News

After watching both party’s conventions and hearing the promises made by their respective nominees, I thought it would be appropriate to review additive manufacturing in this months Casteel Commentary.  Like the promise to end wars on the first day in office or to being peace in the Middle East, policy makers and business leaders believe …

Our strategic issues, identified by members and the board of directors, includes two issues that have been of constant concern for us, recruiting and retaining the best people for the industry and changing the perception of our industry from a rust belt legacy industry that is dirty, dark, and dangerous; to one that is vital, …

Hiring the right people is most critical to our future.  With a limited potential workforce, few potential employees and many potential employers, we will need to engage young people with our vision of meaningful important work in a community that cares and collaborates that needs their contribution.  Before we are able to recruit, we must …

Automation, modernization, and innovation are essential for our steel casting industry’s future.  We have been handicapped by public policy, excess global capacity and economic market conditions that have not allowed us to be profitable enough to make or justify the investments needed.  Our industry is likely to face a challenging future where we have neither …

Why have capital intensive industries like ours been low in profitability and unable to justify investment?  This I think is the fundamental question we face.  My best understanding is that we are located in a region that has legacy and a practice of burdening us with economic externalities that cause our costs to be high …

Last year we did a strategic issues planning session after the Research Review and identified workforce development as the highest ranked set of action item, Retain (and attract) workforce – this is the subject of this month’s Casteel Commentary. Cast in Steel 2024 Competition This year’s competition is shaping up to be the largest yet, …

It’s that time of year, when Raymond looks back at his predictions for the previous year to see if he hit or missed the mark. Also, he gives his predictions for 2024. Cast in Steel 2024 Competition Time is running out to sign up your team for the 2024 SFSA Cast In Steel (CIS) competition.  Sign up …

Capital investment has long been a problem for our industry. This month’s Casteel Commentary discusses opportunities to work together to access funding that is beginning to be allocated to support our needs. Cast in Steel 2024 Competition The 2024 SFSA Cast In Steel (CIS) competition is on April 22, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with the awards presented …

This month’s Casteel Reporter reflects on cultural changes that will change the way we do business.  Shifts in demographics and in our marketplace are shifting the relative value of suppliers to purchasers and employees and companies.  These shifts are challenging but also opportunities and require us as leaders to understand and shift our approaches and …

This month I need your input.  We had a core group of members and others identify a range of issues that are strategic for our industry.  Please take a few minutes and rank the strategic thrusts and important issues. Cast in Steel 2024 Competition Mark your calendars for the 6th Annual SFSA’s Cast in Steel …