The U.S. metalcasting industry is a critical part of the modern manufacturing economy. Metal castings are the foundation for all other manufacturing. In fact, highly engineered castings are used to produce 90% of all manufactured durable goods and nearly all manufacturing machinery. All major metals can be cast. The most common are iron, steel, aluminum, magnesium, zin
c, titanium, and copper-based alloys.
Castings have thousands of applications. They are found in cars, trucks, planes, airplanes, trains, ships, mining and construction equipment, defense products, appliances, pipes, hydrants, wind turbines, power and nuclear plants, medical devices, cookware, tractors, and more.
The metalcasting industry is comprised primarily of small businesses, with nearly 80% of domestic metalcasters employing fewer than 100 workers. These critical jobs are widely dispersed in every state in the nation, with the highest geographic concentration of facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, California, Texas, and Wisconsin. There are approximately 1,750 foundries located in the U.S.
What industries depend on castings?
- Aerospace
- Agriculture
- Architectural/Ornamental
- Automotive/Trucking
- Construction
- Energy
- Food Processing
- Hydropower
- Infrastructure
- Marine
- Medical
- Mining & Mineral Processing
- Municipal/Water Sector
- National Defense
- Pulp & Paper
- Railroad
- And more
A study by the economic research firm John Dunham Associates* highlights the importance of the metalcasting industry to the U.S. economy. For a Powerpoint presentation of the 100 congressional districts with the highest direct foundry employment, click here. To see the direct impact of metalcasting on your region, click the interactive map below.
Today, the U.S. metalcasting industry:
- Employs over 490,000 workers and generates $110.52 billion in economic output when considering the direct, indirect (supplier) and induced impacts
- These workers earned $32.16 billion in wages and benefits
- Generated $10.59 billion in federal, state, and local taxes
- Invests millions and millions of dollars annually in new equipment, upgrading their facilities and training their employees
- Offers excellent career opportunities such as: machine operator, lab technician, electrician, metallurgist, crane operator, maintenance mechanic, welder, sales manager and more
METALCASTING INDUSTRY Economic Impact Map
The map below provides detailed information on the economic contributions generated by the metalcasting industry in the United States. To see how the industry creates jobs across the nation, in your state or congressional district, click on the map or on the drop-down boxes below.
Explanation of Economic Impact Terms
*This economic research was conducted by the John Dunham & Associates and highlights the importance of the metalcasting industry to the U.S. economy.