U. S. Metalcasting's Future By Design

摘要

The U.S. metalcasting industry has begun to see an upswing in business after a five-year lull, and a recent industry outlook has forecast continued growth through 2008. But now is not the time for U.S. facilities to get comfortable in their position, according to Dan DeChant, engineering manager at the Baldor Electric facility in Fort Mill, S.C. An increasingly competitive global environment is creating a higher demand on metalcasting firms to constantly reexamine their business plans and process capabilities. DeChant has worked with casting suppliers for 20 years, 15 of those with Baldor Electric, a manufacturer and designer of industrial electric motors, drives and generators. He sees plenty of opportunity for U.S. metalcasters to grow in what has been a shrinking market, and one of the keys to the U.S. metalcasting industry's prosperity is a closer relationship between customer and casting supplier. Many U.S. facilities have recognized this shift in the industry and have made adjustments to better meet customer needs.