Rex Harrison, global commod-
ity manager, Castings, Forgings & Machining, Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., predicts the U.S. market will experience a tightening in capacity sometime during the next decade. “Metalcasters have to invest in pro-
ductivity to remain globally competi- tive,” said Harrison. “Productivity is cost. Tey can reduce costs by making things faster, and they must rely on the supplier base for new technology to enable productivity advancements. Improving ‘First Time Quality’ by reducing nonconformance is an alter- nate method to improve productivity.” U.S. metalcasters set themselves
apart from their competition, at home and among a growing base of global firms, in a variety of ways. Tose serving the federal government benefit from rules requiring product that is manufactured domestically, sustaining their business through tough times in other markets. Cast- ing suppliers with plants here and in foreign countries place work strategi- cally to balance production and serve international customers. Speed to market is an advantage for
North American casting providers of any size whose domestic clients require quick turnaround or the flexibility to make frequent product changes. Product engineering support might
be considered the greatest value-added offering a metalcaster can put on the table. Many successful firms partner with their customers to meet challeng- ing requirements, developing innova- tive new methods and alloys. “[We have] experienced a sig-
nificant increase in capital equipment orders this year compared to the last five years,” said Hunter. “Te found- ries that are and will perform well are the ones that have invested in technol- ogy and human resources that will carry them forward.” Stewart added, “Most of the equip- ment opportunities we see are for tech- nology and productivity upgrades.” While there are major expansions
and even entirely new facilites being built, the trend domestically is toward lean manufacturing intitatives and shrewd decisionmaking regarding new vs. used equipment expenditures.
RECENT NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINES Spartan Expands in Missouri
Tracking the metalcasting industry’s recovery from recession. 08.2014
08.2014 07.2014 06.2014
Minnesota Company Doubles its Footprint with Casting Brembo Investing $100 Million in New U.S. Plant Alcoa Expands in Indiana for Advanced Jet Engine Parts
06.2014 Mag-Tec Adds to Diecasting Capabilities 06.2014
Cascade Advances Expansion
04.2014 Astech Adds Nobake Automation 03.2014 02.2014 02.2014 02.2014 02.2014 01.2014 01.2014 11.2013 10.2013 08.2013 07.2013 07.2013
Superior Industries Expanding in Mexico Shelco Foundries Plant to Expand Fall River Foundry Revamps Molding Shiloh Industries Plans Expansion
New Aluminum Continuous Caster Opens in Indiana Invest Cast Expands Sand Casting Capabilities
Aisin Holdings of America Invests in TN Casting Facility Chromalloy Expands to Produce Master Alloy Ingots Metcast Doubles Manufacturing Space Grede Adding Capacity in Mexico GM to Retool Saginaw Facility
Gibbs Die Casting to Increase Production
07.2013 Cosma Adds Die Casting Machines 07.2013 07.2013 07.2013
Ellwood Engineered Castings to Upgrade, Expand Offerings Neenah Enterprises Secures $250 Million Credit Facility Palmer Foundry to Expand Aluminum Casting Facility
07.2013 Watts Opens New Lead-Free Facility in New Hampshire 06.2013 06.2013
Chassix Makes Global Debut, Announces Expansion Calco Enters Agricultural Market
06.2013 Alupress AG to Open New U.S. Plant 06.2013 Magna Equips New Plants for Expansion 05.2013
05.2013 Delaware Dynamics to Expand 04.2013 04.2013 03.2013 01.2013 01.2013
GM Invests $332 Million for New Fuel-Efficient Powertrains
Chrysler Group Invests in Indiana Casting Facility Superior Industries Plans New Plant in Mexico
Germany-Based KSM Castings to Open New Facility in the U.S. Blackhawk Increasing Capacity in Mexico Lodge Announces Expansion
Figure 2. Globally, casting production has recovered to prerecession levels. October 2014 MODERN CASTING | 33
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