exhibit floor as well as from attendees anticipating the excitement they will experience. This buzz is because CastExpo presents opportunity on a silver platter. The latest and
The demise of North American metalcasting that was forecast by many at the height of the recent recession has now been replaced by a resurgence in capacity demand and a desire by many buyers to work more with their local sources.”
greatest in capabilities are being showcased. The leading minds in the industry are presenting ways to advance your practices. Solutions to many of the issues you are struggling with may just be a conversation away. The only question is, are you going to seize this opportunity? T e North American metalcasting industry is
on an upward trend right now. Yes, the demand from you, the casting buyers, has let up the last few months from the blazing pace that had been set in 2011 and the fi rst half of 2012, but forecasts show a pick-up again in the second half of 2013 that is expected to continue in 2014. You need strong casting suppliers to partner with to help you reduce
costs and improve end-product performance. Take a look at our feature article, “Managing
the Supply Chain,” on p. 22. T is article examines the sourcing strategies and expectations of seven diff erent casting buyers. T e bottom line from your contemporaries can be summed up by the quote of one: “What can we do jointly to take the cost out?” T is challenge is not a new one for you, nor is it unique to your relationship with casting suppliers. You ask this question to all your sources. But it is a challenge whose solution (or at least the beginnings of an answer) may be uncovered at CastExpo. T e demise of North American metalcasting
that was forecast by many at the height of the recent recession has now been replaced by a resurgence in capacity demand and a desire by many buyers to work more with their local sources. T e Cast in North America pavilion at CastExpo’13 aff ords you an opportunity to start or continue relationships with all types of metalcasters from North America. If you are able to capitalize on this opportunity, it could set the foundation for the future. So, as you prepare for your trip to CastExpo’13
and as you walk the show fl oor in St. Louis, think about what you want to gain from the experience. T en, take the steps necessary to make sure you leave the show with answers to your questions. T e opportunity is yours.
Alfred Spada, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
If you have any comments about this editorial or any other item that appears in Metal Casting Design & Purchasing, email me at
aspada@afsinc.org.
Mar/Apr 2013 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | 7
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