Demographic Facts About the U.S. Foundry Industry

An estimated 2950 foundries are located throughout all 50 states and employ more than 225,000 people. U.S. foundries have the capacity to ship 17.7 million tons of castings annually. In 1999, American foundries shipped more than 14.4 million tons of product, and in 2000 they are expected to slip somewhat to 13.7 million tons of castings. Casting shipments in 1999 were valued at $29 billion.

Essentially foundries are small businesses as 80% of all foundries operating today employ less than 100 people. About 14% of foundries employ between 100-250 people, while only 6% employ more than 250 people.

Some of the largest casting producing states are shown here:

** Information Courtesy of the American Foundry Society. www.afsinc.org