The 7th International Foundry Forum in Prague - where the CEO’s meet- was held on September 21st and 22nd in which 240 CEO’s from the world’s leading foundries and their suppliers were provided with the opportunity to discuss with major casting buyers about future expectations, challenges and current industry trends.
The IFF was organised in conjunction with the CAEF (The European Foundry Association) and CEMAFON (The European Foundry Equipment Manufacturers Association).
Several significant issues were discussed in various topics. Foundry relevant economic perceptions set the prelude beginning with the current raw material situation to investment philosophies and the gradual shift towards Asia. The latest trends and requirements of large casting buyers were touched upon from well- known companies along with the presentation of world wide foundry industry reports from India, Japan Korea, USA, China, Russia, South America, Europe and the topic of energy efficiency in Europe. Interesting panels of discussions and a powerful ambiance has always been a part of the International Foundry Forum as it’s amongst the world’s most important industry events.
Preliminary to this event, CEMAFON, The European Foundry Equipment Suppliers Association together with Foundry-Planet.com held a Round Table discussion for first time on the current topic: "European foundry equipment suppliers facing the Euro crisis - impact on the industry."
The next International Foundry Forum is scheduled to be held in 2014.
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International Foundry Forum Prague 2012 –Topics & Lecturers
| “Manufacturing 2015 – Shift to Asia” Thomas Kautzsch - Oliver Wymann | "Foundry Industry of BRAZIL - Status and Trends” Devanir Brichesi – President Brazilian Foundry Association – ABIFA |
| “Raw Materials – Security and Supply” Eugen Weinberg – Commerzbank Global Head of Commodity Research Partner and head of Manufacturing Industries practice | “State of U.S. Metalcasting 2012” Raymond Monroe NADCA, AFS & SFSA North American Die Casting Association American Foundry Society Steel Founders’ Society of America |
| “Investment Philosophy in the Foundry Industry” Dr. Felix Schuler – Boston Consulting Group | “Present State of Japanese Casting Industry in 2012” Hiroyoshi Kimura - Japan Foundry Society |
| “The Casting Portfolio of a Global Technology Group” Christian Millet - Siemens | “Trends in Russian Foundry Industry” Revision 2012 Andrew Dibrov - Vice-President of Russian Association of Foundrymen |
| “Engine systems in the future” Mikael Johansson - Volvo Group Trucks Operations Global Process Owner Foundry | “Status Of Indian Foundry Industry “ Dr. H. SUNDARA MURTHY President The Institute of Indian Foundrymen & Fenfe Metallurgicals, Bangalore ,India |
| “Automotive Outlook 2012 - an Industry at the Crossroads” Jens-Ulrich Wiese - Alix Partners | “Status and Outlook of China Foundry Industry” Fiona Fan Qi - China Foundry Association |
| “Agricultural Equipment Industry Market Outlook Casting Availability and Trends” Clyde D´Cruz - Deere & Compan | “Energy Efficiency and CO2 Emissions Trading in the European Foundry Industry” Max Schumacher CAEF – The European Foundry Association |
