For nearly 200 years, metal casting foundries have served as the backbone of American manufacturing. Though only 1,750 foundries remain today, compared to more than 6,000 in 1955, they are responsible for
For nearly 200 years, metal casting foundries have served as the backbone of American manufacturing. Though only 1,750 foundries remain today, compared to more than 6,000 in 1955, they are responsible for more than $110 billion in economic output and support nearly half a million jobs. With President Trump’s tariff negotiations underway, a renewed mandate for reshoring manufacturing efforts, and the looming decisions around the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the future of America’s foundries—and thus, the skilled workforce that powers them—is looking stronger than it has in decades.
A Q1 2025 survey conducted by the American Foundry Society found that manufacturers have seen a notable uptick in sales over the past 90 days and maintain a positive or somewhat positive business outlook for the remainder of the year. A key concern highlighted in the survey was the growing demand for castings, accompanied by an urgent need to increase training opportunities in metallurgy and other technical specialties related to the casting process. Notably, nearly 70% of respondents anticipate tariffs to have either a positive or neutral effect on their bottom line—an indication that momentum is shifting back toward American manufacturing.
The resurgence of skilled trades is more than anecdotal—it’s statistical.
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