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 …
SFSA Casteel Reporter – February 2024
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, …
SFSA Casteel Reporter – January 2024
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 …
SFSA Casteel Reporter – November 2023
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 …
SFSA Casteel Reporter – October 2023
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 …
SFSA Casteel Reporter – August 2023
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 …
SFSA Casteel Reporter – June 2023
The world has changed and North America needs North American sources of steel castings more than ever. This month’s commentary talks about how the relationships between purchasers and suppliers can change to a more collaborative model. Research Review – July 18-21 Please make your plans to participate in the annual SFSA Research Review on July …
SFSA Casteel Reporter – May 2023
This month’s Casteel Commentary celebrates the successful Cast in Steel 2023 competition. It also urges more member attendance and participation. If recruiting bright and interested new employees is a priority, you have no excuse not to become active in this program! Research Review – July 18-20 This year’s Research Review is organized with three meetings. …
SFSA Casteel Reporter – April 2023
What policy priorities should we have for the future? In this month’s commentary, Raymond discusses a number of policy decisions that have hampered the industry’s ability to maintain and expand capacity and considers changes that we should advocate for. Specification Committee Meeting Reminder that the Specification Committee will meet on May 9th in Denver, CO. …
SFSA Casteel Reporter – March 2023
Responding to an inquiry this week, I needed to return to looking at trade, China’s exports and their effect on the North American steel casting industry. I thought for this month, it might be helpful to review this background data and some of the developments that will make this issue less of a factor for …