FOUNDRY BUSINESS SECTOR GOES STRONG

Prof. Józef Szczepan Suchy, Chairman of the METAL Scientific and Industrial Expo Council
at the opening ceremony of "Targi Kielce's Industrial Autumn 2016"

- Professor, what has changed in the Polish foundry since the previous METAL expo?

- Over past two years Poland's foundry has advanced to become on of the major sectors of economy. Global tendency is that the number of orders for casts has been increasing which translates into high production volumes in foundries. Most developed countries have attached increased attention to environmental problems. Some investments are shifted outside the "old" Western Europe, for example to Poland. It is not all that bad. If the new investment is based on cutting-edge solutions and respects the environment, this is not a problem. Furthermore, this is a great advantage.

Poland has seen numerous investments, over recent two years several new plants have opened up. Polish production exceeds 1 million tons a year, although reliable industry data is only available for 2014. This data shows 1 million tons. Rough estimates regarding 2015's production oscillate in the area of 1.1 million -1.2 million tons. This level is adequate of Polish potentials.

- Development in some foundry sectors is much more intensive then in others ...

- For example pressure die casting. Kielce expo features a separate section for pressure die casting. This idea was a hit. For example Italian companies - machine manufacturers swiftly responded to this concept and sent their representatives to the expo. Pressure die casting goes from strength to strength. Mainly because the automotive industry is a great client that needs a large amount of castings. Poland-based companies are mostly very modern facilities, their standing is really good. Some companies even have their own R & D laboratories.

The foundry business has seen a number of ownership changes over the recent two years, e.g. Alstom sold its Elblag plant to General Electric. Fortunately GE has not scraped the plant but has resolved to develop its foundry business . We have also seen some new market actors. Investments and development observed in some Polish companies have been impressive. These investments range from f a few to a few dozens PLN. The operational programmes have often come in aid, yet investments are based on domestic capital of Polish investors. There are numerous examples. Odlewnie Polskie [Polish Foundries] boast very ambitious growth plans - they have implemented and extensive construction plan and at the same time have maintain good relations with research and development sector.

Polish foundry business boasts an undeniable asset - we have local research and education facilities and institutions . It is most visible now, when Higher Education Institutions suffer from demographic downturn. The Krakow's AGH Faculty of Foundry Engineering has not faced the problem of student shortages - this means that young people appreciate foundry-related education, they see their future. We know that 85-90 percent of the faculty graduates sign employment contracts within a few months after graduation . This serves as a proof that the sector has been dynamically developing, there are always job opportunities.

- Can Polish companies compete with Western innovativeness?

- Of course they can! Not only in terms of casts, but also foundry materials - domestic companies produce ceramic materials, filters, mixers. Many Polish companies come at par with global leaders.

- Is Kielce METAL expo a good place to present Polish companies' potentials?

 METAL foundry expo  and the accompanying events have become a permanent fixture in the industry calendars. This is a must-attend event for those who want to keep abreast of changes. Kielce may not be the stage for world premières, however companies focus on the Polish market's and Polish customers' needs. This is also important. 

- 2018 's World Foundry Congress in Krakow will be held simultaneously with 2018's METAL. Is this an opportunity for the expo?

 - Every foreign guests' visit provides opportunities to establish contacts and relations. WFC is a unique occasion Previously the Congress was held in Poland in 1991. Poland was in a completely different situation, foundry business was "down in the dumps" compared to present-day situation.

Many global companies that know the Polish market intend to update their knowledge of current production capacities of Polish companies. 

The Congress will take place in Krakow, it will be complemented with Kielce's foundry expo - METAL. This is a great opportunity for Polish companies to boast their potentials. Direct contacts, talking-shop with representatives of large, major multinationals extremely valuable.

The World Foundry Congress in Krakow will include lectures, scientific presentations, however I hope it will also feature novelties. I think Kielce will be the stage for companies to present numerous developments and cutting-edge solutions in 2018. The Congress in Japan was just like that. On numerous occasions it came as a surprise for the industry. 2018's Poland-staged Congress will be the only Congress over the next few years held in Europe. Please note that 2020's World Foundry Congress will be held in South Korea. 2019's will see the Technological Forum in Africa. Therefore in two years' time, the Krakow Congress will be the only European event of this magnitude. Therefore European companies will have a unique opportunity to mark their presence in Kielce!

- Thank you for the conversation.

(KK)