Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
The UK Steel Casting industry is small relative to the broader metal casting industry, and accounts for only about 15% by weight of all metal castings (iron castings account for about 60% and light metal castings account for most of the remainder). It is also small in relation to the size of the global steel casting industry (accounting for less than 1% of global production). Steel castings have faced strong competition from substitute products, including alternative metals and composites. Nevertheless, steel castings are supplied to a wide range of engineering and metal-using industries, and some UK steel casting firms have strong and improving technical capabilities and significant exports... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Starting a New Business Chapter
Barriers to entry are moderate in the industry as evidenced by the large number of small companies. Nevertheless, barriers to entry are relatively higher in castings involving higher levels of technology (such as complex internal passages, thin walls and complex metallurgy). Indeed, only specialist foundries have the technical capability to supply certain types of castings.
The major barriers to entry in the industry involve the costs of purchasing foundry equipment, recruiting trained employees, securing reliable and cost-effective supplies and in building up a viable customer base. Firms employ staff with engineering and trade skills. Some customers have outsourced engineering design to firms in this industry... purchase to read more