ANSWERING THE CAPACITY QUESTION

摘要

A recent survey of metalcasters revealed an industry at high capacity utilization, as well as some differences on how to measure capabilities. Even the leanest metalcasting segments are running at around 70% capacity utilization, according to the results of a recent metalcasting industry survey by the American Foundry Society. The busiest segments are above 100%. A great majority of metalcasters are looking to add capacity. A smaller but still significant segment is planning to add shifts and/or labor to achieve capacity gains. The survey results were clear: capacity in the metalcasting 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 define their capacity differently. "In a nutshell, there is real capacity and there is perceived capacity," said Steve Lane, regional sales manager for Southland Metals Inc., Maumelle, Ark. "It is unfortunately a moving target."