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The optimism of the global foundry industry was commended by the president of the World Foundry Organization after member associations reported global casting output would return to the heady levels of 2008 by 2012.

Representatives from the WFO member associations in 22 countries gave what Don Hujizenga described as “candid state of the nation reports” at the WFO General Assembly held in Hangzhou, China in October 2010.

The main area for concern was highlighted as an almost global shortage of both skilled and unskilled workers for the foundry industry; with only China, Poland and Turkey reporting positive growth in this area. Some countries reported that 2009 had been a “catastrophic” year with production dropping 20-30%. The reliance on the automotive industry and the burgeoning costs of raw materials and energy were cited as key factors in the decline.

Bucking the trend, perhaps not surprisingly, were India and China. The China delegates reported a 10% increase in 2009 whilst the Indian representatives at the meeting reported a 15% growth rate during the same period and said they saw no reason to complain compared to the problems suffered by other nations. However, they joined their fellow WFO member associations in the realisation that the county is facing huge problems at the top and bottom level attracting new people into the industry.

Many look to Germany which can be indicative of the trend. Gothard Wolf of VDG reported that automotive foundries were operating with low profits and that it was anticipated that the country would equal the 2007-2008 levels by 2012, now that things were picking up.

The WFO is currently investigating ways to assist in the development, education and training of cast metals engineers and would welcome suggestions from interested parties. Contact: Andrew Turner at the WFO on Tel: +44 (0) 121 601 6976, email: andrew@thewfo.com  web: www.thewfo.com