The Non-Ferrous Founders' Society

professionalism they demonstrate while doing it.” BVM: What is currently topping your agenda and what are the most relevant issues facing the Society’s membership? Weaver: “Non-Ferrous foundries face many of the same challenges that other industries and manufacturers are facing in the coming decade. Among the most important issues is the ongoing shortage of talented artisans and laborers available to work in non-ferrous foundries. The labor shortage is already having a significant impact on our industry by limiting capacity growth, and the future looks to be even more challenging. “For example, earlier this year CNBC reported on the 15 occupations that will experience the biggest decline in employment numbers over the next seven years. Hand grinders and polishers, ubiquitous in the foundry industry, is number 15 on the list and is expecting nearly a 20 percent reduction in the number of workers employed in this category. Metal pourers and casters were number eight on the list, projecting a 23 percent reduction. Foundry mold and core makers are number seven, and expected to lose over 24 percent of employees in this category. Clearly, with three of the top 15 occupations that will experience the largest decline in employee counts, the foundry industry has a significant challenge in the coming years. “NFFS is already working on plans to remain relevant to the industry and its members in this new environment. We are working on a funding model that is not based upon employment counts in the industry, and are working on solutions to help foundries with the critical skilled labor that will remain in demand for the foreseeable future. Even with significant automation in the molding, pouring, and grinding areas, foundries will pictured Foundry employees at Calumet Brass Foundry in Dolton, Illinois.