Neitner have more than 40 years of combined experience at Hill & Griffith providing
foundries information and analysis related to the green sand molding process and its additives and defects.
This means that true jobbing
foundries with casting runs in the hundreds can reap some of the efficiency benefits of automatic pouring that high-production
foundries see.
Examples for this foundry might include entering other (non-automotive) custom markets, expanding its service expertise to offer "finishing work" for other
foundries or even forward integration into sub-assembly.
foundries are having their casting prices undercut by up to 50% by low-cost foreign competition.
By reclaiming sand,
foundries retain the quality level of their sand system without the added expense of 100% new sand, Some new sand always must be added to reclaimed molding sand--the reclaiming process is, after all, a reducing process.
Foundries Is Reality," the quote from a "prominent automotive design engineer" left me cold.
Looking back, what can be learned from these
foundries' experiences in installing a new line?
As a result, a slew of
foundries closed down in light of their inability to compete.
Fighting against volatile energy prices and stiff competition from Chinese markets (as well as from a number of other Asian countries),
foundries seem to be in the center of a perfect storm, one that may take some time to subside.
Jeff Bianco is the factory manager at Grede
Foundries Inc.--Iron Mountain Foundry, Kingsford, Mich.
Foundries serving the automotive industry are the best examples of these cost-driven businesses, and they must be operated in such a way that the plant's efficiency--its economies of scale--is maximized.
Unfortunately,
foundries have been willing accomplices in this carnage over the years.
