Working toward solutions.

To say that today's metalcasting industry is in a state of change would be an understatement. From the roller coaster ride of the economy to foreign competition to increasing government regulations, today's metalcaster has to keep one eye on production and the other on the external pressures surrounding us. This is where your metalcasting trade association is here to help.

This year is the first Metalcasting Congress co-sponsored by AFS and the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA). Together, AFS and NADCA are working together to better serve the industry and confront the issues that face it. Whether these obstacles are related to technology, trade and foreign competition, or environmental, health and safety (to name a few), there is something that can be done.

Every year, the technical sessions at the Congress present metalcasters with the latest information on technology and process development. By taking advantage of these sessions, metalcasters can improve their competitive stance for the future--no matter what new circumstances present themselves.

The same applies to the exhibition of industry suppliers that accompanies the Congress. These films are developing the latest and greatest solutions for our industry. All it takes is for metalcasting operations to take advantage of them.

In terms of the trade issues affecting our industry, casting orders are lost to foreign competition on a daily basis. However, history has shown that when placed on a level, of near level playing field, U.S. industry can compete with anyone. To this end, the AFS Trade Commission, under the direction of AFS Incoming President Chuck Kurtti, is working with the U.S. Congress and the International Trade Commission to complete the Section 332 investigation into the current state of foreign competition. But we can't rely on only our trade associations to provide solutions.

The most effective way to attack the labor cost component is to reduce the man hours/ton of the product. Advances in research and development and the implementation of the latest technology in our various manufacturing processes must lead this effort.

Also, the metalcasting industry must continue to vocalize its efforts to our legislators and regulators in Washington D.C. Whether the issue is currency manipulation by the Chinese to gain an unfair price advantage, the enforcement of existing trade laws, tax benefits for U.S. manufacturers to help offset regulation costs many of our overseas competitors don't face, or a specific piece of legislation to level the playing field, the metalcasting industry is only going to be heard if we shout.

What can you do? Write, call, of better yet, visit your Senators and Representatives. The annual AFS Government Affairs Conference is an excellent opportunity to do precisely this.

As I see it, the ball is in our court. We can continue along our same road for several more years and get by, but, more than likely, we will suffer the same fate as the textile industry. Or, we can stand up, be proactive and make our own future.

This Metalcasting Congress is an opportunity to take a first step to find a new solution for your facility to increase your competitiveness. Whether this solution comes through a technical session or on the exhibition floor, opportunities abound.

Once Congress is over, I encourage you to look toward your trade association as a resource. From technical challenges and government affairs to marketing and education, AFS is here serve your metalcasting needs.

H. Arthur Edge, Jr.

American Cast Iron Pipe Co.

(retired)

Birmingham, Ala.